A Vernier caliper is a precision measuring instrument used to measure the dimensions of an object with high accuracy. It is commonly used in engineering, machining, and scientific applications where precise measurements are essential.
The main components of a Vernier caliper include:
Main Scale: It is the primary long scale running along the length of the caliper. The main scale provides the whole number measurements.
Vernier Scale: The Vernier scale is a secondary scale that slides parallel to the main scale. It is slightly shorter than the main scale and is attached to the sliding jaw of the caliper. The Vernier scale is used to read the fractional part of the measurement.
The Vernier scale has a series of equally spaced divisions that are slightly smaller than the divisions on the main scale. The smallest division on the Vernier scale corresponds to one division on the main scale.
When measuring an object, you would open the caliper and place the object between the fixed jaw (on one end) and the sliding jaw (on the other end). As you close the sliding jaw, it moves along the main scale until it makes contact with the object. The reading is taken by observing which division on the Vernier scale aligns with a division on the main scale. This provides the whole number measurement from the main scale and the fractional measurement from the Vernier scale.
The Vernier caliper can measure both internal dimensions (like the diameter of a hole) and external dimensions (like the width of an object). Some Vernier calipers also have a depth probe for measuring the depth of holes or other hard-to-reach places.
Vernier calipers can offer higher accuracy compared to simple rulers or other measuring tools because they can read measurements to the nearest fraction of a millimeter or inch, depending on the calibration of the instrument.