Screw Gauge (Micrometer)

Determination of thickness/dameter of thin sheet/wire.

IMPORTANT FORMULAE
Pitch = (Distance travelled on main scale/Number of rotations)
and Least count, LC = Pitch / Total number of divisions on circular scale
EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS
Sketch of a screw gauge is shown below :

To find the least count of screw guage, the pitch is determined first zero of
circular scale is brought against a zero of main scale.
About four complete rotations are given to the circular scale and again the reading of
the main scale is noted, then pitch and least count are calculated by using the formulae
given above.
Zero error and correction. Sometimes the zero of the circular scale may not
coincide with the reference line, when we bring two jaws A and B in contact. This error
is called zero error.
This happens due to certain manufacturing defect or due to wear and tear of the jaws.
If the zero of the circular scale crosses the reference line, then screw gauge is said to
possess negative zero error. Zero correction = + (number of divisions crossed)
x L.C.
If the zero of the circular scale is left behind the reference line, then screw gauge is
said to possess positive zero error. Zero correction = - (number of divisions left
behind) x L.C.
Finding diameter of wire/sphere and thickness of sheet.
Zero error and Least count of screw gauge are found as explained above.
The article (thin sheet/wire) is held between the studs and the screw is turned in one
direction such that the wire (or sphere or plate) is held without any undue pressure till
the ratchet becomes free. The reading on the main scale and the number of divisions of
circular scale coinciding with the reference line on the main scale are noted. The zero
correction is found and applied to find the correct diameter or thickness.
Zero error = z mm
Main Scale Reading = x mm
Number of Circular Scale Division coinciding with reference line = n
Observed Diameter D' = x ± (n x L.C)
Corrected Diameter D = D’ ± z
% age error in diameter of wire/sphere = (d/d) x 100 = (LC/d) x 100
and % age error in thickness of sheet = (t/t) x 100 = (LC/t) x 100
Care is taken that there is no backlash error.