I am in my tenth year as a part-time instructor at Western Michigan University, currently working with junior- and senior-level engineering students. I instruct the hands-on metrology lab of Dr. Pavel Ikonomov’s metrology class. We have about 15 weeks for this three-credit hour class to introduce metrology, focusing on precision measurement. We have about 45 students taking three hours of lecture and three hours of lab each week.

Quality control applications that require precise measurement can be some of the most challenging applications to solve. Very tight tolerance requirements demand a reliable solution that can measure parts in micrometers to detect the smallest variations in part size, thickness, orientation, placement, and more. 

From calipers to micrometers, to indicators and all manner of gages and metrology equipment, there are literally hundreds of standard off the shelf solutions for measuring the vast array of parts that manufacturers make.

I’ve commented on this subject from time to time but thought I’d have another go at it since the questions never seem to go away. I’m referring to the language used in our day-to-day work in measurement and calibration.

Mahr Inc. announced a new family of Micromar 40EWRi-L digital micrometers with high speed measuring spindle positioning. The digital micrometers, with the latest MarConnect interface, allow measurements that are 10 times faster than a standard micrometer, saving the operator time when numerous different dimensions need to be measured on a single workpiece.

A depth gage could be as simple as marks on a piece of tape, a line on a ruler, or tape on a drill. Fortunately, of course, modern gages take the guesswork out of measurement, providing a range of simple or high-tech options depending on the job.

The Micromar® family of micrometers use the same Mahr wireless data transmission capability as integrated within MarCal™ digital calipers and MarCator digital indicators.

Mahr wireless data transmission capability is now integrated within its new digital micrometer Micromar 40 EWRi.

Hand tools are the workhorse of the industry. Every metrologist has a variety of hand tools in his toolbox. You’re sure to find one, two or several micrometers in that toolbox to accurately measure thickness, outer and inner diameters, as well as depth of slots.

Any article on dimensional measurement will usually get around to micrometers in one form or another. This series on bore measurement is no exception even though I am only offering a brief look at the application.