Measurement of Various Elements of Thread

The methods discussed here are from the point of view of measurement of gauges, but they can
obviously be applied to precise work, threading tools, taps and hobs etc. We will be dealing with
the measurement of most important six elements, i.e. major, minor and effective diameters, pitch,
angle and form of thread.

(i) Measurement of Major Diameter. For the measurement of major diameter of external
threads, a good quality hand micrometer is quite suitable. In taking readings, a light pressure
must be used as the anvils make contact with the gauge at points only and otherwise the errors
due to compression can be introduced. It is, however, also desirable to check the micrometer
reading on a cylindrical standard of approximately the same size, so that the zero error etc.,
might not come into picture.

For greater accuracy and convenience, the major diameter is measured by bench micrometer.
This instrument was designed by N.P.L. to estimate some deficiencies inherent in the normal
hand micrometer. It uses constant measuring pressure and with this machine the error due to
pitch error in the micrometer thread is avoided. In order that all measurements be made at the
same pressure, a fiducial indicator is used in place of the fixed anvil. In this machine there is no
provision for mounting the workpiece between the centres and it is to be held in hand. This is so,
because, generally the centres of the workpiece are not true with its diameter. This machine is
used as a comparator in order to avoid any pitch errors of micrometers, zero error setting etc. A
calibrated setting cylinder is used as the setting standard.

The advantage of using cylinder as setting standard and not slip gauges etc., is that it gives
greater similarity of contact at the anvils. The diameter of the setting cylinder must be nearly
same as the major diameter. The cylinder is held and the reading of the micrometer is noted
down. This is then replaced by threaded workpiece and again micrometer reading is noted for
the same reading of fiducial indicator. Thus, if the size of cylinder is approaching, that of major
diameter, then for a given reading the micrometer thread is used over a short length of travel and
any pitch errors it contains are virtually eliminated.
then major diameter=D1+(R2R1).

In order- to determine the amount of taper, the readings should be taken at various positions
along the thread and to detect the ovality, two or three readings must be taken at one plane in
angular positions.

Major diameter of internal threads. The measurement of the elements of an internal thread is
more cumbersome. Since it is difficult to approach the elements of internal thread, an indirect
approach is followed by making a cast of the thread. The main art thus lies in obtaining a perfect
cast, because once good cast is available the various elements can be measured as for external
threads.

Cast may be made by plaster of Paris, dental wax, or sulphur. The part whose internal thread is to
be measured is first cleaned and brushed with a fine oil. The part is then mounted between two
wooden blocks whose upper surface lie about half-way up the ring. Cast material is then poured
to a depth less than the radius of part to permit easy removal of cast without screwing it out.
After the plaster is set, it should be taken out without rotating, but by pulling up the middle
portion of the cast. It may be mentioned that taking out of sulphur cast is easier than the plaster.
Oiling is not necessary in case of sulphur cast.

Measurement of Minor Diameter. This is also measured by a comparative process using small
Vee-pieces which make contact with a root of the thread. The Vee-pieces are available in several
sizes having suitable radii at the edges. The included angle of Vee-pieces is less than the angle of
the thread to be checked so that it can easily probe to the root of the thread. To measure the
minor diameter by Vee-pieces is suitable for only Whitworth and B.A. threads which have a
definite radius at the root of the thread. For other threads, the minor diameter is measured by the
projector or microscope.

The measurement is carried out on a floating carriage diameter measuring machine in

which the threaded work-piece is mounted between centres and a bench micrometer is
constrained to move at right angles to the axis of the centre by a Vee-ball slide. The method of
the application of Vee-pieces in the machine is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 13.9. The
dimensions of Vee-pieces play no important function as they are interposed between the micro-
meter faces and the cylindrical standard when standard reading is taken.

It is important while taking readings, to ensure that the micrometer be located at right angles to
the axis of the screw being measured. The selected Vees are placed on each side of the screw
with their bases against the micrometer faces. The micrometer head is then advanced until the
pointer of the indicator is opposite the zero mark, and note being made of the reading. The screw
is then replaced by standard reference disc or a plain cylindrical standard plug gauge of
approximately the core diameter of the screw to be measured and second reading of the
micrometer is taken.

If reading on setting cylinder with Vee-pieces in position=R1

and reading on thread =R2

and diameter of setting cylinder=D1

Then minor diameter =D1+(R2R1)

Readings may be taken at various positions in order to determine the taper and ovality.

Before proceeding to the measurement of effective diameter, the screw diameter measuring-
machine is first described in brief

here. The machine is shown in Fig. 13.10. Also refer Fig. 13.17 for schematic sketch. It consists
of three main units. A base casting carries a pair of centres, on which the threaded work-piece is
mounted. Another carriage is mounted on it and is exactly at 90 to it. On this is provided
another carriage capable of moving towards the centres. On this carriage one head having a large
thimble enabling reading upto 0.002 mm is provided. Just opposite to it is a fixed anvil which is
spring loaded and its zero position is indicated by a fiducial indicator. Thus the micrometer
elements are exactly perpendicular to the axis of the centres as the two carriages are located
perpendicular to each other. On the fixed carriage the centres are supported in two brackets fitted
on either end. The distance between the two centres can be adjusted depending upon the length
of tie threaded job. After job is fitted between the centres the second carriage is adjusted in
correct position to take measurements and is located in position, The third carriage is then moved
till the fiducial indicator is against the set point. The readings are noted from the thimble head. It
is now obvious that the axis of the indicator and micrometer head spindle is same and is
perpendicular to the line of two centres. The indicator is specially designed for this class of work
and has only one index line, against which the pointer is always to be set. This ensures constant
measuring pressure for all readings. Sufficient friction is provided by the conical pegs to restrain
the movement of carriage along the line of centres. The upper carriage is free to float on balls
and enables micrometer readings to be taken on a diameter without restraint. Squareness of the
micrometer to the line of centre can be adjusted by rotating the pegs in the first carriage which is
made eccentric in its mounting.

Above the micrometer carriage, two supports are provided for supporting the wires and Vee-
pieces for measurement of effective diameter etc.

Minor Diameter of Internal threads. Minor diameter of internal threads can be measured
conveniently by the following methods :

(i) Using taper parallels. The taper parallels are pairs of wedges having radiused and parallel
outer edges. The diameter

across their outer edges can be changed by sliding them over each other as shown in Fig. 13.11.
The taper parallels are inserted inside the thread and adjusted until firm contact is established
with the minor diameter. The diameter over the outer edges is measured with a micrometer. This
method is suitable for smaller diameter threads.

(ii) Using rollers. For threads bigger than 10 mm diameter, precision rollers are inserted inside
the thread and proper slip gauge inserted between the rollers as shown in Fig. 13.12, so that firm
contact is obtained.

The minor diameter is then the length of slip gauges plus twice the diameter of rollers.

Effective Diameter Measurements. The effective diameter or the pitch diameter can be
measured by . any one of the following methods :

(i) The micrometer method

(ii) The one wire, two wire, or three wire or rod method.

Thread Micrometer Method. The thread micrometer resembles the ordinary micrometer, but it
has special contacts to suit the end screw thread form that is to be checked. In this micrometer,
the end of the spindle is pointed to the Vee-thread form with acorresponding Vee-recess in the
fixed anvil. When measuring threads only, the angle of the point and the sides of Vee-anvil, i.e.
the flanks of the threads should come into contact with the screw thread (Fig. 13.13).

If correctly adjusted, this micrometer gives the pitch diameter.

This value should agree with that obtained by measurement by outside diameter and pitch from
the

following relation:

pitch dia=D0.6403p (in caseof whitworth thread)

where 0.6403 p=depth of thread.

D=outside dia.

P=pitch.
Limitations of Thread Micrometer

The micrometer must be set to a standard thread plug. If not done so in the first instance, there
will be error due to helix angle of the thread being measured. When setting the instrument to a
standard plug gauge it will be observed that the reading is not exactly zero, as previously
inferred, when the spindle and anvil are brought together.

For the correct results it is necessary to use a separate thread micrometer for every size of screw
thread that is to be gauged, otherwise there will always be a small amount of error inherent in
thread micrometer.

A big advantage of thread micrometer is that this is the only method which shows the variation
for the drunken thread.

One -wire Methods. In this method, one wire is placed between two threads at one side and on
the other side the anvil of the measuring micrometer contacts the crests as shown in Fig. 13.14.
First the micrometer reading is noted on a standard gauge whose dimension is nearly same as to
be obtained by this method. Actual measurement over wire on one side and threads on other
side=size of gauge difference in two micrometer readings.

This method is used for measuring effective diameter of counter pitch threads, and during
manufacture of threads.

The difficulty with this method is that the micrometer axis may not remain exactly at right angles
to the thread axis.
Two Wire Method. The effective diameter of a screw thread may be ascertained by placing two
wires or rods of identical diameter between the flanks of the thread, as shown in Fig. 13.15, and
measuring the distance over the outside of these wires. The effective diameter E I s then
calculated as

E=T+P

Where T= Dimension under the wires

=M2d

M=dimension over the wires, d= diameter of each wire

The wires used are made of hardened steel to sustain the wear and tear in use. These are given a
high degree of accuracy and finish by lapping to suit different pitches.

Dimension T can also be determined by placing wires over a standard cylinder of diameter
greater than the diameter under the wires and noting the reading R1 and then taking reading with
over the gauge, say R2. Then T=S(R1R2).

P=It is a value which depends upon the dia of wire and pitch of the thread.

If P=pitch of the thread, then

P=0.9605p1.1657d (for Whitworth thread).

P=0.866pd (for metric thread).

Actually P is a constant Value which has to be added to the diameter under the wires to give the
effective diameter. The expression for the value of P in terms of p (pitch), d (diameter of wire)
and x (thread angle) can be derived as follows :

In Fig.13.15(b), since BC lies on the effective diameter line

BC= pitch= p

OP=d cosec x/22

PA=d(cosecx21)2

PQ=QC cot x2=p4 cot x2

AQ=PQAP=p cot x24 d(cosec x2 1)2

AQ is half the value of P

.. P value=2AQ

=p2 cot x2 d (cosecx21)

Two wire method can be carried out only on the diameter measuring machine described for
measuring the minor diameter, because alignment is not possible by 2 wires and can be provided
only by the floating carriage machine. In the case of three wire method, 2 wire, on one side help
in aligning the micrometer square to the thread while the third placed on the other side permits
taking of readings.
A simplified diagram of this measuring machine is shown in Fig. 13.16, As. already pointed out
the machine ensures that the axis of the micrometer is maintained at 90 to the axis of the screw
under test. In Fig. 1316, the lower slide (wrongly indicated as lower side in Fig. 13.16) is
capable of movement parallel with the axis of thread while the top slide moves at 90 to the
thread axis.

Three Wire Method. This method of measuring the effective diameter is an accurate method. In
this three wires or rods of known diameter are used ; one on one side and two on the other side
{Fig. 13.17 (a) and (&)]. This method ensures the alignment of micrometer anvil faces parallel to
the thread axis. The wires may be either held in hand or hung from a stand so as to ensure
freedom to the wires to adjust themselves under micrometer pressure.

M=distance over wires E=effective diameter

r=radius of the wires d=diameter of wires

h =height of the centre or the wire or rod from the effective

x=angle of thread.

From fig.13.17(b),

AD=AB cosec x2=r cosec x2

H=DE cot x2=p2 cot x2

CD=H=p4 cot x2

h=ADCD

r= cosec x2 p4 cot x2

Distance over wires=M=E+2h+2r

=E+2(r cosec x2 p4 cot x2)+2r

=E+2r (l+cosec x2 ) p2 cot x2

or M=E+d (1+cosec x2) p2 cot x2

(since 2r=0 )

(i) In case of Whitworth thread:

x=55, depth of thread =0.64 p, so that

E=D0.64 p and cosec x2 =2.1657

Cot x2 = 1.921

M=E+d(1l+cosec x2) p2 cot x2

=D0.64p+d(1+2.1657)p2(1.921)

=D+3.1657d1.6005p

M=D+3.1657d1.6p

where D=outside dia.

(ii) In case of metric threads :

Depth of thread=0.6495p

so, E=D-0.6495p.

x=60, cosec x2=2 ; cot x2 = 1.732

M=D0.6495 p+d(l+2)p2 (1.732)

=D+3d(0.6495+0.866)p

=D+3d1.5155p.

We can measure the value of M practically and then compare with the theoretical values with the
help of formulae derived above. After finding the correct value of M and knowing d, E can be
found out.

If the theoretical and practical values of M (i.e. measured over wires) differ, then this error is due
to one or more of the quantities appearing in the formula.
Effect of lead angle on measurement by 3- wire method. If the lead angle is large (as with
worms ; quick traversing lead screw,etc .) then error in measurement is about 00125 mm when
lead angle is 41 for 60 single thread series.

For lead angles above 4, the compensation for rake and compression must also be taken into
account.

There is no recommendation for B.S.W. threads.

Rake Correction in U.S. Standard :

E= M+cot x22n- x(1 +cosec x2+s2 2 cos x2 cot x2)

where x2 =half the included angle of threads.

E=effective diameter

M=actually measured diameter over wires:

n=number of threads/inch.

d=diameter of wire.

S=tangent of the helix angle in thread.

(Also refer Problem 13.5 at the end of this chapter for rake correction and compression
correction).

Best Size Wire. This wire is of such diameter that it makes contact with the flanks of the thread
on the effective diameter or pitch line. Actually effective diameter can be measured with any
diameter wire which makes contact on the true flank of the thread, but the values so obtained will
differ from those obtained with best size wires if there is any error in angle or form of thread. It
is recommended that for measuring the effective diameter, always the best size wire should be
used and for this condition the wire touches the flank at mean diameter line within 1/5 of flank
length (Refer Solved Problem 13.2). With best size wire, any error on the measured value of
simple effective diameter due to error in thread form or angle is minimised.

It can be shown that size of best wire diameter

=d=p/2cosx/2 [Refer Solved problem 13.1 at the

end of this chapter]

With best size wire, Pvalue

=d(cosec x2 +1)d cos x2 cot x2

=d(1+sin x2 cos2 x2sin x2)=d (1+sin x2)

=p/2.(1+sinx/2/cosx/2)

Measurement of Effective Diameter of Tapered Threads.

The measurement of the effective diameter of taper threads is not made perpendicular to the axis,
but at an angle depending on the taper. The measurement is made at a given point or distance
from the end of the thread, and in the three wire method, the single wire is placed at this point.
The other two wires are: placed in the two opposite grooves and care must be taken to ensure that
the micrometer or measuring anvils make contact with each of the three wires.

The formula for the effective diameter of the taper thread is :

E=(Md) sec h+cot x2 2n d cosec x2.

Where E= effective diameter.

M=measurement over the wires.

D=diameter of the wires.

h=half the angle of taper.

x2= half the included angle of the thread form.

n=number of threads per inch.

Effective Diameter of Internal Threads (Fig. 13.18).

Thread Comparator. In this case a pair of ball tips engage the flanks of the threads in the work
and measure the effective diameter only.

The ball tip on the right is fixed at the end of a measuring jaw attached to a floating head in the
sliding bracket (B). The floating head has extension in contact with the spindle of the dial indi-
cator and the movement of floating head towards the indicator is constrained by a spring. (The
set-up in Fig. 13. 18 does not show the ball tips).
The instrument is set to a reference standard, with the dial pointer at zero. To use the gauge, the
floating head is retracted to insert the ball tips in the internal threads of the work, and released to
allow the tips to engage the flanks of the thread under the pressure of the spring. The dial
indicator then shows the deviation from the nominal size to which the gauge is set. The
instrument may be used on work in the machine, or on the working bench. The fixed head (A)
carrying the left hand ball tip is adjusted by a

fine screw to set the gauge to the reference standard. The reference standard is built up from slip
gauges as shown in Fig. 13.19. The two end pieces have V-jaws of an angle of Vee
corresponding to the thread, i e. 60 degree or 55 degree.

The dimensions and /2 are marked on the pieces, and are the depths from the face to the apex
points of the Vees. Assuming the effective diameter and pitch of the thread to be known, the
distance S is found from the formula

S=X+YZ

where X=Mean effective diameter.

Y=Depth of the thread from apex to the apex of the V-form.

The value of y (Fig. 13.20) depends on the included angle of the thread, and is equal to 0.9605 p
for 55 threads and 0.866 p for 60 threads.

Z=J1+J2 i.e. constants for the end gauge pieces.

The assembled slips are set in a holder with a slip equal to half the pitch, beneath one end piece
to compensate for the helix angle.

The reference gauge thus assembled is ready for setting the comparator. Ball tips must be fitted
of a suitable size for the thread. The size is not critical provided the ball point fits the thread so as
to bear on the flank near the mean pitch line.

For threads from 4 to 7 t. p. i., a ball of 0.095 inch dia is used, from 7 to 12 t.p.i., 0.060 inch
diameter and from 12 to 20 t.p.i.,

0.035 inch diameter balls are used. A pair of V-jaws, 55 or 60 covers all pitches from 4 to 20
t.p.i. The methodof calculating the value of S from the effective diameter excluded the radius OY
at the crest and root of thethread,
 (Fig. 13.21)

as the form is considered to extend to the apex of the Vee. In some cases it may be

necessary to accept the major diameter as it may be the basic dimension of the thread, and the
format the crest

and root of the thread must then be taken into account.

For metric threads,

S=D+0.2165 pZ.

For Whitworth threads,

S=D+0.3202 pZ.

(iii) Laymans method of finding the effective diameter (internal thread) is by taking the
impression of threads with the help of wax or any other material, say sulphur. Sulphur is mostly
used because it can be used many times.

Checking the Thread Form and Angle by Optical Projection of Thread. This method is
applicable only to external threads because internal threads cannot be projected.

The standard type of projector is used, consisting of a projector lamp, a condenser lens or
collimator, the projection lens and the screen.
 The screw thread to be examined is placed in the parallel beam of light between the condenser
lens and the projector lens.

The modern projectors are equipped with work holding fixtures, the projection lamp and the
lenses situated on top of the cabinet, and the screen at the front. The light rays from the lens are
directed downwards into the cabinet, and hence to the screen by a system of prisms and mirrors,
bringing every thing within the reach of the operator.

The enlarged image of the thread form appears on the ground-glass screen on which is
mounted the template or drawing of the form made to scale equal to the magnification of the
lens. This way the two forms (i.e. ideal and projected) are compared.

One of the difficulties in projecting screw thread is. the fact that form is specified on an axial
plane. So we must consider the correction for it.

Referring to Fig. 13.22 (i), the normal pitch p is less than the axial pitch P and is given by the
relation.

p=P cos ; where is the helix angle.

Referring to Fig. 1322, (ii),

If A=half the included angle of thread on the axial plane,

X=half the included angle of the thread on normal plane.

and B=full depth of thread to apex.

tan A=0.5PB

tan X=0.5P Cos B(or tan X=0.5pB)

or we can say :

tan X=tan A cos

The values of A and 9 are known and IX is the included angle of the thread projected on the
screen.

On the projected thread form we find the included angle 2X and then compare it to the
theoretically calculated value.

2X=2 tan-1 (tan A cos ).

The included angle can also be determined by two ball method (Refer Art. 9.8.3 and Prob. 13.7).

Measurement of Pitch. The accuracy of pitch in any form of thread is very important.
Therefore, it is very important to be able to measure this element of thread to high degree of
accuracy,atleast double that of the effective diameter measurement. The measurement must be
made in such a way that other features or dimensions e g., diameter and thread angle do not
influence the result.

External Threads. 1. For less accurate methods, the Zeiss pitch or lead measuring instrument
may be used. It utilises contact members having two ball points which are applied to the
effective surface of the thread. These points are aligned parallel to the thread axis either by a
thread pin at the back or a special back rest having a plane face parallel to the thread axis. The
instrument is adjusted to zero before making a measurement, with the aid of a special micrometer
gauge supplied for the purpose, or by using a standard plug gauge. Upon applying the instrument
to the thread it registers the pitch deviation from the standard measurement. The scale of the
indicator has a range of 0.1 mm and each division reads to 0.01 mm. The measuring accuracy
of the indicator is 0.003 mm.

2.The pitch of external threads can be measured by using screw pitch or profile gauge. Such a
gauge consists of series of thread forms with varying pitch. The one which coincides perfectly
with the thread under test gives the pitch. The accuracy of measurement depends on the method
of sighting used to judge the perfectness.

3. A more accurate method is the microscope method. Screw threads can be inspected and their
profile angles and linear pitches checked with the aid of a goniometric microscope. The parts to
be gauged are usually held between centres and illuminated from below, their silhouettes
appearing in the field of the viewing eyepiece. Effective pitch diameters can also be measured by
this method.

The method of measuring pitch s shown in

Fig. 13.23. The microscope has two raticules that can be oriented to the slopes of the thread and
the point of intersection of these is used as the measuring reference. The movement of the
longitudinal carriage is read off the linear scale, the micrometer microscope being employed for
this purpose.
The linear measuring accuracy is within 0.001 mm and for angles, it is 10 sec. of arc.

A comparatively simple method of testing the pitch of a screw thread with the Cooke tool room
microscope fitted with its projection screen is as follows :

The screw to be checked is mounted in a cradle under the microscope objective and the
necessary adjustments made to project the sharp enlarged image of the thread on the screen. The
appropriate thread form on the microscope thread template is then brought into coincidence with
the projected thread image, as

shown in (Fig. 13.24)

and a reading of the longitudinal table micrometer screw taken ; this can be done to an accuracy
of 0.0025 mm. The table is then moved by means of the micrometer screw until the image of the
next thread on the screw under inspection fills the temp law profile and the reading of the micro-
meter again taken. The difference between the readings gives the measured pitch of the screw.
The procedure is repeated for each individual thread in order to find the separate pitch error, if
any. Finally, the difference between the initial and last readings of the micrometer when divided
by the number of threads that have been measured enables the mean pitch of the screw to be
estimated.
For still more accurate purposes it is necessary to employ a special screw pitch measuring
machine by which the actual pitch error of individual threads can be measured. The Pitter and
Matrix are typical examples of pitch measuring machines.

The Fitter screw measuring machine employs various stylus points to suit the screw threads that
are to be checked. The screw under measurement is held stationary between centres on the
machine. The indicator unit, carrying the stylus which bears on the flanks of each thread
successively, is carried on a slide which is mounted on balls. The slide is actuated by means of a
micrometer. The act of rotating the micrometer spindle causes the slide fo move in relation to the
fixed centres, i.e. causes the indicator to move in relation to the work being measured. The stylus
which is mounted on a leaf spring, falls in and out of each thread ; the pointer of the indicator
reads zero (it is adjusted to read zero in the first groove) when this stylus is in a central position
in each successive thread. The micrometer reading is taken each time the Indicator reads zero ;
these readings then show the pitch errror of each thread of the screw that is being measured.
Special graduated discs are provided to fit the micrometer to suit all ordinary pitches whilst
special pitches can be provided for.

It may be mentioned that a small hand wheel below the micrometer actuates screw for the
purpose of moving the indicator in relation to the slide so as to bring the stylus opposite to the
screw to be tested in any position between the centres. The total travel of the micrometer is 25
ram.

As the pitch of the micrometer screw is checked accurately when the machine is inspected and a
curve of errors is provided, it Is possible to attain a high standard of precision in measuring
screws. The pitch errors are extremely small, being of the order of 0.002 mm for a thread. A test
screw is also supplied with the machine and a chart of pitch error for this screw.
The Matrix pitch measuring machine operates on a similar principle to the Pitter machine. It is
robust in construction and sensitive in measurement, revealing pitch accuracies of 0.0025 mm
over a distance of 50 mm for all thread forms. In this machine (Refer Fig. 13.26) a micrometer
head is provided on the headstock which is fixed to the base. The rotation of micrometer head
produces movement of the longitudinal carriage along the bed of the base.

Another carriage carrying the indicating and amplifying units comprising a radiused stylus and
visual scale allowing a zero reading to be taken, and also capable of moving at 90 to the
longitudinal carriage ; is mounted 011 the former carriage, and can be traversed longitudinally
and locked in any position. A weight ensures a unidirectional thrust at all times. The micrometer
screw of 40 t .p i. has a 50 mm traverse and also has a compensator for any small residual pitch
errors. In operation, the screw thread to be checked is placed between centres and the correct
stylus mounted in the indicating head.

When the test screw is in position between the centres, and the correct stylus chosen i.e.
the one which makes contact at or near the effective diameter, the carriage carrying the
indicating unit is traversed until the stylus is located in the first thread of the test screw and the
indicator is coincident with the fiducial line ; the second carriage is then locked. The stylus, by
virtue of an ingenious mounting device, is capable of free movement riding up and down the
thread flanks on linear movement of the screw thread by rotation of micrometer head. The stylus
is now traversed along the thread, pitch by pitch, reading being taken each time the indicator is
set at zero. The micrometer can be fitted with a series of graduated dials that can be changed
quickly. With the proper dial for the pitch that is to be measured the readings of the errors are
obtained from the displacement of the lines on the disc which is graduated in (0.002 mm)
divisions. It is usual, after making this test, to turn to the first thread and repeat the readings, and
the micrometer should read zero again.

For Internal Threads. The pitch of an internal thread can be measured on any of the standard
pitch machines by using an adaptor. This adaptor carries a bar which can be inserted into the
ring, the stylus being fitted to the bar end engaging with the thread in the usual manner. The ring
gauge is mounted on a face plate or on the head stock of the machine, which will accommodate
rings upto several cm. in diameter. For very large rings, a special set up on a surface plate is
necessary, utilising an indicator and slip gauges.
GStylus

QRod holding stylus R

LLine for adjusting stylus G. This is arranged opposite to pointer K.

MLocking screw for Q.

T Indicator pointer which is arranged to read zero while taking micrometer reading.

Fig. 13.27

Additional description of pitch measuring machines.

To correct any errors in pitch of the micrometer screw a compensator bar is provided.

The instrument is checked periodically with a master reference screw which is placed between
centres and measured for the pitch over full range of micrometer. In this case variation in the
reading is taken to indicate errors in the micrometer screw, and the compensator bar modified
accordingly.

The micrometer screw has 40 t.p.i. and with a graduated dial of 250 divisions numbered every 10
divisions, the instrument is read as an ordinary micrometer calibrated to 0.000l inch. The
micrometer dial may be replaced by any one of the five alternative dials to simplify the
measurements of the threads of certain pitches. Each of the dials is marked with a number of
divisionsto suit a range of pitches as follows :

Dial No .of div For measurement of

A 6 6,12,24,48,15,30,60 t.p.i

B 7 7,14,28,56,5,10,20,40 t.p.i

11

C 8 4,8,16,32 t.p.i

D 13 13,26 t.p.i

19 19 t.p.i

E 250 (Each 0.002 mm. numberedevery fifth division)

20 Pitch-multiples of 0.025 mm
Dial C is for British Association, metric or non-standard pitches. Dial E is for metric mechines
only. The provision of a dial marked to suit a particular pitch simplifies pitch measuring, a
division on the dial is opposite the zero mark for nominal pitch of each thread. Any variation of
the division from the zero may then be read directly to 0.0001 on either side of the zero line.

Stylus points are available to suit any particular thread. Care should be taken to make the stylus
point touch the thread at or near the pitch line. The stylus holder is pivoted to allow the stylus
point to follow in and out of the threads, as the carriage is moved along, and is adjustable for
pressure.