.0001" Dial Indicator
#6
TECH Enthusiast
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the resolution you are looking for, you want a test indicator rather than a dial indicator. Granted, test indicators have "dials" so the differentiation can be a little confusing.
The primary difference between a test indicator and a dial indicator, is that a dial indicator has a large range of motion at least a half inch or so (typically 0" to .5") and is typically graduated in .001" increments, while a test indicator has a range of motion usually around .030" total (typically shown as -.015" to 0" to +.015" on the dial) and is graduated in .0005" or .0001" increments. Obviously the .0001" graduated units are more expensive than the .0005" graduation units, and the ranges I gave above are examples, other ranges are available.
The test indicator that Jenson linked to looks nice. If I had seen that when I bought mine, I might have bought that instead. I actually bought mine as a kit with .0005" resolution. I bought the kit to make it easy to mount and primarily I use it to tram the vise or fixtures in my milling machine.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...PMAKA=328-0962
The primary difference between a test indicator and a dial indicator, is that a dial indicator has a large range of motion at least a half inch or so (typically 0" to .5") and is typically graduated in .001" increments, while a test indicator has a range of motion usually around .030" total (typically shown as -.015" to 0" to +.015" on the dial) and is graduated in .0005" or .0001" increments. Obviously the .0001" graduated units are more expensive than the .0005" graduation units, and the ranges I gave above are examples, other ranges are available.
The test indicator that Jenson linked to looks nice. If I had seen that when I bought mine, I might have bought that instead. I actually bought mine as a kit with .0005" resolution. I bought the kit to make it easy to mount and primarily I use it to tram the vise or fixtures in my milling machine.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...PMAKA=328-0962
#7
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (19)
The difference in cost between a .001 to .0001 indicator is pretty minimal. The brand/quality will determine the price. Dial indicators are larger than Test indicators. The tighter tolerance one will have a smaller range of movement. You will also need a way to hold the indicator. You can usually find a magnetic base and indicator combo pretty affordably. The SPI stuff is just branded Chinese stuff. You can save some money and buy the Chinese no name and get the same thing.They work and will get you by. See if you have someone local to you and offer them some beer.
Trending Topics
#8
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (25)
That's funny, I'm a tool & die maker @ the former GM/Delphi plants that still makes many of the OEM GM spindles & hubs. They are starting to use Asian companies now for some of them so I can't speak for those.
We work in millionths, some dimensions & specs are as tight as 50 millionths.
We also hand build & assemble spindles for some race vehicles, I was told those are held to tighter tolerances.
We work in millionths, some dimensions & specs are as tight as 50 millionths.
We also hand build & assemble spindles for some race vehicles, I was told those are held to tighter tolerances.
i worked in T&D for photolithography semiconductor. we used sharpie ink as shim stock. (20 millionths or so)
glad to be back in the real world making parts and shootin chips.
OP means .001" amirite or amirite?