MEASURING MACHINE

Measuring machines are generally used for

measurement of length over the outer faces of
a length bar or any other long member with
ends that may be either rounded ,or flat and
parallel.A number of measuring machines of
various designs are available ,out of which
some are discussed here

Length bar measuring

machine
The general form of measuring machine called length
bar measuring machine used to determine the length
consists of a long bed having vee and flat guide-ways
along the bed to allow suitable spacing of measuring
head, anvil and work supports. A fixed headstock and
a movable tailstock each with a measuring face or
anvil are carried on the bed. A micrometer screw fixed
on tailstock is used as a means of revealing difference
in length between a setting master and work piece.
The machine can show the length of the work either
by the direct comparison with standard length bar or
by the use of an accurate built in scale .

Length Bar Measuring Machine

In either case the tailstock has to be moved to such a

position that the two anvils are just touching the end of
the work piece which is supported parallel to the bed of
the machine. This is achieved by using a micrometer
screw in tailstock and sensitive indicator [dial gauge ] in
the headstock. Difference between the settings
required for standard bar and work piece is measured
by the micrometer screw in the tailstock. The headstock
anvil is in such a way as to show when contact is made
with the work piece. This part of the machine is so
sensitive that the reading of the tailstock setting on any
work piece can be repeated to 0.025mm. For correct
measurement, the correct support in horizontal plane is
very essential and for this the two support points should
be spaced 0.577 L apart, L being the length of the work
piece .

Work support
The supports used are of vee form and adjustable for
height, and spacing laterally across the bed.This
machine has two special features which are essential
in any set-up for fine measurement i.e. the piece to be
measured is positively located in relation to the
measuring faces and the contact between measuring
faces is proved mechanically without relying on any
personal element.

Universal measuring
machine
This machine can be utilised to measure length and
diameters of both plain and threaded work tapers and
pitch of the screw threads to a high degree of
accuracy. Some machines employ two and three coordinate measuring systems based on the use of line
standards. The scales are generally enclosed within
the machine and thus not liable to damage by
physical contact. The basis of the accuracy of
measurement of these machines is an accurately
divided scale viewed through a microscope. The
microscope is used to determine the movement of the
measuring anvils of the machine. In order to satisfy
the principle of alignment, the scale is positioned in
line with the line of measurement.

Universal Measuring Machine

TOOL MAKERS MICROSCOPE

The instrument is used for checking the size of small
components, dia of holes, angles, profile of punch and
dies, profile of thread, form tool etc. It has a table
which is controlled by micrometer head and mounted
over a base.Table can be rotated through 3600. Work
is kept over a glass disc and is illuminated by the
bulbs provided on a holder. Another illuminator is
provided in the base which gives a bright green back
ground while checking. The magnified image of the
work is seen through the eyepiece. Inspection may be
done by eye in the normal way or the projection
attachment may be fitted to bring the magnified image
on the screen.

Tool Makers Microscope

Protractor Eyepiece
Protractor eyepiece or goniometric head of the
instrument has a disc with radial and cross setting
lines. The disc is provided with an angular scale
calibrated in degrees. Disc can be rotated by a knob
for setting any of the lines to the edge of the work.
Angle can be measured to an accuracy of 1'. For
length measurement the line is made to coincide first
with one side of the component and then with the
other end.The reading on the micrometer head is
noted and the distance is calculated.

Radius measuring head

Radius measuring head has different radii arranged
around a disc which may be rotated to bring. The
required radii my be bought into possible by rotating.The
other eye piece also contain a rotating glass disc. Round
the disc as a circle passing through the field of eyepiece
are engraved various thread profiles.

The Thread Template Unit

The thread template unit of the instrument
has selected thread forms arranged round
the glass disc in the eye piece and this may
be rotated to bring any desired thread form
into position for comparison with the
magnified image of the work.The radius
measuring head has different radii arranged
around a disc which may be rotated

Measuring head & table

Lighting Unit

Coordinate measuring
machines [C M M]
These machines have precise movements in x-y-z
coordinates which can be easily controlled and
measured. Each slide in three directions is equipped
with a precision linear measurement transducer which
gives digital display and senses +ve -ve direction.
These are manufactured in both manual and computercontrolled models and come in a wide range of sizes to
accommodate a variety of applications.The measuring
head incorporates a probe tip, which can be of different
kinds like taper tip, ball tip etc.Various type of CMMs
are shown in figure.

CMM

The cantilever type is easiest to load and unload,but is

most susceptible to mechanical error because of sag or
deflection in y-axis beam. Bridge type is more difficult
to load but less sensitive to mechanical errors.
Horizontal boring mill type is best suited for large heavy
work pieces. Vertical bore mill type is highly accurate
but usually slower to operate.A floating bridge type
machine is also available in which the complete bridge
can slide in y-direction on the slides. It has the
compromises of both cantilever and bridge type, and is
thus fast to operate, simple in alignment, and rugged
construction affords consistent accuracy.

For measuring the distance between two holes,the work

piece is clamped to the worktable and aligned with the
machine=s three mutually perpendicular x,y and z measuring
slides. The tapered probe tip is then seated in first datum
hole and the probe position digital readout is set to zero.The
probe is then moved to successive holes, at each of which
the digital readout represents the coordinate part-print hole
location respect to the datum hole. Machine is also equipped
with automatic recording and data processing units which are
essential when complex geometric and statistical analysis is
to be carried out. In fact, in modern machines, automatic online processing of measurement data is possible when the
part is still on the worktable In a special coordinate
measuring machine,both linear(x and y axes)and rotary axes
are incorporated.These machines can measure various
features of parts whose shapes are objects of revolutions like
cones,cylinders,and hemispheres.