Practical No: 05 Use of Dial indicator as mechanical comparator
I. Practical Significance
A dial indicator mounted on a magnetic base is being used to measure shaft runout as the
shaft is being turned slowly. The runout measurement is reported in terms of the total
movement of the indicator needle. Runout measurements in actual operating conditions may
be impractical to measure and are likely to be far greater than measurements taken while
rotating the shaft slowly, without actual operational loads.
II. Industry/Employer Expected Outcome
This practical is expected to develop the following skills for the industry/Employer
• Use different types of comparators.
III. Course Level Learning Outcome (CO)
• CO2- Select and use of suitable measuring instruments for linear measurement and describe
construction, working and applications of comparators.
IV. Laboratory Learning Outcome(s)
• Check the geometrical parameters of a component with the help of mechanical
comparator
• Operate dial gauge for different application
V. Relevant Affective Domain related Outcomes
• Follow safe practices
• Practice good housekeeping
• Practice energy conservation
• Demonstrate working as a leader/a team member
• Maintain tools and equipment
VI. Minimum Theoretical Background
Roundness is generally assessed by rotational technique by measuring radial deviations from a
datum axis. The polar profile graph can be drawn on a graph paper. To measure out of
roundness, it is necessary to compare the part profile to an ideal circle or datum. The most used
devices for measurement of roundness are.
a. Diametral Gauge
b. Circumferential confining gauge—a shaft is confined in a ring gauge and rotated against
a set indicator probe.
c. Rotating on centers.
d. V-Block. Piece rotating against a set probe (a) of fixed angle, (b) of adjustable angle.
e. Three-point probe (120° spacing).
f. Accurate spindle
The comparator is a device which takes a dimension of standard job as reference
dimension, and gives a reading to a pointer on a scale, the variation in such dimension of the
job to be compared.
Dial indicator type of mechanical comparator consists of a sensitive dial indicator mounted
on a horizontal arm on a stand. The arm is capable of coarse and fine adjustment
movements in the vertical direction for initial setting of the Instrument. The base is heavy so
that stability and rigidity of the instrument is ensured. Different attachments are available
depending upon the type or job.
VII. Experimental Setup
Figure- Experimental Setup
Figure- Typical Roundness Deviations
Figure- Profile Graph of Roundness Testing
VIII. Resources Required
Sr. Name of Resource Suggested Broad Quantity
No. Specification
1. Dial gauge Range 0 - 25 mm 1
2. V – Block 56 x 75 x 75 Sizes in mm 2
(W x L x H)
3. Magnetic stand Base size (L x W x H): 1
59 x 50 x 55 mm
Total height: 425 mm
Fine adjustment °: ±4
4. Surface plate Granite (200 x 200 x 50 ) 1
IX. Precautions to be Followed
• Set Pointer of dial gauge to zero
• The accuracy of the Instrument must be checked before using
X. Procedure
1. Measure the diameter of job with the help of Vernier caliper.
2. Place the round job over V Block
3. Mark measuring points (atleast36) on the circumference of a job
4. Place the plunger of dial indicator on job over a marking.
5. Rotate the job until plunger place over another marking point.
6. Repeat the procedure until one complete revolution.
7. Note down the readings at each marking point.
8. Plot a graph taking base value of job equal to diameter of job
XI. Observations and Calculations
Diameter of job = mm
Position Deviation in Position Deviation in Position Deviation in
Dial Indicator Dial Indicator Dial Indicator
mm mm mm
1 9 17
2 10 18
3 11 19
4 12 20
5 13 21
6 14 22
7 15 23
8 16 24
Draw Profile graph of above readings on graph paper (X-axis= positions,
Y-axis= deviation in dial indicator)
Conclusions
Signature of
Marks Obtained
Teacher
Handling of the Taking final Regularity (2) Total (10)
measuring readings and
Instruments (4) calculations (4)
