Dial Indicators - Mill1. Location / Types

• Dial Indicators are located on the top of the Metrology Cabinet• Spindle Indicators are located in dial indicator drawer

2. Using Indicators• Used to accurately measure small distances • Probe swings in an arc around its hinge point• Damaged if force is applied perpendicular to this arc

3. Checking Flatness• Attach Magnetic Indicator to the bottom of the spindle• Using the table axis touch the indicator to the surface to be measured• Adjust the gage to read zero• Use the table to sweep the indicator across the surface• Measure the change in flatness (gage reads ½ thousandths)• Return indicator to cabinet

4. Finding the Center of a Hole • Clamp spindle indicator to bottom of the spindle• Position the indicator so there is contact all the way around the hole• Align the y-axis by sweeping the indicator to both sides (180 degrees

apart) y direction and splitting the difference by moving the table• Repeat for the x-axis • The spindle is centered when the hole holds the same reading

on all 4 sides.

Last updated June 1, 2007