UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
USBR 1007-89 PROCEDURE FOR
CALIBRATING DIAL INDICATORS
INTRODUCTION
This procedure is under the jurisdiction of the Geotechnical Services Branch, code D-3760, Research and Laboratory Services Division, Denver Office, Denver, Colorado. The procedure is issued under the fixed designation USBR 1007. The number immediately following the designation indicates the year of acceptance or the year of last revision.
1. Scope within the specified range, when the dial indicator reading is approached first with increasing and then with decreasing 1.1 This designation outlines the procedure for cali- spindle displacements. brating dial indicators for laboratory and field applications. 5.2.4 Range.-The measured values over which the 1.2 Method A outlines the calibration procedure using dial indicator is intended to measure, specified by upper precision gauge blocks; Method B outlines the calibration and lower limits. procedure using a micrometer fixture. 5.2.5 Repeatabil#y.-The degree to which displayed dial indicator readings vary for successive measurements 2. Applicable Documents of the same reference. 2.1 USBR Procedures: 6. Apparatus USBR 1000 Standards for Linear Measurement Devices USBR 3900 Standard Definitions of Terms and Symbols 6.1 Dial Indicator.-A dial indicator used for standard Relating to Soil Mechanics laboratory or field applications. 2.2 ASME Standard: 6.2 Method A -- Precision Gauge Block Calibration: ANSI B89.1.10 Dial Indicators (for Linear Measurement) 6.2.1 Precision Gauge Blocks (fig. la).-A set of steel 2.3 Federal Specification: gauge blocks (inch-pound or metric), usually rectangular, GGG-G-15C Gage Blocks and Accessories meeting the requirements of Federal Specifications GGG- G-15C and those requirements identified in USBR 1000 3. Summary of Method for precision gauge blocks. A gauge block set should contain sizes (or combination of sizes) necessary to satisfactorily 3.1 Comparison readings between a dial indicator and perform the "calibration procedure as outlined in either precision gauge blocks (method A) or a micrometer paragraph 10. fixture (method B) are used to determine the accuracy, 6.2.2 Dial Indicator Comparator Stand (fig. lb).-A repeatability, and hysteresis of the dial indicator. The results stand consisting of a base; ground to a guaranteed flatness are used to evaluate the acceptability of dial indicators for and warp-free stability; a support column and an adjustable laboratory and field use. arm onto which the dial indicator can be securely attached. 6.3 Method B- Micrometer Fixture Calibration: 4. Significance and Use 6.3.1 Micrometer Fixture (fig. 2a).-A precision instrument capable of obtaining comparison readings over 4.1 Accurate linear measurements are required to the full range of the dial indicator. The spindle must be obtain proper data for laboratory and field use. nonrotating and spring loaded. The micrometer fixture 4.2 Calibrate dial indicators when purchased and is to be calibrated annually by the manufacturer. annually thereafter. 6.3.2 Magnetic Base DialIndicatorHolder (fig. 2b).- A magnetic base with a solid upright post adapted with 5. Terminology a swivel snug, gauge rod, and dial indicat& clamp with. fine adjustment capabilities. 5.1 Definitions are in accordance with USBR 3900. 5.2 Terms not included in USBR 3900 specific to this 7. Precautions designation are: 5.2.1 Accuracy.-The degree to which displayed dial 7.1 Safety Precautions.-The dial indicator case, stem, indicator readings vary from known spindle displacements. spindle, and contact point are to be examined for burrs 5.2.2 Graduation.-The least measured value which and sharp edges. is marked on the dial indicator face. 7.2 Technical Precautions: 5.2.3 Hysceresis.-The difference in displayed dial 7.2.1 The dial face is to be examined for clarity of indicator readings at any particular spindle displacement graduations. USBR bil)(:l,7
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9. Conditioning 10.5.4.3 Read and record the dial gauge reading and the gauge block(s) used. 9.1 Perform this calibration in an environment as close 10.5.4.4 Remove the gauge block(s) and record to 68 °F (20 °C) as possible. the dial indicator reading. 9.2 The dial indicator, calibration gauge blocks, and 10.5.4.5 Repeat subparagraphs 10.5.4.1 through dial indicator comparator stand and base should be in the 10.5.4.4 a minimum of three times. environment in which they are to be calibrated for at least 10.5.4.6 Subparagraph 10.5.4 should be followed 24 hours prior to calibration. at approximately 25, 50, and 75 percent of full range of the dial indicator. 10. Procedure 10.6 Method B- Micrometer Fixture Calibration: 10.6.1 Mount the dial indicator on the bench of the 10.1 All data are to be recorded on the "Dial Indicator micrometer fixture utilizing the magnetic base dial indicator Calibration Sheet" as shown on figure 3. holder as shown on figure 5. 10.2 Record the range and graduation of the dial 10.6.2 Accuracy Determination: indicator to be calibrated. 10.6.2.1 Displace the dial indicator spindle so the 10.3 Locate and record the manufacturer and serial indicator hand registers 0.000 by turning the micrometer number of the dial indicator to be calibrated. If it has no head. serial number, record the model number and any identifying 10.6.2.2 Set the micrometer head to read 0.000. marking. 10.6.2.3 Read and record the zero readings on the 10.4 Record the type and serial number of the reference dial indicator calibration form. standard to be used. 10.6.2.4 Displace the dial indicator spindle by 10.5 Method A -- Precision Gauge Block Calibration: turning the micrometer head in equal increments (a 10.5.1 Mount the dial indicator on the dial indicator minimum of four increments per revolution of the dial comparator stand as shown on figure 4a. indicator hand) over the entire range of the dial. Read 10.5.2 Accuracy Determination: and record the readings of both the dial indicator and the 10.5.2.1 Position the dial indicator on the dial indi- micrometer fixture at each increment. Record the dial cator comparator stand. Adjust the dial indicator in such indicator readings to the highest readability possible-- a manner that when the contact point of the spindle rests based on smallest graduation of the dial indicator hand. firmly on the comparator stand base, the hand registers 10.6.3 Hysteresis Determination: 0.000. 10.6.3.1 Displace the spindle of the dial indicator 10.5.2.2 Record the zero reading on the dial by turning the micrometer head in the opposite direction indicator calibration form. to that used in subparagraph 10.6.2.1. 10.5.2.3 Displace the dial indicator spindle by 10.6.3.2 Read and record dial indicator and inserting gauge blocks of appropriate thicknesses between micrometer fixture readings at the same increments as the comparator base and the contact point of the dial performed in subparagraph 10.6.2.4. indicator as shown on figure 4b. These gauge blocks should 10.6.4 Repeatability Determination: be of such thickness that the hand can be displaced in 10.6.4.1 Adjust both the dial indicator and the approximately equal increments (a minimum of four micrometer fixtureto read 0.000. increments per revolution of the dial indicator hand) over 10.6.4.2 Displace the spindle of the dial indicator the entire range of the dial. Record the gauge block(s) by turning the micrometer fixture to cause the appropriate used (reference standard length) and the dial indicator revolution of the dial indicator hand. (See subpar. 10.6.4.8.) reading at each increment. Record the dial indicator 10.6.4.3 Turn the micrometer fixture head to read readings to the highest readability possible--based on 0.000. smallest graduation of the dial indicator dial. 10.6.4.4 Read and record the micrometer reading 10.5.3 Hysteresis Determination: and corresponding dial indicator reading. 10.5.3.1 Displace the spindle of the dial indicator 10.6.4.5 Turn the micrometer fixture head to by inserting the same gauge blocks as used in subpara- return the micrometer back to zero. graph 10.5.2.3. This time insert the gauge blocks in reverse 10.6.4.6 Read and record the micrometer reading order; i.e., thickest block to thinnest. and corresponding dial indicator reading. 10.5.3.2 Read and record dial indicator readings 10.6.4.7 Repeat subparagraphs 10.6.4.1 through for each gauge block used. 10.6.4.6 a minimum of three times. 10.5.4 Repeatabffity Determination: 10.6.4.8 Subparagraph 10.6.4 should be followed 10.5.4.1 Remove all gauge blocks from beneath at approximately 25, 50, and 75 percent of full range of the contact point. Readjust the dial indicator on the support the dial indicator. column so that the hand registers 0.000 with the contact point resting on the comparator base and record the value. 11. Calculations 10.5.4.2 Rotate the hand of the dial indicator by displacing the dial indicator spindle using an appropriate 11.1 Calculations for determining the accuracy, size (or combination of) gauge block(s). (See subpar. hysteresis, and repeatability of the dial indicator are as 10.5.4.6.) shown on the "Dial Indicator Calibration Sheet" (fig. 3).
10 USBR 1007
7-2349 (5.86) DIAL INDICATOR CALIBRATION SHEET Bureau of Reclamation Desiinat|onUSBR 1007---8_•
DIAL INDICATOR RANGE/GRADUATIONS 0-1.000 inch / 0.001 inch
MANUFACTURER Example SERIAL NO D1-115281
REFERENCE STANDARD USED:. [] GAUGE BLOCKS SERIAL NO M F- I00 I• MICROMETER FIXTURE SERIAL NO.
CALIBRATION PERFORMED BY DATE
CALIBRATION CHECKED BY DATE
ACCURACY HYSTER EElS R EPEATABILITY
TRIAL REFERENCE DIAL DIFFER- TRIAL REFERENCE DIAL HYSTER- BASE RETRACTED RETURN REPEAT- NO. STANDARD INDICATOR ENCE NO. STANDARD INDICATOR ESIS DIAL READING READING ASILITY LENGTH READINGS (2) - (3) LENGTH READING (3) - (7) READING
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (to) (11) (g)- (tl)
I 0. 000 0.000 0.000 89 .0.000 0.000 O. 000 I 12 REV{)LUT I ON
2 0. 025 0.025 0.000 88 0.025 0.024 O.001
3 .0;050 o.o56 o.-ooo- 87 0.o5o 0.050 0.000 0.000 0.050 0.000 0.000 4 O.001 0. 075 0.075 0.000 86 0.075 0.074 0.000 0.050 0.ooo o.ooo 0.100 0.100 5 O. lO0 0.000 85 0.100 0.000 0.000 0.050 0.000 0.000
6 O. 125 0.125 "0.000 84 0;125 0.125 0.000 2 I/2 REVC _UTIONS--- 7 O. 150 0.150 0.000 83 0.150 0.150 0.000 0.175 82 0.175 0.175 8 •0. 175 0.000 0.000
9 0.200 0.200 0.000 81 0.200 0.199 0.001 0.000 0.250 0.000 0.000
0.000 0.250 0.000 0.000
0.000 0.250 0.000 0.O00
ACCURACY: ACCEPT [] HYSTERESIS: ACCEPT [] REPEATABILITY: ACCEPT []
REJECT [] REJECT [] REJECT []
REMARKS: Only partial calibration data shown.
GDO 850-947
Figure 3. - Dial indicator calibration sheet --example.
ll USBR ]LC•07
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