What Is a Dial Gauge?
A dial gauge is a measuring instrument used to measure the dimensional accuracy of products and the static and dynamic accuracy of facilities and equipment. When the probe is applied to the object, the needle swings and points to the scale. A dial gauge cannot measure actual dimensions.
However, it is suitable for viewing the difference from a reference dimension, and its main purpose is to measure how much difference there is in the finished dimension when the reference dimension is set to zero. There are two types of dial gauges, the lever type, and the spindle type. It is necessary to use the appropriate type according to the purpose of use.
How to Use Dial Gauges
Dial gauges are basically used by fixing them to a stand or jig.
The stand is often called a magnetic stand, and the base part has a magnet attached to it. The stand is fixed by magnetic force.
The arm part can be moved relatively freely by loosening the tightening screw. Therefore, consider the installation posture and place the stylus on the object to be measured. Regarding the application of the stylus, the lever type should be applied parallel to the object to be measured, while the spindle type should be applied perpendicular to the object to be measured.
How to Select Dial Gauges
When selecting dial gauges, first select either the lever type or the spindle type.
The lever type is suitable for measuring the static accuracy of equipment, while the spindle type is suitable for measuring dimensional accuracy. When measuring dynamic accuracy, the spindle type is easier to measure where there is a lot of movement.
- Lever-type dial gauges
Lever-type dial gauges are suitable for measuring parallelism, shaft runout, and equipment rattling, among other applications. Some models feature a scale of 0.001mm, while others have a scale of 0.01mm. The minimum scale should be selected based on the measurement standard. There are long and short measuring points, which can be selected according to the shape of the object to be measured and the measurement location. The measuring element is thin and easily broken, so it should be handled with care. - Spindle Dial Gauges
Spindle-type dial gauges have a large movable range of the measuring element, which allows them to measure the repeatability of movements. When combined with a jig, they are also suitable for measuring dimensional accuracy because they can easily measure external dimensions and steps.