HARDWARE REVIEW: VERNIER CALIPER

Part of every job is to use different software and hardware tools. Unfortunately, some of these software and hardware are doing us more damage than good, and some are so useful that you cannot work without them. In this article series, I will discuss the software and hardware I use as a mechanical design engineer. In this article, I will talk about the Vernier caliper and how I use it in everyday work.

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Introduction

As a mechanical design engineer, you will design different parts almost daily. Once you are finished with your design and get the manufactured part on your desk, you will have to prove that the parts are correctly made according to your drawing’s specifications. So, without going into too many details here and explaining different tests you could make, one of the first things you should do is measure the part.

There are many ways how you could measure it, but one of the quickest ways is to use a Vernier caliper. You can use an either non-digital or digital one. Furthermore, for the simpler parts, you can use the Vernier caliper to measure dimensions and reverse engineer it.

What is Vernier caliper?

Vernier caliper is a device for measuring an object’s dimensions. It can be an either non-digital or digital device. It allows the measurement of an object’s external and internal dimensions and depth.

My experience using Vernier caliper

Vernier caliper is one of the devices that I can say without exaggeration that I am using every day. I am using it for reverse engineering, measuring different parts or just for visualizing different dimensions. I have used it to measure depths, external diameters, internal diameters, overall dimensions, gaps, tolerances, etc., and it is an extremely useful device that every mechanical design engineer should have on their desk.

Which product should you choose?

If you want a non-digital Vernier caliper, you could buy Spurtar Vernier Calipers.

If you need to use it occasionally for the parts where precision is not a major concern, you could purchase Orthland Vernier Caliper.

If you want to buy one for everyday use as a mechanical design engineer, you should consider buying quality devices that are expensive but worth their price. Find a brand trusted worldwide for its quality products, like the company Mitutoyo. For example, Mitutoyo 500-197-30.

If your company has many people using calipers but does not have any gage blocks for regular control, you could suggest getting something like this: Mitutoyo-516-935-26.

Pros and Cons of using Vernier caliper

Pros:

Reliable accuracy (as long as it is calibrated),
With digital devices is easy, instant, and fast reading,
Measurement in millimeters and inches.
Non-digital requires no power source.

Cons:

They can be quite expensive (digital ones),
Should be at least once a year calibration,
Digital calipers require a power source.
Non-calibrated devices can do more damage than good.

Conclusion

Vernier caliper is a standard tool in a mechanical design engineer’s toolbox. It is often used, and personally, I think that every serious mechanical design engineer should have a reliable, robust, and accurate Vernier caliper.

This is my experience with using calipers. Do you have experience with it? Are you thinking about getting one? Share your experience and thoughts in the comments below!

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