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ENGINEERS DIAL INDICATOR (GAUGE)
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Engineers use a metric dial indicator (gauge), for testing a surface for being parallel. The sensitive spring loaded plunger, at the bottom of the indicator, registers minute movement on the dial. This type of dial indicator, is often used in conjunction with a surface gauge, as seen in the diagram below.

The dial indicator is placed above the metal surface being tested. It is lowered until the plunger is slightly depressed by the surface. The scale is then set to zero, using the adjusters. As the dial indicator is moved along the surface of the metal, by pushing the surface gauge, any variation in height is detected.

Variations in surface accuracy, found through the use of Dial indicator, are usually corrected by using a surface grinder or even by scraping the surface, by hand (another skilful aspect of engineering).

 
 
 
 
 
 
Dial indicators are often mounted on magnetic bases and used to provide accurate measurement, when using lathes, milling machines and surface grinders. The dial indicator shown opposite, is being used to test the accuracy of the ‘turned’ surface.
The dial is mounted on a magnetic base, so that it can be secured to the lathe ‘bed’ and accurate measurements taken
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