Calipers are the most adaptable measurement tool we have at our disposal. The caliper is a tool that can be used to measure several things, including an object’s breadth, the distance between two of its sides or between two flat surfaces in a concavity, a hole’s depth, and more.
The benefits of calipers are numerous
These instruments are not only simple to use but also have a wide range of measurement modes and can be utilized for both absolute and relative measurements. Mechanical engineering and construction are the two main industries that use professional calipers.
Everything that is not easily quantifiable with other equipment can be measured with a caliper with an accuracy of 0.01 mm. Although manual verniers calipers and dial ones are still fairly widespread, digital calipers have grown in popularity recently. This mostly occurred because they are more accurate and much simpler to operate.
How should I pick a caliper?
How do you pick the best model of this tool when there are a thousand various variations? The application environment must be considered first. While some calipers are ideal for dry environments, others are designed to be used in contact with liquids and water.
The accuracy you require must also be kept in mind; if you want to produce a project that is both extremely professional and exact, you require a professional digital model with a resolution of between 0.005 mm and 0.001 mm.
Various caliper types
You get to decide which type of calipers to use because each one has advantages and disadvantages. Here is a quick guide to the most popular versions of this instrument available on the market.
Calipers with vernier
These are similar to a slide rule in that they just have one gear, making them ideal for people who can read numbers and measurements without any difficulty. Since they lack a dial or display and need reading to be calculated directly on the body, they might be challenging to decipher. However, they are less expensive than dial and digital ones and are also durable and shockproof.
The dial calipers
These calipers are comparatively simple to use. The measurement value is displayed on a lined dial on them, and this value must be added to the value of the slide in order to get the precise and complete measurement. They are slightly more expensive and less shock-resistant than vernier models, but they are the ideal instruments for people who need a professional precision caliper without spending a lot of money.
Electronic calipers
These are the best resources for both getting incredibly accurate measurements and for folks who are unquestionably not math people. They are capable of taking absolute and incremental measurements and can display precisely up to 0.025mm.
Sadly, working with oil or dust can cause digital calipers to lose precision and make them more susceptible to damage from shock. You can purchase calipers with IP67 certification, which gives them impermeability to dust and water and, as a result, a longer durability, to avoid this latter issue.