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Experiment No: 3 Date:
Calibration of Measuring Instrument

Aim: To calibrate Measuring Instrument- Dial Indicator.
Apparatus:
1) Dial Indicator
2) Dial Calibration Tester (Instrumental Error 1 m)

Theory:
Dial indicators, also known as dial gauges and probe indicators, are instruments
used to accurately measure small linear distances, and are frequently used in
industrial and mechanical processes. They are named so because the
measurement results are displayed in a magnified way by means of a dial.

Dial indicators may be used to check the variation in tolerance during the
inspection process of a machined part, measure the deflection of a beam or ring
under laboratory conditions, as well as many other situations where a small
measurement needs to be registered or indicated. Dial indicators typically
measure ranges from 0.25 mm to 300 mm (0.015 in to 12.0 in), with graduations
of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm (metric) or 0.00005 in to 0.001 in (imperial).





Applications
To check for run out when fitting a new disc to an automotive disc brake.
Run out can rapidly ruin the disc if it exceeds the specified tolerance
(typically 0.05 mm or less).
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In a quality environment to check for consistency and accuracy in the
manufacturing process.
On the workshop floor to initially set up or calibrate a machine, prior to a
production run.
Dial indicators help users measure the distance between two plates, but
the readings given by the tool could be faulty.

Calibration Procedure:
Hold the dial indicator with its spindle set vertically downward, follow the
procedure prescribed below and determine the error of indication with reference
to the dial graduations.

First, displace the spindle upward over the entire measuring range while plotting
errors at every 1/10
th
revolution of the first two revolutions from zero point. After
first two revolutions to keep the number of readings within practicable limits for
dial gauges with longer travel, only limited number of 1/10
th
revolution reading
are taken during each revolution of the pointer. Reverse the direction (i.e.
downward displacement) after full range of dial indicator and plot the errors at
the same points measured during upward spindle displacement. Determine
errors from a bidirectional error curve obtained.

Maximum Permissible Error (MPE) of Indication:

Requirement Indication Error MPE (in mm)
Accuracy over an
interval of
Arbitrary 1/10
th
rev. 0.005
Arbitrary 1 rev. 0.010
Arbitrary 2 rev. 0.015
Any larger interval
upto 10 rev.
0.020

Observation Table:
1) For Upward motion of Micrometer Scale:
Division
of Dial
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Turn 1 Set
Turn 2
Turn 3
Turn 4
Turn 5
Turn 6
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Turn 7
Turn 8
Turn 9
Turn 10
Minimum Reading =
Maximum Reading =
Range =

2) For Downward motion of Micrometer scale:
Division
of Dial
0 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10
Turn 10 Set
Turn 9
Turn 8
Turn 7
Turn 6
Turn 5
Turn 4
Turn 3
Turn 2
Turn 1

Result Table:
1) Any 1/10
th
revolution:
Direction Max/Min. Range
Permissible
Error
Accepted/
Rejected
Upward
Max.

Min.
Downward
Max.

Min.



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2) Any 1 revolution:
Direction Max/Min. Range
Permissible
Error
Accepted/
Rejected
Upward
Max.

Min.
Downward
Max.

Min.

3) Any 2 revolutions:
Direction Max/Min. Range
Permissible
Error
Accepted/
Rejected
Upward
Max.

Min.
Downward
Max.

Min.

4) Any Larger interval upto 10 revolutions:
Direction Max/Min. Range
Permissible
Error
Accepted/
Rejected
Upward
Max.

Min.
Downward
Max.

Min.

Conclusion: Hence, we studied calibration of dial indicator using dial calibration
tester.