Metrology & Measurement

Overview of Metrology and Linear

Measurement
 Definitions of Metrology

 Metro means Science of Measurement

 Logy means Science
 Metrology is the science of Measurement

“Metrology is concerned with the establishment,

reproduction, conservation and transfer of units of
measurement and their standards”
 Objectives of Metrology

 Establish units of Measurement .

 To achieve Standardization.
 Define the Method of Measurement.
 Find and correct errors in measurement.
 Study measuring instrument and device.
 Determine accuracy and precision of instrument.
 Study industrial application of metrology.
 Study Design, Manufacturing and testing of all kind of
gauges
 Types of Metrology

Scientific Metrology:

It is also called as Fundamental

Metrology.
It deals with the organization &
development of measurement standards
& with their maintenance.
 Types of Metrology

Industrial Metrology:

It deals with the ensuring of the adequate

functioning of measuring instruments
used in industry as well as in production
& testing Processes.
It is necessary to work with quality in
industrial activities.
 Types of Metrology

Legal Metrology:

Its function is to regulate, advise,

supervise & control the manufacturing &
calibration of measuring instruments.
 Inspection

“It is the act of checking of all materials,

products or component at various stages
during the manufacturing”
 Need for Inspection

i. To ensure components & parts conform to the given

dimensions.
ii. To meet the interchangeability of manufacturer.
iii. To produce the parts having acceptable quality level.
iv. To judge the possibility of rework of defective parts and
re-engineer the process.
v. To purchase good quality of raw materials, tools &
equipment.
 Methods of Measurements

1. Direct Method:
 This is the simplest method of measurement in which the
value of the quantity to be measured is obtained directly
without any calculations, e.g. measurements by scale,
calipers & micrometers.
 It involves contact or non contact type of inspections.
2. Indirect Method:
 The value of the quantity to be measured is obtained by
measuring other quantities, which are related to required
value.
 E.g. density calculation by measuring mass & volume.
Characteristics of
Instruments
 Least Count

“Least count is the smallest

dimension that can be measured
using the measuring instrument”
 Range and Span

“Range is the minimum and maximum values

that an instrument can measure.”
“Span is the difference between the largest
and smallest reading of an instrument.”

For example, a thermometer with a scale from 0°C to 100°C

has a range of 0°C to 100°C, has a span of 100°C.
 Accuracy

“Accuracy is the degree of closeness between

measured value and true value or standard
value.”
 Precision

“It is the degree of repeatability in the

measuring process.”
 Reliability

“Reliability in measurement is the consistency of a

method in producing same results.”

A measurement is considered reliable if the same

method produces the same results when used under
the same conditions.
If a thermometer displays the same temperature for a
liquid sample multiple times under identical
conditions, the results are reliable.
 Calibration

“Calibration is a process that compares the output of a

measuring device to a known standard to ensure that
the device is providing accurate measurements”

If the instrument is used continuously, it should be

calibrated periodically.

Calibration is important because it helps to ensure that

the device is operating within its specified accuracy
range.
 Hysteresis

“ it is the phenomena, which gives different outputs

when loading and unloading”

It is commonly observed in Electrical equipment.

 Dead Zone

“the range of values of measured variable to which

instrument does not respond”
 Drift

“Drift in measurement is a gradual change in the

precision of a measuring instrument over time.”

Drift can be caused by a number of factors,

including: Wear and tear, Temperature fluctuations,
Environmental variables, and Aging components.

To deal with drift, you can recalibrate the instrument

periodically.
 Sensitivity

“The smallest change in an input signal that causes a

measuring device to respond.”

“How quickly the instrument responds to the change

in input.”
 Threshold

“The minimum value of input required to respond the

instrument is called threshold ”
 Repeatability

“Repeatability is a measure of how likely it is to get the

same result when repeating an experiment with the
same setup”
 Reproducibility

“Reproducibility in measurement is the consistency of

results obtained when a measurement is repeated
under the same conditions. ”
 Linearity

“Ability of instrument to give output linearly

proportional input”
 Amplification

“Amplification is the process of increasing the

magnitude of a signal or measurement, making it more
detectable or easier to measure.”
 Magnification

“Magnification is the enlargement of an object's image

or signal in comparison to its actual size or original
magnitude. ”
 Speed of response

“The speed of response is the time taken by a

measuring instrument or system to react to a change in
the quantity being measured. ”
 Fidelity

“fidelity refers to the degree to which a measurement

system accurately reproduces the changes in the input
signal or parameter without distortion.”
 Overshoot.

“An overshoot is a short term spike or transient in a

waveform which rises above the Top or drops below
the Base levels of a waveform.”
Standards
 Standards

Standard is defined as “something that is set-up and

established by authority as a rule for the measure of
quantity, weight, extent, value or quality.”
 Types of Standards

1. Line Standard
2. End Standard
3. Wavelength Standard
 Line Standards

When length is measured as the distance

between centers of two engraved lines
 End Standards

When length is measured as the distance

between to flat parallel faces
 Wavelength Standards

When length is measured as the distance

between wave length of light.
Linear Measuring
Instrument's
 Vernier caliper

 Vernier principle : When two scales (main and auxiliary

scales) or division slightly different in size are used, the
difference between them can be utilized to enhance the
accuracy of measurement.
 Construction :
 Vernier height guage

Similar to a vernier calliper

except that the fixed jaw in
this case is replaced by a
fixed base which rests on a
surface plate or table when
taking measurements.
Vernier depth gauge
 Micrometers

• Useful device for magnifying small measurement

• Accurate screw and nut are used for measurement
• Micrometers works on the principle of screw and nut.
The screw is attached to a concentric cylinder
or thimble the circumference of which is divided
into a number of equal parts. A screw is turned
through nut by one revolution, its axial movement is
equal to pitch of the thread of screw.
Micrometers
Micrometers
 Errors in Measurement

Error in Measurement=Measured value-True Value

1. Gross Errors
2. Systematic Errors
3. Random Errors
 Gross Errors

This class of errors mainly covers human mistakes

in reading measuring instruments and recording and
calculating measurement results.
 Systematic Errors

These types of errors are divided into three

categories

(i)Instrumental Errors

(ii)Environmental Errors

(iii)Observational Errors
 Instrumental Errors

These errors arise due to three main reasons :

(a) Due to inherent shortcomings in the instrument
(b) Due to misuse of the instruments
(c) Due to loading effects of instruments
 Environmental Errors

These errors in measuring instruments are due

to conditions external to the measuring device
including conditions in the area surrounding the
instrument.
These may be effects of temperature pressure,
humidity, dust, vibrations or of external magnetic or
electrostatic fields.
Observational errors
 Random Errors

It has been consistently found that experimental

results show variation from one reading to another,
even after all systematic errors have been accounted
for.
These types of errors in measuring
instruments are due to a multitude of small factors
which change or fluctuate from one measurement to
another and are due surely to chance
 Selection of instrument

Accuracy and Precision: Choose an instrument that

meets the required level of accuracy and precision for your
task.

Range: Ensure the instrument can measure within the

range of values you expect.

Sensitivity: Select an instrument that is sensitive enough

to detect small changes in the quantity being measured.

Speed of Response: Pick an instrument that reacts

quickly enough for your application, especially in dynamic
systems.
 Selection of instrument

Environment: Consider factors like temperature, humidity,

and vibration in the operating environment, as some
instruments may not perform well under certain conditions.

Ease of Use: The instrument should be simple to operate and

read, minimizing chances of errors.

Cost: Balance the cost of the instrument with the level of

accuracy and functionality you need.

Durability and Maintenance: Choose instruments that are

reliable, require minimal maintenance, and have a long service
life.
 Precautions while using an instrument

 Ensure proper calibration and regular recalibration.

 Use the instrument in a stable environment (avoid
vibrations, extreme temperatures, and humidity).
 Handle the instrument carefully to prevent damage
or misalignment.
 Avoid parallax error by aligning eyes with the scale
or using digital displays.
 Allow sufficient warm-up time for electronic
instruments.
 Precautions while using an instrument

 Check and adjust the zero setting before measurement.

 Follow consistent measurement procedures and take
averages for accuracy.
 Securely place the instrument on a stable surface or
mount it.
 Keep the instrument and objects clean and free of debris.
 Minimize human errors by following the user manual
and procedures.
 Perform regular maintenance and store the instrument
properly.