Reading a metric dial caliper involves understanding both the main scale (beam) and the dial. Here's a breakdown:
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Identify the Main Scale Reading: Look at the main beam of the caliper. Find the last millimeter mark that the dial indicator has passed. This is your whole millimeter reading.
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Read the Dial: The dial is divided into 100 increments, each representing 0.01 millimeters (one-hundredth of a millimeter). Note the dial reading where the needle points.
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Calculate the Total Measurement: Add the main scale reading (whole millimeters) to the dial reading (fraction of a millimeter).
Example:
- Main scale reading: 15 mm (The dial indicator has passed the 15 mm mark).
- Dial reading: 0.36 mm (The needle points to 36 on the dial).
- Total measurement: 15 mm + 0.36 mm = 15.36 mm
Key Points:
- Each millimeter on the main scale is 1 mm.
- Each division on the dial represents 0.01 mm.
- The dial completes one full revolution for every 1 mm traveled along the main scale.
- Always ensure the calipers are zeroed before taking a measurement. If not, you may need to adjust for the offset.
In summary, read the whole millimeters on the main scale and then add the decimal fraction of a millimeter indicated by the dial pointer to get the total measurement.
