Parts of a Vernier Caliper

A Caliper is simply a measuring device from a compass to intense instruments such as the vernier caliper acting as an advanced ruler. The vernier caliper uses vernier scale to measure more precisely. This instrument provides different methods of measuring including ways to measure external or internal dimensions as well as finding depth measurements. In fact the depth measurement method of using a movable and slidable probe is so slender that it is able to retrieve data in deep canals.

You have to be familiar with the instrument in order for your to achieve an accurate measurement. Any discrepancy from of measurement even for just a few millimeters will spell success of trouble for you. Machinist are experts on this device. But evenso, they still need to exercise caution.

The lower and upper section of this scale generally uses both inch and metric measurements. Industries use vernier calipers because of its hundredth of a millimeter precision equal to one thousandth of an inch. Below describes the vernier caliper's parts and functions.

The rail (4) allows sliding to occur on the main scale (7) moving the vernier scale (3) while the fixed jaw (11) remains in place so the precise measurement is found. Also, draw back and forth (9) the instrument's jaws (parts 1 and 10) to adjust the caliper. The indicated measurement is found at the left of the vernier scale (3 and 8) either in inches or centimeters. The sliding jaw (9) and the depth probe (5) are connected to and move along with the vernier scale. Deep measurements are taken by the use of the front end of the rail (6).

1. Inside jaws: Internal length measurements are found by using this part.
2. Retainer or locking screw: This part blocks the instrument's movable parts in order to transfer between measurement methods easily.
3. Vernier scale (inch)
4. Rail (inch)
5. Depth probe: The part used in order to find depth measurements
6. Front end of the rail
7. Main scale (mm)
8. Vernier scale (mm)
9. Sliding Jaw
10. Outside jaws: This part makes measuring external lengths possible.
11. Fixed Jaw

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The Vernier Caliper

The Caliper. The name itself is generic. But to define it, it is a device used to measure the distance between to symmetrically opposing sides. A caliper can be as simple as a compass with inward or outward-facing points. The tips of the caliper are adjusted to fit across the points to be measured, the caliper is then removed and the distance read by measuring between the tips with a measuring tool, such as a ruler.

They are used in many fields such as metalworking, mechanical engineering, gunsmithing, handloading, woodworking, woodturning and in medicine.

There are many types of Calipers but obviously in relation to this blog, we'll mention a particular type of caliper namely: The Vernier Caliper.

Vernier Calipers are usually found in machine shops or any other area which requires to measure its fabricated dimensions. Without this device, machine shops will be having a hard time for accurate measurement.

Vernier calipers can measure internal dimensions (using the uppermost jaws in the picture at right), external dimensions using the pictured lower jaws, and depending on the manufacturer, depth measurements by the use of a probe that is attached to the movable head and slides along the centre of the body. This probe is slender and can get into deep grooves that may prove difficult for other measuring tools.

The vernier scales may include both metric and inch measurements on the upper and lower part of the scale.

Vernier calipers commonly used in industry provide a precision to a hundredth of a millimetre (10 micrometres), or one thousandth of an inch.

A more precise instrument used for the same purpose is the micrometer.



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Mills CNC claims big market share for big machines

Mills CNC claims over 50 per cent of the UK's large lathe market (chuck size 12" and over), 50 per cent of the large VTL (Vertical Turning Lathe) market and significant market share in the large horizontal machining centre and horizontal borer markets.

The company is the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Doosan machine tools, and highlights that the portfolio has recently been broadened with the launch of a new range of 5-face, double-column machining centres, DCM, within which there are eight different sized.

The new DCM machines, with up to 10, 250 by 4,200 by 700, by 1,100 mm in X, Y, Z and W, can parts up to 68,000 kg in weight.

Depending on the type of application, DCM machines can be specified with various ram spindle configurations (heavy-duty cutting through to high-speed/high-torque options); different head attachments and table types.

"The Doosan big machine tool range is impressive – and the new DCM machines are no exception," underlines Nick Frampton, Mills CNC's managing director.

"In terms of breadth, depth, technical specification, and all-round performance and price – big Doosan machines are the number one choice for precision manufacturers in the oil and gas, power generation and other sectors where the machining of large components is at a premium."



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Lathe Tools offer maximum speed of 12,000 rpm.

SMW Autoblok is pleased to introduce spindle speed increasing Live Tools for Haas lathes. These new low-profile Live Tools feature a 1:3 speed increasing ratio and a maximum speed of 12,000RPM.

Designed to increase the performance of Haas lathes with 4,000RPM driven turrets, SMW Autoblok's new spindle speed increasing Live Tools can drastically reduce cycle times and duty cycles, particularly in finishing application in mild steels, aluminum, plastics, and reinforced resins. With an ultra-low profile of 88.5mm (3.48"), these new Live Tools are no taller than a standard Live Tool, preserving Z-axis clearance for work-holding and parts. Additionally, with their minimal width of 80mm (3.15"), they do not interfere with adjacent tools in the turret.

SMW Autoblok's new spindle speed increasing Live Tools utilize patented square drive Gleason matched ground helical gears for improved torque transmission and high quality twin interlocking labyrinth seals to prevent contamination from coolant and chips. The new compact ER clamping design makes for easy tool changes, higher clamping forces, extended drill lengths, and improved rigidity.

SMW Autoblok also offers standard Live Tools for Haas lathes in straight, right angle, and offset styles equipped with either an ER Collet or Face Mill output spindle. Coolant-thru the tool up to 1,000PSI is available on most styles, and special application Live Tools are available upon request. SMW Autoblok stocks Live Tools for other popular CNC Turning Centers including Mazak, Mori Seiki, Okuma, and Doosan and more.

For more information on Live Tools or other SMW Autoblok products, please contact SMW Autoblok Corporation at 847-215-0591 or visit www.live-tooling.com.

ABOUT SMW AUTOBLOK CORPORATION - Autoblok Corporation was established in 1981 as a subsidiary of Autoblok of Italy, the largest power chuck manufacturer in Europe. Since 1942, Autoblok has been at the forefront of engineering and manufacturing state-of-the-art workholding, clamping and tooling solutions. In 1993, Autoblok acquired SMW of Germany. The combination of these two premier manufacturing entities resulted in the most extensive product line of high quality workholding devices in the world. Now available exclusively through its subsidiaries, reps and distributors, SMW AUTOBLOK customers are ensured a consistent, single source of superior product performance, support and service.



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K+K moves to expand machining business

Bletchley-based subcontractor K+K Specialised Engineering has moved to new premises to accommodate extra XYZ CNC machine tools and allow for future growth.

Prototype electronics box milled from solid aluminium block by K+K Specialised Engineering

The company currently machines precision components for the automotive development, motorsport, microwave communications and mechanical handling industries, as well as making jigs and fixtures for UK-based metrology companies.

Commenting on the move K+K director Keith Pain explains: “We would not have done this if it did not make sound economic sense. Our problem, if you can call it that, was that we had become the favoured supplier to several businesses that had also flourished by being responsive to their customers. We were regularly being asked to produce small batches of components instead of just one-offs in extremely short timescales.”

The fact that, typically, there is a very high percentage of metal removal from the raw material is key to the solution that has been adopted by K+K.

“In this situation additional machining centres are able to increase the output without any increase in the workforce,” says Keith Pain.

A significant part of K+K’s recent investment involves two new compact vertical machining centres supplied by XYZ Machine Tools Ltd. These are installed alongside an identical XYZ Mini Mill 560 that K+K has operated for several years. During urgent batch production all three are typically machining similar components, with the cycles phased so that the operator can tend each machine in turn as required. In fact, there is often spare time during which the operator can progress jobs on one of the other, slightly less automated, mills.

The choice of two more XYZ Mini Mill 560s was not only because of the good value that made the economics viable but also the experience gained with the existing machining centre. “Our machine tools have progressed according to the needs of the work and drafting technology,” says Keith Pain. “When we started nearly all drawings were manual and most jobs were one-offs, so manual machines with digital readouts were all that was really necessary, and indeed all we could afford.

"When economic CNC machining arrived we were aware of the benefits, particularly in the case of small batch work, although we investigated several options before investing in a basic XYZ ProtoTRAK-equipped CNC/manual lathe and then a ProtoTRAK CNC/manual mill."

With ever more information arriving as CAD models, and the increase in repeat components, the Mini Mill 560 was the logical next step.

Ideally suited to the type of work and batch sizes typically undertaken by K+K, the concept behind the XYZ Mini Mill 560 is a compact VMC configuration capable of machining the widest possible range of components within the smallest possible machine footprint. A 560 mm (X) by 400 mm (Y) by 500 mm (Z) working envelope is contained within a 2000 mm (width) by 2060 mm (depth) footprint.

www.xyzmachinetools.com

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Choosing a Cutting Tool

The figure above shows a typical cutting tool and the terminology used to describe it. The actual geometry varies with the type of work to be done. The standard cutting tool shapes are shown below.

• Facing tools are ground to provide clearance with a center.
• Roughing tools have a small side relief angle to leave more material to support the cutting edge during deep cuts.
• Finishing tools have a more rounded nose to provide a finer finish. Round nose tools are for lighter turning. They have no back or side rake to permit cutting in either didection.
• Left hand cutting tools are designed to cut best when traveling from left to right.
• Aluminum is cut best by specially shaped cutting tools (not shown) that are used with the cutting edge slightly above center to reduce chatter.

Standard Cutting Tools


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How to Choose a Lathe Machine

Lathe machines are machines built to serve a specific purpose and even though there's a lot of variety to choose from, you really must choose the one that suits your needs the best. The average hobbyist will likely be best off with a mini lathe, which has a limited scope of operations but can be very useful for small and personal projects. These are mainly used by beginners who are testing the waters for turning out shapes and designs.

Whilst these mini lathes are not at all suited for professional lathe projects, those who want to make a slower transition to bigger lathe machines do have options to upgrade their mini lathe machines. These upgrades add functionality like variable speeds, arms etc. This also makes sense for those who want more out of their machine without spending a lot of money for a new and bigger machine.

However, there is a limit to how much a basic lathe machine can be upgraded, so it is advisable that professionals who have discovered the power of a lathe machine upgrade to as big a lathe as they possibly can. This is meant for those craftsmen who can see a long future of them using the lathe machine. For those who are unsure of how long they will use one or those who are on a tight budget, there are mid segment lathe machines that usually have a size between 12x34 and 16x36. They cost in between $400-600 and offer enough features and sturdiness for the professional craftsman without burning a hole through his pocket.

There are a few things to consider before jumping in and buying the cheapest or the biggest machine out there for your budget. You need consider the spindle you are getting. The spindle is the core to the operations of lathe machines and they come in standard and non-standard sizes. The is usually a good idea to go for standard sizes like the 1"x8tpi spindles. The bed capacity is also important, as this will determine the size of material with which you can work. Variable speed is another aspect because most professionals prefer to work at different speeds while doing different things to the material. Like for sanding you would prefer a higher speed but for carving, you might want a medium to low speed depending on the detail you want to work in.

Be careful of cheap lathe machines because their parts are often non-standard and are hence very easy to replace. As with other power tools and hardware, buying from a reputed company is always advisable. If you are buying used machines, do not purchase without getting to check it out first. For used lathe machines, try to purchase locally from a shop you know. If you are buying over the Internet even, try to buy from somewhere nearby and pick it up yourself after checking it out properly. Again, keep in mind the purpose of your machine while making a purchase.

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How to work with Lathe machines?

It may seem easy when your watching a machine operator working on his lathe machine but the moment you try it in action it's not as easy as it looks. Especially if you are a first timer, patience is a virtue. Even experienced operators must carefully performed and manuever their cutting tool for a precise measurement. Just a fraction of a millimeter would spell success or failure.

To know more on how it works, (click here).