Chapter No.
10
Comparator
What is a Comparator
Indirect type of Precision instrument
Gives linear measurement
Works on relative measurement
Indicates only dimensional difference in
relation to the basic dimension
Has a sensing device, magnifying or
amplifying system to provide read out
Classification of Comparators based
on Method of Magnification
Mechanical comparators
Optical comparators
Pneumatic comparators
Electrical & Electronics comparators
Fluid displacement comparators
Projection comparators
Multi check comparators
Automatic gauging comparators
Reed Type
Mechanical Comparators
Introduction to Reed Type
Mechanical Comparators
High quality dial indicator
Frictionless device
Magnifies small motions of the
spindle
Working of Reed Type
Mechanical Comparators
A – Fixed block
B – Floating block carrying spindle
C – Horizontal Reed, connecting A & B blocks
D – Vertical reeds attached at upper ends of A & B blocks
Pointer extends beyond this joint
Linear motion of the spindle moves the floating block
vertically
This causes the vertical reed on the floating block to slide
past the vertical reed on the fixed block
Since both reeds are joined at the upper end, the movement
causes both reeds swing thru an arc
Advantages of
Mechanical Comparators
Cheaper
No need of external agency
Linear scale
Robust & Compact
Portable
Disadvantages of
Mechanical Comparators
Less accuracy
Sensitive to vibrations
Limited range
Parallax error
Faults gets magnified
Optical Comparators
Optical Comparators
Works on fundamental optical law (Optical lever principle)
Shadow is projected onto a graduated scale to indicate the
comparison measurement
If a ray of light OA strikes a mirror it is reflected as ray AB such that
OAN = NAB
Now if the mirror is tilted through an angle ‘ α ‘ , the reflected ray of
light has moved through an angle ‘2α‘
Advantages of optical Comparators
High accuracy
No parallax error
High magnification
Weightless
illuminated scale
Disadvantages of Optical Comparators
Depends on external electrical power supply
Bulky & Expensive
Needs dark room
Inconvenient for use since to be viewed thru eyepiece
Heat generated causes disturbance for setup
Optical Projector
Introduction to Optical Projector
Makes use of the enlarged image principle
Used for checking the shape or profile of small parts
with an accurate standard or drawing
Magnified image of the part is projected on a screen
where it is compared with an enlarged profile
drawing
Degree of magnification ranges from 5 to 100
Working of Optical Projector
Light from lamp L passes first through a
condenser lens C & then through projection lens P
Component is supported on the work table between
these two lenses
It interrupts the light & causes an inverted
magnified image to appear on the screen
Measuring techniques used in
Optical Projector
Measurement by comparison
Measurement by movement
Measurement by translation
Measurement by Comparison
2D image of the part is produced on the screen & is compared
with the master layout fixed on the screen – chamfers, radius,
curves, etc
Measurement by Movement
The centre cross line on the screen provides optical reference
Measurement by Translation
Tracer is employed for projection of features like internal
grooves
Tracer types– probe, dot, rectile follower
Thank You
