Humans have strived to be perfect since time immemorial. The closest we have gotten to perfection is precision.
How exact and accurate can we get, down to the very basic details of a gigantic machine? That is precision! It may seem trivial, however, precise numbers float or sink boats!
So, precision engineering is an offshoot of various forms of engineering like electrical engineering, software engineering, electronics engineering, mechanical engineering. We can say that precision engineering deals with devising machines, finding fixtures, and creating other structures that bring uniformity in results. The purpose of precision engineering is to find repeatable and stable results again and again.
Precision engineering involves the use of various tools to achieve maximum accuracy and repeatability. Hence, it is a process that focuses on attention to detail. Precision engineering requires knowledge and application of a wide variety of measurement, fabrication and control tools. Engineers have to deal with a lot of technical and precision tools. You could visit website to know more about a few of them in detail. However, just to fill you in on the basic ones, we have compiled a list. Read on:
Vernier Caliper:
Vernier Caliper is a tool used for the measurement of linear dimensions like Length, Diameter, and Depth. This is one of the most popular and basic measurement tools with the smallest count of at least 0.02 mm. Vernier Caliper has two kinds of scales. The first one being the main scale on one side and the Vernier scale that is along the side of the main scale. It is useful for two types of measurements, the external dimensions measured with the external jaw and similarly, internal jaw helps in the measurement of internal dimensions.
Micrometre:
Usually known to be more accurate and precise than Vernier Caliper, a Micrometer can check outside the diameter of a circle up to the accuracy of 0.01 mm. A Micrometer, also known as Outside Micrometer and it has a measurement range of micrometre is 25 mm. Different kinds of Micrometres are
- Internal Micrometre
- External Micrometre
- Depth Micrometre
Height Gauge:
It is a precision instrument used for measuring vertical dimension from a particular reference ground. Vernier Height Gauge has a fixed base that is finely ground and graduated scale that is held in a vertical position. The least scale on the graduated bar has the least count of 0.02 mm.
Dial Gauge:
Also known as a dial indicator, it is one of the most simplistic instruments used as a mechanical comparator. Dial Gauges are basically of two kinds:
- Plunger Dial Gauge- This is a comparison tool for comparing pieces against an ideal.
- Lever Dial Gauge- Used for measuring sensitive contact, it usually measures 0.80 mm. However, some specific ones measure up to 2 mm.
Radius Gauge:
Gauges help us in measuring things like
- thickness
- size
- the capacity
As the name suggests a radius gauge relates to circular objects. This precision instrument measures the radius of a particular object.
Depth Gauge:
Vernier Depth Gauge is used to measure the depth from the exterior of the source of an article. Compared to a Vernier Caliper the Depth Gauge yields more standard measurements. Depth Gauges are available in 2 variants
- Analogue depth gauge
- Digital depth gauge
Bevel Protractor:
As seen in school, a basic protractor or a ‘D’ is used for measuring angles up to 180 degrees starting from the least count of 1 degree or ½ degree. In a Bevel Protractor, a sliding blade fitted in the middle of the dial to set at an angle to the base. This precision protractor is a tool for measuring angles with a least count of 5 degrees.
Rulers:
This a traditional scale that is made of steel used for linear measurement. One of the most common precision tools, it mostly represents 2 units- Inches on one side and centimetres on the other.
Machinist Square:
Popularly called the engineering square is a tool used for making straight lines and measuring angles. This instrument is used in the metal and wood industry for measurements.