ENGINEERING
METROLOGY
AND
MEASUREMENTS
N.V. RAGHAVENDRA
Professor & Head
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The National Institute of Engineering
Mysore
L. KRISHNAMURTHY
Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The National Institute of Engineering
Mysore
170 ENGINEERING METROLOGY AND MEASUREMENTS
the same cross-wire. The reading,
R2 is noted down. The difference
between the two readings represents
the dimension between the two
measuring points. Since the table
can be moved in two mutually
perpendicular directions (both in the
longitudinal as well as transverse
directions) using the micrometers,
(a) (b)
a precise measurement can be
Fig. 7.3 Alignment of cross-wires with the measuring point
obtained. In some tool maker’s
(a) Reading R1 (b) Reading R2
microscopes, instead of a
micrometer head, vernier scales are Table 7.1 Lenses used in the Mitutoyo tool maker’s microscope
provided for taking readings.
Table 7.1 gives the details of Lens Magnification Working distance (mm)
lenses available in a ‘Mitutoyo’ Eyepiece 10× –
tool maker’s microscope. While the 20× –
eyepiece is inserted in an eyepiece
mount, the objective lens can be Objective lens 2× 65
screwed into the optical tube. 5× 33
For example, an objective lens of 10× 14
magnification 2× and an eyepiece
of magnification 20× will together provide a magnification of 40×.
The reticle is also inserted in the eyepiece mount. A positioning pin is provided to position
the reticle accurately. A dioptre adjustment ring is provided in the eyepiece mount to bring
the cross-wires of the reticle into sharp focus. The measuring surface is brought into focus
by moving the optical tube up and down, with the aid of a focusing knob. Looking into the
eyepiece, the user should make sure that the cross-wires are kept in ocular focus during the
focusing operation.
Positioning of the workpiece on the table is extremely important to ensure accuracy in
measurement. The measuring direction of the workpiece should be aligned with the traversing
direction of the table. While looking into the eyepiece, the position of the eyepiece mount
should be adjusted so that the horizontal cross-wire is oriented to coincide with the direction
of the table movement. Now, the eyepiece mount is firmly secured by tightening the fixing
screws. The workpiece is placed/clamped on the table and the micrometer head turned to align
an edge of the workpiece with the centre of the cross-wires. Then, the micrometer is operated
and the moving image is observed to verify whether the workpiece pavement is parallel to the
measuring direction. By trial and error, the user should ensure that the two match perfectly.
Most tool maker’s microscopes are provided with a surface illuminator. This enables the
creation of a clear and sharp image. Out of the following three types of illumination modes that
are available, an appropriate mode can be selected based on the application:
Contour illumination This type of illumination generates the contour image of a workpiece,
and is suited for measurement and inspection of workpiece contours. The illuminator is
equipped with a green filter.
