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Question

Which equipment is used to measure the internal dimensions of a part, such as the internal diameter of a hole or tube?

This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2018 CBT 2 Fitter Question Paper (21-Jan-2019) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

Inter-measuring micrometer

Understanding Measurement Tools for Internal Dimensions

This question asks about the specific equipment used to accurately measure the internal size of parts, such as the inside diameter of a hole or a tube. Different measuring tools are designed for different types of measurements, whether external, internal, or depth.

Analyzing the Measurement Equipment Options

Let's look at the options provided and understand what each tool typically measures:

  • Inter-measuring micrometer: This type of micrometer is specifically designed for measuring internal dimensions. It has contacts or jaws configured to fit inside a bore or groove to determine its size.
  • Dial gauge: A dial gauge (or dial indicator) is primarily used to measure small linear distances or deflections. It's often used for checking variations in a surface, runout, or comparative measurements, usually in conjunction with another tool or fixture. It doesn't directly measure a complete internal diameter by itself.
  • Outer-measuring micrometer: This is the standard micrometer most people are familiar with. It is used to measure external dimensions, such as the outside diameter of a shaft or the thickness of a block.
  • Bore dial gauge: A bore dial gauge is a specialized tool used for measuring the internal diameter of bores or cylinders. While it uses a dial gauge to indicate the measurement, it requires setting with a master ring or micrometer before use and often measures variations in diameter rather than the absolute size directly in all cases. It's a type of internal measuring tool, but the term "Inter-measuring micrometer" is a more general category for a tool designed for direct internal measurement.

Identifying the Correct Tool for Internal Dimensions

Based on the functions of these tools:

  • Outer micrometers measure outside sizes.
  • Dial gauges measure displacement or variation, not typically direct internal diameters on their own.
  • Bore dial gauges are for internal bores, but the term "Inter-measuring micrometer" also fits the description of measuring internal dimensions directly.
  • Inter-measuring micrometers are explicitly designed for measuring distances between internal surfaces.

Therefore, the equipment specifically used to measure the internal dimensions of a part, like the internal diameter of a hole or tube, is the inter-measuring micrometer.

Explanation of Inter-measuring Micrometer

An inter-measuring micrometer, also known as an internal micrometer or bore micrometer, operates on the same principle as an external micrometer (using a precision screw mechanism) but is adapted for internal measurements. Different types exist, including tubular types for larger bores and jaw types (like inside micrometers) for smaller ones. They provide a direct measurement of the internal distance between opposing surfaces.

Comparing Measurement Tools

Tool Name Primary Measurement Type Common Application
Inter-measuring Micrometer Internal dimensions (e.g., bore diameter, groove width) Measuring inside of holes, cylinders, tubes, internal grooves
Dial Gauge Linear displacement, variation, runout Checking flatness, parallelism, concentricity, setting up machine tools
Outer-measuring Micrometer External dimensions (e.g., shaft diameter, thickness) Measuring outside of shafts, blocks, sheets
Bore Dial Gauge Internal diameter (specifically bores/cylinders), often comparative Checking size and variation within cylinders, engine bores

The table clarifies that while a bore dial gauge is used internally, the "Inter-measuring micrometer" is a broad category of tools explicitly designed for direct internal measurements as described in the question.

Revision Table: Key Measurement Concepts

Concept Description Relevant Tools
External Measurement Measuring the size of outside features of a part. Outer Micrometer, Caliper
Internal Measurement Measuring the size of inside features of a part. Inter-measuring Micrometer, Inside Caliper, Bore Gauge
Depth Measurement Measuring the depth of holes, slots, or steps. Depth Micrometer, Depth Gauge

Additional Information on Internal Measurement Tools

Measuring internal dimensions accurately is crucial in manufacturing and quality control. Different types of inter-measuring micrometers and related tools exist depending on the required accuracy and the size range:

  • Inside Micrometers: These can be screw type or vernier type and are used for larger internal measurements. Some have interchangeable rods to extend the measuring range.
  • Bore Micrometers: Often three-point contact micrometers, providing more stable measurement in bores.
  • Telescoping Gauges: Used to transfer the internal size to an external measuring tool like a micrometer for reading the dimension.
  • Inside Calipers: Simpler tools for transferring internal dimensions for measurement with a rule or other scale.

Choosing the right internal measurement tool depends on the precision required, the size and shape of the feature being measured, and the volume of measurements needed.

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Important Questions from Measuring Tools

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