Table of Contents
What is Vernier Caliper?
Vernier Caliper is an instrument for making accurate linear measurements. It was made by Pierre Vernier in the year 1631.
The primary scale of the Vernier resembles a ruler and a particularly graduated auxiliary scale, the vernier, that slides corresponding to the primary scale and empowers readings to be made to a fraction of a division on the main scale. Vernier calipers are extensively utilized in logical research facilities and in assembling for quality control estimations.
Vernier calipers have two types of scale one is a fixed fundamental scale and another one is a moving Vernier scale. Basically, the primary scale is graduated in either millimeters or tenths of an inch.
The vernier scale permits significantly more exact readings to be taken (for the most part to the closest 0.02mm or 0.001 inches) in contrast with a standard ruler (which just measures to the closest 1mm or 0.25 inch).
How to Read a Vernier Caliper
Step 1 – Look at the Main Dial
When measuring, you should first read the value on the Main Dial. For metric calipers, this is in millimeters (mm).
The minimum reading from the main dial is 1 mm (indicated in 1 step).
Vernier scale increments are 1 mm.
The main scale value is the number immediately to the left of the 0 mark on the vernier scale.
In this example, this value is 27 mm.
Since the zero point is almost touching his 28mm mark, we can deduce that the distance between the jaws is closer to 28mm than 27mm.
Step 2 – Look at the Vernier
Now look at the vernier. The vernier measuring range for metric calipers is 1 mm. In the example we consider, the vernier scale is divided into 50 steps.
Each step corresponds to 0.02 mm. However, some vernier scales are divided into 20 steps, each representing 0.05 mm.
The ruler side of vernier calipers. When reading the
vernier scale, identify the increment that is closest to the main scale increment. This value forms the second part of the measurement.
In the example, both scales coincide at 0.8 mm on the vernier scale.
Step 3 – Sum the two values
Add both the main scale value and the vernier scale value to get the total reading.
Example 27 + 0.8 = 27.8
Therefore the distance between the caliper jaws is 27.8 mm.
Uses of Vernier Caliper
- It is used to take accurate reading in machine shops.
- It is used in medical science.
- It is widely used in research applications.
What is the Least Count of Vernier Caliper?
Lest count of the vernier caliper is 0.1 millimeters. The least count of the vernier caliper represents the smallest distance that can be measured using an instrument. It indicates the degree of precision of an instrument.
What is a Vernier Caliper Used For?
Vernier calipers are measuring apparatuses utilized principally for measuring linear dimensions. These calipers come helpful in measuring the distance across circular objects. Their circular jaws fit safely on one or the other side of the boundary of round objects.
Closing Thought:
Vernier Caliper is the best instrument to take linear measurements but you can use this instrument to take non-linear measurements.