A Buyer’s Guide to Calipers

Calipers are a type of measuring instrument that is designed to measure the diameter, length, thickness or distance of an object with little margin for error. They have two adjustable legs or jaws and are used in a number of commercial applications such as woodworking, design, metalworking, and more. There are currently many different kinds of calipers, with some being electronic or featuring digital displays, and others having dials

To find the most suitable pair of calipers for your application, you must understand how calipers work.

Calipers mainly measure objects that cannot be easily measured using a ruler or other measuring equipment. They have two legs attached to a central hinge, allowing them to move closer or further apart to reach a certain distance. Some calipers – like a vernier caliper – will feature a scale, while others – like a digital caliper, will have a clear display.

When using a vernier caliper specifically, be aware of zero error – which is one of the most common errors. This occurs when the vernier caliper is set in its closed position, but the zero on the vernier scale does not match the zero on the main scale. This is something workers must pay attention to when using vernier calipers.

As calipers are precision measurement tools, their applications are very broad, and it will depend on the industry and specific job requirements. Here are a few common applications of measuring calipers in the workplace.

Engineering and Design

Calipers are primarily used for drafting and design tasks, such as sketching and measuring intricate details. They are also used to take precise measurements of mechanical components when it comes to designing products. Calipers can also assist with checking the quality of prototypes before manufacturing the end product.

For example, civil engineering is a field where measurement is essential in the planning and design of infrastructure projects. Whether it is the process of building facilities, bridges, roads, tunnels, or water systems, the use of vernier calipers in civil engineering is vital to testing environment samples and specimens to determine whether a location is suitable for development.

Woodwork and Carpentry

Calipers are often used by workers to measure and mark dimensions on wooden materials that will later be used for cutting and assembly. This ensures the precision of joinery and any pieces cut, including dovetails and mortise-and-tenon joints. Workers can even use calipers to help verify the thickness of wood boards when completing a construction project.

Medical and Healthcare

Medical personnel utilise calipers to take measurements of a patient’s body dimensions for medical diagnosis. Other examples include using measuring calipers to assess the skinfold thickness for health or nutritional assessment, as well as measuring medical instruments, implants and prosthetic components.

Aerospace and Aviation

Calipers are used to check the thickness and dimensions of aircraft components as well as verify the size and alignment of rivet holes and fasteners. They can also be used to assist in the assembly and maintenance of aircraft parts.

Quality Control and Inspection

Calipers help to ensure that manufactured products are high in quality and created to exact specifications. They are often used when conducting inspections for dimensional accuracy and compliance with industry standards. Calipers are also used for monitoring and maintaining production processes.

Construction and Architecture

Workers use calipers to verify the dimensions and alignment of building components, in addition to checking the thickness of certain construction materials. They are also used to assess the straightness and accuracy of structural elements.

Metalworking and Fabrication

Metalworkers use calipers to measure the dimensions and thickness of metal plates and sheets. Calipers can also help with accessing weld joint clearances and quality, along with verifying the precision of metal parts and assemblies.

Picking the right caliper for business purposes is essential to ensure reliable performance and accurate measurements are made, especially on the job where errors can be costly. When choosing calipers for your business needs, consider some of the factors below:

Application and purpose

Make sure to determine the job requirements and needs. This way, you can make sure they are purchasing calipers that are able to complete the task efficiently. Additionally, some calipers come with specialised features for certain applications, such as dust or moisture resistance.

Type of caliper

Decide on the type of caliper for your operations. Common options include dial calipers, digital calipers, and vernier calipers, to name a few. The one you pick will depend on the level of precision required for a specific task and your preference.

Measurement range

Determine the measurement range needed for their specific applications. Make sure that the chosen calipers can measure dimensions within the required range.

Material and build quality

Ensure the calipers you select are made from high-quality materials that are built to withstand frequent use. For instance, stainless steel calipers tend to be more durable and resistant to corrosion, letting them last longer.

Resolution and precision

When picking a suitable caliper, think about its resolution. Digital calipers tend to provide higher precision and are easier for users to read. That said, for measuring the diameter of objects, you may consider getting a spring join caliper instead. Pick a caliper with a resolution suitable for your task.

Cost and budget

Consider your budget for calipers and balance the cost with the required features and quality. While it is crucial to stay within budget – especially for businesses – it is also best to avoid compromising on quality which could have an impact in the long run.

Quality and reliability of the supplier

Source calipers from reputable and well-known brands, suppliers, and distributors when possible, such as RS Components. Brands, suppliers, and distributors that have a good reputation tend to offer high-quality precision instruments, along with improved customer support and warranty options.

Calibration and measurement standards in Hong Kong

Make sure calipers are in compliance with the measurement standards in the region and country your business operations are based. This also includes measurement standards that you should understand and follow.

For instance, Hong Kong’s guidelines for measurement standards clearly state what calibration is – establishing a certain value based on measurement standards. The guidelines also state the types of measurement standards users should observe in order of importance, such as primary versus secondary standards, reference versus working standards, and transfer versus travelling standards.

Overall, in the fast-paced and precision-centric realm of business, the choice of tools can significantly impact operational accuracy and efficiency. Calipers are one such tool that is often used in many industries, not limited to the manufacturing, design, and engineering sectors. This makes them highly versatile and integral components for businesses.

By carefully choosing the right caliper and considering the specific needs of one’s tasks and requirements, you can improve the productivity, quality, and overall reliability of your operations while also minimising waste.

At RS Components, we have a wide selection of high quality calipers that you can choose from to meet your needs, whether you are a procurement specialist or a business owner.