Reading Micrometers - 8: Electronic Micrometers
Library | Start Page | Previous Page| Next Page
WARNING: Machine tools present a safety hazard. Improper operation can result in severe injury. These topics are for non-laboratory study only and are not to be used in conjunction with the operation of any tool or machine described herein. Never use a machine tool without the supervision of a qualified instructor.
Electronic micrometers read a very fine internal scale that shows the spindle position with a digital display as shown above. They use an internal battery for the electronics
Not all micrometers have the same ancillary functions as described below but the four buttons shown are fairly common.

On this micrometer there is an off button (1). On many micrometers the simple act of turning the thimble turns the mic on. If you set is down and walk away it will turn itself off after a few minutes

The preset button (2) zeros out the reading regardless of the current position

The ABS/INC button (3) switches the display between absolute and incremental. Absolute is the exact distance between the anvil and the spindle. Incremental is distance moved since the preset button was pressed.

The mm/in button (4) changes the display from inch to metric or visa versa.
The significant advantage of electronic mics is ease of reading. In comparison to manual mics electronic mics take time to get used to and to read accurately.

Also, some electronic mics can be linked via serial cable to various data collection devices. This is a great advantage when using statistical process control which sometimes requires hundreds of measurements to accurately model a process.
Library | Start Page | Previous Page| Next Page