Function

The micrometer can actually, measure to 1/100mm exactly, however, any measuring instrument can make mistakes. One may, by no means assume, that, just because a measuring instrument has an electronic display, that is more exact. It functions in exactly the same way that the mechanical measurement does. In addition to the possible measurement inaccuracies of the mechanical part, the electronics can also possibly make rounding up/down errors.

How it works

The pressure on the surfaces to be measured is important. If it is too strong, then the read-out value deviates from reality. Therefore, one should always turn gently on the externally mounted screw (on the far right) when closing the micrometer. This screw, which protects the instrument from being closed too tightly, is fitted with a ratchet connection to the larger cylinder. Regardless of whether it is provided with a digital or an analog display, the ascertained measurement value always depends on the position of the scale-cylinder (figure 1 on the top right) on the threading. If the thread-pitch is 0.5 mm, the scale-cylinder is divided into 50 graduation lines (figure 2). When reading off, one must also pay attention to the lower graduation lines. If a line is visible, 50 hundredths must be added to the result. A variety of micrometers are available for many different diameters. 12/09