Indicators Technical Information
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Basics of...Indicators
Dial and Electronic Indicators are used throughout industry on gage fixtures, indicator stands and on mag bases to measure both static and dynamic features.
Dial Indicators are available in several dial sizes, graduations and spindle travel. Electronic Indicators have a variety of functions such as Max/Min/TIR, and outputs that can be used for remote access.
Dial Indicators
Dial Face Size: Dial Indicators are available in a variety of dial face sizes ranging from series 0 to series 4, with series two (2 to 23�?�8" diameter face) being the most common size.
Mounting: Dial Indicators can be mounted by their mounting stem or by using special mounting backs. The mounting stem is available in either 3�?�8" Ø or 8mm Ø for full metric indicators. A hybrid metric indicator with a 3�?�8" stem is also available to fit American gage fixtures. Indicator mounting backs are available in many different configurations, with the lug back being the most common.
Dial Indicator Points: The standard thread on an AGD style indicator point is #4-48. Metric indicators use M2.5 x 0.45. Indicator points will normally interchange between different brands of indicators.
Bearings and Jewels: Dial Indicators use either plain bearings, bushings or jeweled bearings. Jeweled bearings are recommended for indicators subject to high usage and indicators graduated in .0001".
Graduations and Range: Dial Indicator graduations range from .00002" to .010" and spindle travel from .001" to 12". Long range indicators (over one inch) are subject to accuracy errors due to cosine error (a mounting problem) and gear train error (over the long distance).
Dial Face Styles: Dial Indicators are available in four general types of dial faces:
Balanced, Continuous, Reversed (continuous), and Single Revolution
The dial face may also have a revolution counter. Balanced and single rev dial faces are normally used on gage fixtures for a run of parts or to check for TIR. A continuous dial face is normally used to measure the dimension of a feature.
Electronic Indicators
Selecting an Electronic Indicator: Electronic Indicators are available in many different package sizes, resolutions, spindle travel and features. Some electronic indicators can be controlled via remote controls or cabled interfaces.When selecting an electronic indicator, you will need to define what your requirements are. Start with resolution and stroke length. Will you need a single or multiple resolution indicator? What features will you need, such as Max/Min/TIR, Preset, Go/NoGo, Analog/Digital display, battery or AC powered. Do you need data output or does the indicator need to control a process via a PLC? Do you need the indicator to perform internal calculations, or will the indicator replace the dial indicator on a dial bore gage?
Package Size: If package size or a remote display are the main considerations in choosing an electronic indicator, most electronic indicators with output can be wired to a remote display. Separate "LVDT style", or small profile gages are available with remote displays. Top reading Electronic Indicators (similar to a back plunger dial indicator) are another option if space is limited.
NOTE: caution when using Electronic Indicators. High static environments may cause erratic indicator readings. If you must use an Electronic Indicator in a high static environment, insulate the indicator stem and point, and ground the fixture.
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