CALIBRATION: The calibration of any measuring

instrument is necessary to measure the quantity in terms

of standard unit. It is the process of framing the scale of
the instrument by applying some standardized signals.
Calibration is a pre-measurement process, generally

carried out by manufacturers. It is carried out by making

adjustments such that the read out device produces zero
output for zero measured input. Similarly, it should
display an output equivalent to the known measured input
near the full scale input value. The accuracy of the
instrument depends upon the calibration. Constant use of
instruments affects their accuracy. If the accuracy is to be
maintained, the instruments must be checked and
recalibrated if necessary. The schedule of such calibration
depends upon the severity of use, environmental
conditions, accuracy of measurement required etc. As far
as possible calibration should be performed under
environmental conditions which are very close to the
conditions under which actual measurements are carried
out. If the output of a measuring system is linear and
repeatable, it can be easily calibrated.

CALIBRATION OF DIAL INDIACTOR

In most of the measurements, the dimensions to be
measured are compared with a suitable reference
standard. Such measurements involve the use of an
instrument
called
comparator;
which
measures the deviations of
a dimension from the
standard reference value.
Dial indicators measure
the displacement of a
plunger or stylus and

indicate the magnitude of the displacement on dial by

means of a rotating pointer.
The comparators however, may
sometime
indicate
faulty
readings due to their inherent
manufacturing errors or due to
the wear of their parts during
service.
The
comparator,
therefore, needs to be calibrated
periodically.
Calibration of a dial indicator
involves
Range of the instrument to
be calibrated, intervals of
the readings to be taken,
reference standard to be used etc.
Clean the measuring faces of the dial calibration
tester. The dial indicator is fixed on the dial tester
with the plunger just touching the anvil of the
micrometer. The pointer on the dial indicator should
be adjusted such that the zero coincide the bezel. The
circular disc of the micrometer is adjusted such that
the zero coincides with the cross line, i.e. setting the
main scale zero and the zero on the micrometer drum
across the cross line.
Rotate the thimble of the micrometer in clockwise
direction, Note down the readings of the graduated

disc of the micrometer against the cross wire for each

interval of movement of the dial gage.
Repeat the procedure for the range of the indicator,
both in the forward and backward directions.
Since the Dial Tester is used as reference standard. It
should be justified. Choose a proper range of the dial
tester and check against the slip gauges.
Place the slip gauge between the micrometer head tip
and the contact point of the electronic probe.
Take the reading in the upward direction from 0.5
mm to 25 mm in a step size of 0.5 mm.
Calculate the uncertainty as per guidelines by
National Accreditation Board for testing and
calibration Laboratory (NABL).
Tabulate the results as divisions on the dial gage vs.
the deviations from the actual readings note from the
dial tester.
Plot a graph of calibration with the dial indicator
readings vs. the error for various turns
Tabulate the results for justification of dial tester.
Study the calibration graph and comment about
sources of error in the dial indicator under test and its
measurement capability.
Comment about the capability of the Dial tester for
its use as reference standard for calibration.

Refer file Dial Indicator Calibration Procedure.pdf

for detailed calibrating procedure.

Refer file Calibration of gauge blocks by

comparison.pdf for detailed calibrating
procedure of gauge blocks.
Refer file Micrometer Calibration.pdf for
detailed
example
pertaining
calibrating
procedure of micrometer.