History of the Micrometer a Brief History of the Micrometer

Bulletin No. 2189 A Brief History of the Micrometer A Brief History of the Micrometer

A Brief History of the Micrometer

Published by Mitutoyo America Corporation 965 Corporate Blvd. Aurora, Illinois 60502 Phone: (630) 820-9666 Fax: (630) 978-3501 Email: [email protected] www.mitutoyo.com

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Printed June 2015 Contents

Foreword 2 History of Machine Tools and Micrometers 4 Chapter I: The Early Period 6 Threads Used in Linear Measurements First Attempt to Measure Length with Threads 6 Watt’s Tabletop Micrometer 7 "Lord Chancellor" by the Father of Machine Tools 8 The First Commercial Measuring Machine 9 Chapter II: The Bronze Age 10 Creating the Basic Design of a Micrometer The Birth of the Modern Micrometer 10 Born in France, Raised in America 11 Micrometers for Plate Thickness Measurements 12 Micrometers for All Applications 13 Chapter III: The Rise of Industry 14 Progress in Japan Expanding Technologies in Japan 14 Domestic Manufacturers Start R & D 15 Micrometers by Mitutoyo 16 Micrometers During the War 17 Chapter IV: Rise of "Made in Japan" 18 Period of Worldwide Expansion Hardships During and After the War 18 From Reconstruction to Mass Production 19 Innovations to Meet Industry Needs 20 Maturity Through Intense Competition 21 Chapter V : A Partner of Information System 22 Moving into the Silicon Age From Reading Graduations to Looking at a Display 22 Advancements in Digital Displays 23 Merits of Data Output 24 Completing a Full Circle 25 Chapter VI: The Future of Micrometers 26 The Next generation of micrometers A Revolutionary Advancement in Micrometer Technology 26 Pioneering Design: 2mm Feed Per Revolution 28 Index 30

A Brief History of the Micrometer 1 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Foreword

ver 4.6 billion years ago, Planet Earth was formed. OOur distant ancestors debuted only 5 million years ago. Though primitive, they were believed to have used stones as tools. A scant 500 thousand years ago, modern man (homosapiens) roamed the land. Today, their descendants use tools to build large structures, design high speed vehicles, and manufacture microscopic parts too small for the human eye to see.

Making this possible are fabricating devices called Machine Tools. Also known as the 'Mother Machine', they are one of the foundations of industrial progress. Originally created to meet the manufacturing needs of watchmakers, their use has extended to all aspects of manufacturing.

To meet and ensure design specifications, it was necessary to incorporate measuring instruments into the production

2 A Brief History of the Micrometer line. As Machine Tools grew to become one of the essential elements of the manufacturing industry, so did the accompanying measuring instruments such as the Micrometer.

Invented in the 18th Century, the Micrometer was initially bulky and restricted to the tabletop. Over time, newer models became compact enough to be operated by one hand and still provide outstanding measuring accuracy.

This booklet covers the birth and evolution of Micrometers: tools essential to the progress of modern industry.

A Brief History of the Micrometer 3 A Brief History of the Micrometer

History of Machine Tools and Micrometers

Year Micrometers Industry and Machine Tools

c.200BC c.300BC BC period Screw thread invented Oldest turning machine found in Egypt

15th Century Before Leonardo da Vinci proposed lathe 1600 16th Century Gear-cutting machine developed

1639 1638 17th W. Gascoigne invented a W. Gascoigne utilised screw threads Century micrometer caliper comprising to observe stars. The first recorded of jaws and scale application of screw threads

1772 1713 J. Watt invented the table-top J.Maritz invented the vertical boring machine micrometer 1763 Pertherwood invented a special turning machine to cut threads on cylinder surfaces 18th 1765 Century J. Watt granted a patent for the steam engine 1775 J. Wilkinson invented a boring machine to cut internal cylinders, contributing to increased power of steam engines.

1805 c.1800 H. Maudslay invented the table- H. Maudslay, the father of machine tools, top micrometer called ‘Lord invented reciprocating gear-cutting lathe Chancellor’ 1827 1848 E. Whitney invented the horizontal J. Palmer received a patent for his milling machine micrometer called ‘Palmer System’ 1830 19th in France B. Thimonnier invented the sewing Century 1855 machine J. Whitworth invented a horizontal 1838 calibration machine and made it R. Buchanan invented the radial available for sale boring machine 1868 Brown & Sharpe invented pocket- sized micrometers for measuring plate thicknesses

4 A Brief History of the Micrometer Year Micrometers Industry and Machine Tools

1877 1876 19th Victor Machine placed an ad for N. Otto invented the combustion Century their micrometer in the inaugural engine issue of American Machinist

1920 ~ 1935 1903 Several Japanese manufacturers Wright brothers succeeded in start producing micrometers their first flight 1938 1907 Mitutoyo starts producing H. Ford introduced the Model T, Micrometers the first car to be mass-produced 1947 1941 Mitutoyo restarts producing US suspends export of machines Micrometers after WWII to Japan 1953 1952 Mitutoyo produced the 3 meter MIT produced first NC milling 20th outside micrometer, the largest machine Century in the world 1956 1969 Fanuc produced the NC turret Mitutoyo started producing punch press machine, the first in 3-pointed inside micrometers Japan 1979 1958 First digital Micrometer in Japan US Kerney Trecker produced first introduced by Mitutoyo machining center 1982 Japanese machine tools are recorded as the largest in terms of value in the world

2003 2001 Mitutoyo introduced its first Kyoto Protocol to reduce the emission coolant-proof micrometer of greenhouse gases completed 21st 2004 2006 Century Mitutoyo introduced its Japanese Machine tool industry improved ratchet-thimble achieved the largest annual sales worth micrometer $14.3 billion, exceeding 1990 records

A Brief History of the Micrometer 5 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Chapter I: The Early Period

First Attempt to Measure Length with Threads

H. Gascoigne's Micrometer Caliper

easurement started as early as not use threads to directly measure M5000 years ago when the Egyp- the objects. Nevertheless, his method tians built the Pyramids. of measuring distances by thread The principle of screw threads displacement was similar to modern was used by the Greeks to raise wa- methods. ter from a lower to a higher level. The In the following year, he invented idea of using these same threads for a measuring gage called the"Caliper measurement did not exist then. Micrometer". The system comprised It was during the 17th century of a rotating handle attached to the when threads were utilised to meas- end of a threaded rod connected to a ure the length of objects. In 1638, movable jaw. A reading was achieved the English astronomer W. Gascoigne by counting the revolutions of the used the principle of threads to meas- handle against an attached disc. The ure the distance of stars. Fine-adjust- disc divided one rotation into 10 equal ing his telescope by screw threads, parts, thus he could measure the dis- he measured the stars in the nightly tance covered by the moving jaw with sky. However in this method, he did accuracy.

6 A Brief History of the Micrometer Threads Used in Linear Measurements

Watt’s Tabletop Micrometer

James Watt's Tabletop micrometer (replica)

ore than a century after Gas- of the threads. The larger graduated Mcoigne invented his measuring disc indicates revolution of threads, instrument, James Watt of the steam while the smaller one indicates engine fame invented the first bench- fractions of an inch. The smallest type micrometer. A key concept of reading on the large dial face was his design was magnification based 1/10000 of an inch. on threads. In all history books, his At the time, gages were gener- name is always mentioned, and with ally large and cumbersome to oper- good reason: Without Watt, a history ate, and for that reason his gage was of micrometers cannot be written. designed to be used on a workbench. His invention, briefly described, James Watt was the first to em- consists of a rack-and-pinion mecha- ploy a "U"-shaped frame, and can be nism connected to rotating threads. recognised as a standard design for In practice, a measuring blade at- modern micrometers. However, for a tached to the rack advances and long period of time following Watt’s makes contact with an object to invention, the "U"-shaped frame was be measured. The movement of not used, and micrometers using this threads was measured by a pair of design did not appear in the market. graduated discs attached to the end

A Brief History of the Micrometer 7 A Brief History of the Micrometer

"Lord Chancellor" by the Father of Machine Tools

Maudslay's "Lord Chanceller" a table-top micrometer

n the early part of the 19th century, high regard, second only to Leonardo ISir Henry Maudslay was known as da Vinci. “The Producer of Best Machine Tools“ Maudslay also left his mark in in London. measuring instruments. His table- His screw-cutting lathe invented top micrometer, called "Lord Chan- circa 1800 was said to be the origin cellor", was the most precise of that of modern Machine Tools. Moreover, day and considered as the beginning he produced a dedicated machine to of precision measuring instruments. mass manufacture pulleys used in sail- It was a brass four-legged table- ing ships. He also conceived the idea top device about 40cm long, and of modern machine shops, and pro- featured a pair of blocks to sand- vided input for the development of wich objects. Below the saddle was surface grinders and milling machines. an opening, and to its edge were He was well respected in England 1/10000 inch graduations. It was and was called the "Father of Ma- so precise that it was retested years chine Tools". In the field of machine later in 1918 and was still found to tools, Maudslay's name is held in be accurate.

8 A Brief History of the Micrometer Threads Used in Linear Measurements

The First Commercial Measuring Machine

Whitworth's "Millionth of an inch" measuring machine

ames Watt and Maudslay's table- well known for the threads bearing his Jtop micrometers were largely lim- name — Whitworth Thread. Whitworth ited to private use. It was only during was also excellent in managing the later part of the 19th century that machine shop operations. He also precision measuring machines were created a method to make flat surface made available for sale. plates, and simplified maintenance by It was Sir Joseph Whitworth using standardized screw threads. He who introduced one of the most always experimented and tested a remarkable instruments of that period: prototype, and his decision was based his "millionth of an inch" (0.254µm) on supporting data. His knowledge measuring machine, many of which aided in streamlining manufacturing were sold to the general public. Today, operations and establishing analytical a 1.8 meter-long Whitworth measuring control systems. machine is displayed at the Mitutoyo He was a frontrunner in the mid Museum. 19th century and his contributions left Sir Whitworth was one of the giants an indelible mark in the development in engineering after Maudslay: He was of Machine Tools.

A Brief History of the Micrometer 9 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Chapter II: The Bronze Age

The Birth of the Modern Micrometer

Palmer's Micrometer displayed in Paris

oday's standard Micrometer fea- Modern micrometers closely fol- Ttures a "U"-shaped frame and low the Palmer System’s basic design one handed operation. Many manu- of a "U"-shaped frame, thimble, facturers share this common microm- sleeve, spindle, anvil, etc. The reading eter design. The origin of this design edge of the thimble was slightly ta- can be traced back to the French in- pered down to meet the graduations ventor J. Palmer who received his pat- on the sleeve. The circumference of ent in 1848. It was called the “Palmer the thimble was divided into 20 equal System”. parts, thus providing accuracy of up As stated earlier, using screw to 0.05mm. threads for measuring linear distances Brown and Sharpe of B&S Co. has its origin in Gascoigne's invention visited the International Exposition in in 1638. Essentially, Palmer used the Paris in 1867. It was there that they same principle in his compact hand- both witnessed the Palmer System held micrometer. However, his design for the first time and made the deci- was more advanced and marked the sion to bring it back to America. This beginning of modern micrometers. encounter in Paris led to a successful Palmer's contribution was immeasur- introduction of micrometers across able in the history of the micrometer. the Atlantic.

10 A Brief History of the Micrometer Creating the Basic Design of a Micrometer

Born in France, Raised in America

he Palmer System brough back fections: they could improve upon the Tto America by Brown and Sharpe original design by replacing it with a was not perfect in workmanship. It finer 40 threads per inch spindle. employed 1mm pitch threads and The Palmer System was brought was accurate up to 0.05mm. While across the Atlantic by two American the drawings of Palmer's patent ap- entrepreneurs, and it was in America plication were carefully rendered, the where improvements in micrometer design could be improved. For exam- design took place in earnest. It was the ple, it offered no spindle clamp. More countless new innovations added to it importantly, the graduated lines were in America that made the micrometer not equally spaced. so popular today. The modern microm- However, Brown and Sharpe did eter was truly born in France and raised not pay attention to these minor imper- in America.

A Brief History of the Micrometer 11 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Micrometers for Plate Thickness Measurements

Brown & Sharpe's pocket micrometer for plate thickness

icrometers were needed in The appearance and principles MAmerica for a good reason: used in the prototype were close to Manufacturers and customers could what a micrometer should be. Howev- not agree on the thickness of brass er, the reading of dimensions was com- plates, due to the fact that they each plicated. The operator was required to used their own special gages to take interpret the measured values based their readings. on the meeting point of the lines. This The chief inspector of Bridgeport design proved to be unsuccessful. Brass Plate Company was S. Wilmot. Brown and Sharpe studied the He produced six trial gages whose de- micrometer they brought back from sign was influenced by the table-top Paris, and added two features: a micrometer produced by a company in mechanism to hold spindle threads New York. It was Wilmot who present- better, and a spindle clamp. Their ed one of his prototypes to the Brown tiny pocket-type micrometer was pro- and Sharpe Company, and suggested duced in 1868 and introduced in the that they market it for general use. market the following year.

12 A Brief History of the Micrometer Creating the Basic Design of a Micrometer

Micrometers for All Applications

Micrometer Caliper Introduced by Victor Machine Co.

rown and Sharpe correctly sur- It appeared that both Brown and Bmised that micrometers would be Sharpe and Victor Machine had devel- a necessity in all machine shops. In oped micrometers almost simultaneous- 1877, nearly 10 years after their tiny ly. At this period in America, the sewing pocket-type micrometers debuted, machine was soon to become a popular Brown and Sharpe produced their first product. To manufacture parts and com- 11inch outside micrometers (accurate ponents for sewing machines more pre- to 0.001inch or 0.0254mm). It took cisely, the micrometer was a must. them a long time to reach this point. Regardless of which company The inaugural issue of American was the first to introduce it to the Machinists in November 1877 carried market, both companies ensured that an advertisement placed by Victor Ma- they were widely available. Microm- chine Co., announcing a new micrometers were now used in machine shops eter made in America. There was no to improve product quality. It was the advertisement placed by Brown and efforts of these companies to mass- Sharpe. produce and promote micrometers that deserves recognition.

A Brief History of the Micrometer 13 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Chapter III: The Rise of Industry

Expanding Technologies in Japan

Textile factory in the 1910s (Source: Gunze)

n Japan, the aspiration to become a prototypes. With this support, domestic I"nation of power and technology" manufacturers in Japan were ready to emerged during the Meiji period. This produce products themselves. spirit was further enforced during the Such companies started by taking Taisho and Showa periods that fol- foreign-made products and creating lowed. Consistent with this direction, their equivalents domestically. In the the Japanese government also helped process, they acquired technical know- bring advanced foreign technologies how and created production techniques into Japan, supporting the growth of suitable for their own situation. its domestic industries. The Army, Navy At the time, the domestic industry and Air Force, together with the Rail- was dominated by textile production. road Ministry also pushed industrialisa- The production of airplanes and cars for tion in Japan. military use only just started. The con- With this as a backdrop, a move sumption of tools increased in tandem to create domestic companies dealing with the push for industrialization. in advanced industries such as machine After the Manchurian Incident, tools and measuring instruments start- the production of airplanes accelerated ed. To help in this process, govenment which in turn boosted the need for ma- organizations helped import products chine tools and measuring instruments from overseas and assisted in creating of all kinds.

14 A Brief History of the Micrometer Progress in Japan

Domestic Manufacturers Start R & D

Model of Early Mitutoyo factory in Kamata, Tokyo

he first use of a micrometer in According to the official record, Tthe factory in Japan was at the Sonoike Manufacturing Co., then end of the Meiji period. At the time, the best known machine tools and it was limited to a handful of compa- fixture maker, made a prototype nies. With the use of micrometers, micrometer in 1918. They made it they were able to measure products based on C. E. Johansson's model. more accurately and quickly. As a re- In 1921, Sonoike Mfg. Co. par- sult, there was a significant drop in ticipated in a machine tool show rejected products. organized by the government, dis- Imported micrometers were playing inch and metric micrometers limited in number. Some compa- as well as micrometer heads. nies tried to make micrometers Shortly after 1929, Tsugami themselves. The first attempt was Mfg. Co. and from 1931 through not recorded and there is no way 1934, Mitutoyo, Mitsuiseiki, NSK, to tell whether it was a private or Fujikochi, started R&D work on military organization. It is also im- micrometers. possible to tell when this move first started in Japan.

A Brief History of the Micrometer 15 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Micrometers by Mitutoyo

First Mitutoyo Micrometer

Promotional towel distributed nationwide

itutoyo was among the group The World's Best Micrometer". Mof manufacturers that started to The leading principles of his com- work on micrometers in the early pe- pany were "Good Environment, Good riod. Its founder, Yehan Numata, pur- People, and Good Technology". Hav- chased a small lot in Kamata, Tokyo, in ing led his small group, he understood 1934. He started his R&D efforts, hop- the importance of the mindset of his ing to introduce his micrometers one coworkers. Yehan Numata believed day. Three years later, after countless that good people could be raised in a trial-and-error attempts, he finally pro- good working environment. duced the first Mitutoyo micrometer In order to manufacture products for sale. trusted by users, he knew that the pro- Their first commercially available cess of educating his coworkers was micrometer was produced in 1937. essential. A concept of raising good To promote the first lot of microm- people first before making products eters, a special promotional towel is not new today. This approach at was prepared. On it was a slogan: Mitutoyo started over 70 years ago. "Good, Inexpensive and Long Lasting:

16 A Brief History of the Micrometer Chapter III: The Rise of Industry

Progress in Japan

Micrometers During the War

Battleship Yamato under construction (Source: Yamato Museum)

icrometers made in Japan became with the Yamato, the largest battleship Mavailable from several sources. ever built. Comprehensive planning However, not many of them received the was needed to produce a battleship level of trust they had expected. It was as large as the Yamato in a narrow difficult to manufacture micrometers shipyard, and make it seaworthy by without prior experience. It was equally the set deadline. Necessary compo- difficult to have them accepted by users nents, often extremely large, must be who preferred imported brands. delivered to the specified location on Meanwhile, the nation started to the specified day to make the best use prepare for war in 1941. Demand for of a limited-space dry dock. To over- micrometers increased along with in- come this enormous task of building creased production of war materials such the largest battleship, it was necessary as guns, battleships and airplanes. As to standardize components and parts. imported goods were restricted, the mili- As a result, the "Just-In-Time" method tary government authorised Mitutoyo to was formulated out of necessity. continue the production of micrometers. The road to standardization start- This production was carried out until the ed here, and years later this process end of the war. was adopted in production and quality This is not well known, but the control. In short, the Battleship Yama- first serious attempt to manage pro- to was the roots of modern production duction processes in Japan started methods in Japan.

A Brief History of the Micrometer 17 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Chapter IV: Rise of "Made in Japan"

Hardships During and After the War

Private citizens supporting the war efforts

hroughout the WWII period and ated. Skilled engineers and workers Teven thereafter, the production had gone to the battlefields, leaving of micrometers encountered enor- behind the young, the old, and the mous difficulties. A nation engaged in womenfolk. war required micrometers to produce Then came the end of WWII. high accuracy and high quality war All major cities had been burned to materials such as tanks, battleships, ashes, and Mitutoyo's Kamata Factory airplanes, guns and ammunition. How- was no exception. The adjacent Mi- ever, micrometers were in short supply. zonokuchi Factory ceased to operate Meanwhile, so called ABCD-line and closed its doors. With only a few allies stopped all shipments of essen- security personnel to guard the prop- tial raw materials. This aggravated an erty, the entire operation was closed. already short supply of raw materi- Later, soldiers from overseas als for the metalworking industry. To returned to their homeland. The na- produce a less than perfect product tion awoke to a different world, and or to create waste was not toler- slowly started to rebuild itself.

18 A Brief History of the Micrometer Period of Worldwide Expansion

From Reconstruction to Mass Production

Conveyor-belt line during the 1960s

econstruction of a nation had be- By the 1950s, domestic demand Rgun. But basic items such as food, for consumer goods such as televi- clothing, and living necessities had to sions and cars had increased and gave be provided for first. It took a while momentum to the manufacturing for measuring gages to make a come- sector. Against this backdrop, mass back. Nevertheless, in October 1947, production had started, and in the Mitutoyo restarted production of process stimulated the economy in micrometers and in 1949 it was ready Japan. To achieve the goals of a large for full production. scale production, all parts must be In the international scene, po- made within much tighter tolerances. larization of two major powers was Statistical Process Control to man- established and war broke out in the age production runs and rational ap- Korean Peninsula. The US military proaches in manufacturing took the personnel stationed in Japan moved centerstage during this period. quickly to Korea. In so doing, they A trend toward tighter size con- turned to Japan for military materials, trol was not limited to mass-produced thus igniting a round of economic ac- parts. In shipbuilding and in steel tivities which revived the metalwork- mills, micrometers were also used to ing industry. validate specifications.

A Brief History of the Micrometer 19 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Innovations to Meet the Needs

Extra large micrometer for heavy industry

s the manufacturing sector in 1: Satin-chrome finished thimble, sleeve, AJapan regained its strength, the and frame: Improved contrast of grad- areas of application where a microm- uated lines and assured longer tool life. eter could be used increased steadily. 2: Friction Thimble: In addition to the standard ratchet stop, this feature was The measuring range of micrometers added to provide constant pressure, also increased significantly. For ex- making it easy for an operator to use ample, in 1953 a micrometer capable it with one hand. of measuring a 3 meter diameter was 3: Hardened and ground spindle produced and sent to a shipbuilder to threads to achieve higher accuracy measure a shaft. and durability. By taking into account user feed- 4: Carbide-tipped measuring faces for back on micrometer specifications, more precision and durability. the quality of Made-in-Japan microm- 5: The conventional ring clamp was redesigned to a lever-type spindle clamp. eters reached a point where they were 6: Special-purpose micrometers for threads acceptable to overseas customers. and other forms were produced. Some of the improvements made were: 7: Mechanical type digital counter was added to standard micrometers.

20 A Brief History of the Micrometer Period of Worldwide Expansion

Maturity Through Intense Competition

Micrometer bearing "Made in Japan"

uring the WWII and a few years surpass them in quality and price. All Dthereafter, the quality of "less told, “Made in Japan” products started than perfect" micrometers started to to be accepted by customers in many improve dramatically due in part to the countries, and the micrometer was no rising demands of end-users. Research exception. Behind all this was a series and development had also begun to of improvements that took place in ar- discover materials that would not be eas such as materials, manufacturing affected significantly by variations in methods, assembly, and process con- temperature. Another area of research trol. Surviving through intense compe- during this period was to find a new tition, Mitutoyo established itself as a way to cut spindle threads - the heart leader in high-tech micrometers. of the micrometer. Innovations in electronics The quality improvement of mi- changed the way all measuring instru- crometers was one thing, but contain- ments were perceived: The emphasis ing manufacturing costs was another. had shifted from reading graduated In spite of that, Mitutoyo's microm- lines to glancing at LCD displays. The eters gradually became comparable advent of electronics gave rise to a to foreign counterparts and started to new breed of micrometers.

A Brief History of the Micrometer 21 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Chapter V : A Partner of Information System

From Reading Graduations to Looking at a Display

Digital Micrometers (mechanical and electronic models)

he bulky table-top microm- It became necessary for standard T eters of the past had been micrometers to be redesigned to show completely transformed into a much measured dimensions in digits — a simpler and easier gage to handle on move from reading graduations to look- the shop floor. A revised micrometer ing at LCD display. frame allowed it to reach areas once Earliest models were based inaccessible by old models. Not long on mechanical digital counters. ago, machinists needed to take time to Those were capable of resolutions carefully read and interpret line gradu- up to 1/100mm. With the advent ations. Everyone understood that one of LED/LCD, 7-segments, and other must pay attention in the reading pro- innovations, micrometers were given cess. If a micrometer was used only a a chance to incorporate what the few times a day, it would not matter; latest in microchip technology offered. but if the reading should be repeated Thus, Digital Micrometers based on tens and hundreds of times a day, the electronics became a standard. process of reading micrometers became It opened up a potential area where very time consuming. Moreover, opera- micrometers might still be improved in tor fatigue would cause reading errors. view of a total measurement system.

22 A Brief History of the Micrometer Moving into the Silicon Age

Advancements in Digital Displays

eading a micrometer is a delicate Roperation: machinists are trained Introducing Count Micrometers to add one revolution to a micrometer reading depending on how many turns because many seasoned machinists the thimble has turned. For example, didn’t need the digital counter. They a thimble reading may suggest either were also not satisfied with the limita- 8.23mm or 8.73mm. This decision tion of an accuracy of only 1/100mm. must be made by looking at the sleeve They demanded a finer digital resolu- more intently — a process of learning tion of 1/1000mm (1µm). The birth of how to read a micrometer. microchips and LSIs has also changed The introduction of the digital the industry, and demand steadily micrometer eliminated this possible increased for these higher accuracy reading error, and became the pre- micrometers. ferred system for all users the world The first LCD digital model with over. The advertisement above intro- a resolution of 1/1000mm offered duces a new model called the "Count by Mitutoyo required three batteries Micrometer". This feature was added and was rather heavy. One notewor- to all models to make readings fast thy feature on this early model was and accurate. However, the classic line a plug-in connector to send data to graduated models were still produced other devices.

A Brief History of the Micrometer 23 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Merits of Data Output

Overview of a Quality Control System (in 1987)

C Machines and automation in also changed from a simple hand-held Nthe field of machine tools revolu- micrometer to an input device for a tionised the traditional method of pro- total information system. duction. In larger factories, total con- In the manufacturing sector, trol systems were deployed through the ultimate goal of information computer technology where data is technology is to build a climate of stored and shared by many users. This shared data throughout the entire required a flexible system of control to organisation. With this in mind, cope with a wide variety of products Mitutoyo's digital micrometers fea- produced in small lots. ture an output port for download- In this day and age where dimen- ing so that creating SPC and other sional tolerances are much tighter and reports are easily done. the products manufactured are more This approach leads to the pre- complex, quality control and produc- diction of controlled dimensions tion methods must also be evolved and avoidance of potential hazards from a single point of measurement in quality control. With this line of to multi-faceted operations. In so do- thought, Mitutoyo is at the cutting ing, the expectations for a gage has edge of technology.

24 A Brief History of the Micrometer Moving into the Silicon Age

Completing a Full Circle

Ads for Digimatic products

arge and medium size companies of the "very best" in its intended L aim for consolidation of all data field without accommodating re- in plant operations, from materials quests raised from all levels of users. to quality control, and from initial de- In the process of product planning, sign stage to the final product. Not all engineers must look at the market manufacturing operations are alike in through a lens resembling a com- the pursuit of their goals. The major- pound eye. ity of medium-to-small companies in From the outset, only a handful Japan do not need such a comprehen- of companies started making mi- sive system in quality control. crometers, and were joined by nearly Some users pay more attention a dozen more in Japan. Emerging on how to maximise the value of a from this, the winner was Mitutoyo, single micrometer. Those who are which has been producing microm- in this group demand compactness, eters for over seventy years. It pro- long-lasting battery life, waterproof- duces literally hundreds of types of ing and low cost; all of which are micrometers for every conceivable reasonable and realistic requests. A purpose. Behind all this is a spirit of product cannot achieve the status putting the users' needs first.

A Brief History of the Micrometer 25 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Chapter VI: The Future of Micrometers

A Revolutionary Advancement in Micrometer Technology

Range: 0~25mm Resolution: 0.001mm

Range: 25~50mm Resolution: 0.001mm

brief history of the micrometer available. However, the thimble would A has been presented in the pre- also need to accommodate 100 lines ceding chapters. For all micrometers, on its circumference, which would re- the core element of magnification was sult in a far larger thimble. This would the screw threads that transformed negatively affect one handed opera- minute linear displacements into larger tion of a micrometer. To keep it within areas represented by the thimble. The a reasonable size, space between the accuracy of the threads dictated the graduation lines must be made nar- accuracy of a micrometer. rower, even though it may be harder Since the early days, microm- to read. eters employed 0.5mm pitch threads The new Mitutoyo QuantuMike (.025in. for inch models), which took introduced in 2007 is based on a 50 revolutions to travel from 0 to 2mm thread pitch — moving four 25mm. Proportionally, it would move times faster than the conventional de- twice as fast if a 1mm thread pitch signs. This unique configuration has was used. Such micrometers are also never been attempted before.

26 A Brief History of the Micrometer A Revolutionary Advancement in micrometer technology

itutoyo unleashes the next Mgeneration of micrometers, delivering unsurpassed performance since the innovation by James Watt in 1772. Thanks to the integration of sophisticated manufacturing and cutting-edge technology from Mitutoyo, the QuantuMike far exceeds users’ expectations.

The name QuantuMike is derived from ‘Quantum’ and ‘Micrometer’, reflecting our belief that this tool represents a quantum leap in micrometer ergonomics. A Brief History of the Micrometer

Pioneering Design: 2mm Feed Per Revolution

Measuring coaxial workpiece

ll conventional micrometers re- Another significant technologi- Aquire 50 revolutions per 25mm. cal feature of the QuantuMike is its With 2mm screw threads, the new high-resolution. Conventional digital QuantuMike moves four times faster, micrometers based on 0.5mm pitch thus making it much easier to oper- threads subdivide one revolution of the spindle into 500 equal parts, thus ate. A little known fact: after a square reading to 0.001mm (1µm) resolu- workpiece is measured, the spindle tion. To provide the same reading for must be rolled back to disengage it. the four-times-faster QuantuMike, A short twist backward on the new one spindle rotation must be divided QuantuMike will allow this step to be into 2000 equal parts. For this rea- completed quicker. The secret is in the son, Mitutoyo developed a new disc unique, patented 2mm pitch threads encoder technology and is the first to design — another first by Mitutoyo. achieve this goal.

28 A Brief History of the Micrometer The Next Generation of Micrometers

Ratchet Ratchet on thimble on speeder

Ratchet-induced microvibrations Proven waterproof ensure repeatable measurements

シンブル部スピーダ部ラチェットラチェット

The QuantuMike is also enhanced uring widely different dimensions. with the following features: Function lock helps prevent error Repeatable measurement QuantuMike is equipped with a function The patented ratchet thimble mecha- lock feature to prevent the origin nism helps ensure repeatable results by point being moved by mistake during transmitting microvibrations along the measurement. spindle to the contact face to provide a Dust/water resistance with IP65 constant measuring force and encour- protection level age good contact with the workpiece. Excellent resistance against oil, water The ratchet works from the thimble as and dust enables this product to be used well as the speeder so it is always easy in machining situations that include to use - even when making measure- splashing of coolant fluid. ments one-handed. The sound of the The new QuantuMike is a break- ratchet provides the user with a sense of through in the history of micrometers. confidence and the speeder enables the This is what all future micrometers rapid spindle feed needed when meas- should be.

A Brief History of the Micrometer 29 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Index

A L American Machinists 13 Lord Chancellor 8 B M B&S Pocket-type Micrometer 12 Machine Tools 2, 3 Bridgeport Brass Plate Co. 12 History 4 Brown and Sharpe 10, 11, 12, 13 Mass Production 19 Maudslay, H. 8 C Micrometer Caliper Micrometer 6 “U”-shaped frame 7, 10 Count Micrometer 23 3 Meter Diameter 20 Dust/water Resistance 29 D Function Lock 29 High-Resolution 28 Digital Micrometers 22 History 4 Japan 15 F LCD display 22 Father of Machine Tools 8 Made in Japan 20, 21 Mechanical Digital Counters 22 G Modern 10 One Handed Operation 10 Gascoigne, W. 6 Plug-in Connector 23 J Reading Error 23 Repeatable Measurement 29 Japan Micrometer Caliper 13 First Micrometer 15 Millionth of an Inch Measuring Foreign Technologies 14 Machine 9 Industrialisation 14 Mitutoyo World War II 17 First Micrometer 16 Johansson, C. E. 15 Leading Principles 16 Just-In-Time method 17 QuantuMike. See QuantuMike

30 A Brief History of the Micrometer N T NC Machines 24 Tsugami Manufacturing Co. 15 Numata, Y. 16 V P Victor Machine 13 Palmer’s Micrometer 10 Palmer, J. 10 W Q Watt’s Tabletop Micrometer 7 Watt, J. 7 Quality Control System 24 Whitworth, J. 9 QuantuMike 26, 27, 28 Wilmot, S. 12 Features 29 World War II 17, 18 S Y Screw Threads 26 Yamato, Battleship 17 Magnification 7 Principle 6 Sonoike Manufacturing Co. 15 Statistical Process Control 19 System Palmer 10, 11

A Brief History of the Micrometer 31 A Brief History of the Micrometer

Mitutoyo North America Operations

Mitutoyo America Corporation Mitutoyo Canada Inc. Mitutoyo Mexico Corporate Headquarters Corporate Headquarters Corporate Headquarters Aurora, Illinois USA Mississauga, Ontario Canada Estado de Mexico, Mexico (905) 821-1261 (0155) 5312-5612

Mitutoyo America Corporation Established in 1963, Mitutoyo America Corporation has locations all across the US and Canada, including corporate offices, sales offices, 3M Solution Centers, calibration and repair laboratories, and research and development facilities. Mitutoyo America offers a full product line of precision measuring tools, instruments and equipment. Mitutoyo provides a comprehensive metrology organization, with dependable product and technical support, state-of the-art calibration and repair services, unmatched education and training programs and cutting-edge research and development. As the leading metrology company in the world, Mitutoyo is committed to future product development that applies breakthrough technologies to its full range of dimensional measurement tools, instruments and systems. With the belief that providing high quality metrology goods and services to its customers will in turn, allow its customers to provide high quality product to theirs, Mitutoyo continues to develop the most advanced and sophisticated metrology equipment available. ”Precision is our profession” is not just the company motto, but also the principle by which every Mitutoyo employee stands when serving Corporate Headquarters our customers. M3 Solution Center Mitutoyo Institute of Metrology CT Lab Calibration Laboratory Repair and Field Service Micro Encoder Inc R&D

32 A Brief History of the Micrometer Aurora 965 Corporate Blvd. Aurora, Illinois 60502

*M3 = Mitutoyo, Measurement, Metrology

*MMitutoyo3 = Mitutoyo, Measurement, Tools Metrologyand instruments can be seen and demonstrated conveniently at any one of nine Mitutoyo M3 Centers nationwide. These centers are fully equipped featuring operational models of the latest Mitutoyo tools and instruments. By appointment or walk- in basis, product demonstrations at M3 Solution Centers are carried out by our experienced, highly trained staff. Contact your Mitutoyo distributor or the Mitutoyo regional*M office3 = Mitutoyo, near Measurement, you for Metrology more information. Birmingham Houston 2100 Riverchase Ctr. 4560 Kendrick Plaza Dr. Suite 106 Suite 120 Birmingham, AL 35244 Houston, Texas 77032

Boston Los Angeles 753 Forest Street 16925 East Gale Ave. Suite 110 City of Industry, CA 91745 Marlborough, MA 01752

Charlotte Seattle 11515 Vanstory Drive 1000 SW 34th Street Suite 150 Renton, Washington 98057 Huntersville, NC 28078

Cincinnati Toronto 6220 Hi-Tek Court 2121 Meadowvale Blvd. Mason, OH 45040 Mississauga, Ontario Canada L5N 5N1

Detroit Montréal 44768 Helm Street 7075 Place, Robert-Joncas Plymouth, MI 48170 Suite 129 Montreal, Quebec Canada H4M 2Z2

A Brief History of the Micrometer 33 Mitutoyo America Corporation Find additional product www.mitutoyo.com literature and our product One Number to Serve You Better catalog 1-888-MITUTOYO (1-888-648-8869) www.mitutoyo.com M3 Solution Centers: Aurora, Illinois (Headquarters) Boston, Massachusetts Huntersville, North Carolina Mason, Ohio Trademarks and Registrations Plymouth, Michigan Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are City of Industry, California often claimed as trademarks. In all instances where Mitutoyo America Corporation is aware of a claim, the product names appear in initial Birmingham, Alabama capital or all capital letters. The appropriate companies should be Renton, Washington contacted for more complete trademark and registration information. Houston, Texas