Toolmakers Microscope Buyers Guide
Function, Application and Benefits
Unlike a conventional light microscope, a toolmakers
microscope is typically used as a measuring device. As such, it can be used to
measure up to 1/100th of a mm. This makes these microscopes suitable for
such functions as the inspection and measurement of various miniature
mechanical and electronic parts.
For instance, a toolmakers microscope can be
used for the purposes of viewing and measuring thread pitch and thread angles
among others.
Parts of a Toolmakers Microscope
- A hollow base, which accommodates
the illumination unit underneath
- A circular stage surface
(upper part of the base) - It is made of transparent glass and can be rotated
360 degree
- An objective lens
- Eyepiece
- Two micrometer screws (One
for longitudinal movement and the other for lateral movement of the stage
surface/table)
How The Toolmakers Microscope works
Like a conventional light microscope, the toolmakers
microscope is also dependent on optics. Light from the source is focused
(upward) on to the object, which allows the user to see the shadow of the
object (because light cannot pass through the object). However, the shadow
resembles the object, which allows for measurements to be made.
The level of magnification with this particular
device is largely dependent on the objective being uses. However, it is often
supplied with facilities to provide a magnification range of between 10x and
100x. Whereas low magnification allows for most part of the object under
observation to be viewed, high magnification provides a clear image (with
adjustments of light) for good measurements.
To adopt the microscope for a
variety of applications, a variety of attachments may be required. Given that
the image (shadow of object) has to represent the true details of the object
(detail, shape and even color with some specimens) it also uses a
variety of special accessories and techniques, filters, lens coatings and diaphragms,
which are meant to affect the raw image for more accurate information.
Uses
A toolmakers microscope has a robust base that
allows it to hold a wide range of objects for observations and measurements.
As
multi functional devices, toolmaker tools will often be found in most of the
manufacturing companies/factories involved in the manufacturing of machines,
electronics and tools. In such places, they help in the measurement of shapes,
sizes, angles and positions of small components which fall under the measuring
range of the microscope. This makes the microscope particular suitable for such
tasks as measuring the shapes of such components as milling cutters, thread
gauge and guide screw among others.
In addition, the device finds use for
measuring center to center distance of holes in a plane, linear measurements as
well as accurate angular measurements.
Application
Determining relative positions
Here, the microscope is used elative positions
of different points by simply measuring the travel that is necessary for
bringing a second point to the position that was formerly occupied by the first
and so forth.
Measuring angles
Using this microscope, it is possible to measure
the angles by using the protractor eyepiece. This allows for the angles of the
object to be viewed and determined.
Comparison measurement
This is where the microscope is used to do
comparison of the thread forms, measuring of the pitch and diameter. Here, the
microscope achieves this using the master profiles engravings in the eyepiece.
Comparing with a scale
This is where the images of the object are
compared with the scale in the projection screen.
Simple Experiments
Pitch measurement of a hacksaw blade
Procedure
- Switch on the microscope
light
- Select lens for precision
operation
- Place the blade and glass
table (stage) and rotate the wheel on the right side of the microscope to get a
clear image
- Ensure that the cross line
of the microscope coincides with one of the edge of the blade
- Note down the reading on
the ground glass screen (initial reading)
- Rotate the table until the
next edge of the blade comes into focus and coincides with the cross-line and
mark this as the second reading
- Calculate the difference
between the two to obtain the pitch of the blade
Obtaining the angle of the hacksaw teeth
- Again, place the blade on
the glass table
- Rotate the screen until a
line on the angle of screen rotation is highlighted
- Note down initial angular
reading
- Rotate the screen again
until the line coincides with another flank of the tooth and note this down as
the second reading
- Calculate the difference
- The difference between the
two readings is the teeth angle
Benefits
The toolmakers microscope is an important
device given that it allows for manufacturers and other technicians to observe
and measure the small parts of various tools and electronics among others. It
has a number of advantages that makes it suitable for such tasks. These include;
- As compared to the optical
comparators, a tool maker’s microscope is preferred when the z-axis height
information is required.
- The stage can be equipped
with linear scales.
- They can easily adapt to
both cameras CCTV's for photo documentation requirements.
- The toolmakers microscope
offers a variety of optical techniques Moreover, it can use optics, which offer
higher magnification resolution for better measuring accuracy.
- It is ideal for
measurements of hardness test indentations.
- Can be adopted for a variety of applications.
- For those involved in
making repair of given tool and electronic parts, the toolmakers microscope
can be effectively used for the verification for surface finish and measuring
defects on surfaces.
- It provides for precise
measurements.
MicroscopeMaster Picks
The Radical Highly Precise Toolmakers Angle & Linear Industrial Measuring Microscope has been designed and engineered for those who require high precision and accuracy in the measurement of various parts (electronic, machine parts, tools and automotive components etc).
As such, it allows for excellent precise measurements of angles, lengths, point to point distances as well as diameters. This made possible by a number of features of this device which include a digital micrometer with 1 micron Least Count among others.
|

|
Click for more MicroscopeMaster information about the Radical Highly Precise Toolmakers Angle & Linear Industrial Measuring Microscope.
The Radical Toolmakers Precise Measuring Microscope is used for the purposes of measuring lengths, angles as well as diameter and distances. As such, it is commonly used by auto component manufacturers, tool manufacturers as well as in quality control or various tools and parts.
|

|
Click here for MicroscopeMaster's research on the Radical Toolmakers Precise Measuring Microscope.
The Mitutoyo 176 808A Toolmakers Microscope is one in a series of microscopes that have been specifically designed for the purposes of measuring the dimensions and angles of a variety of machines/tools. As such, it can be effectively used for such purposes of checking shapes of screw threads, inspection of matching templates and gears among others.
|

|
Click here for MicroscopeMaster's information concerning the Mitutoyo 176 808A Toolmakers Microscope.
From the TM Series of microscopes, the Mitutoyo 176-809A TM-510 Toolmakers microscope is a brilliant microscope that comes
with a monocular head, a 30x total magnification, two-watt tungsten bulbs as
well as a rectangular mechanical stage (4" x 2") which allows for
left to right movement. With a number of other special features in place, this
compound toolmaker's microscope is designed to ensure high accuracy and maximum
comfort during use.
|

|
Click here for MicroscopeMaster's information concerning the Mitutoyo 176-809A TM-510 Toolmakers Microscope.
Conclusion
As is the case with conventional microscopes, it
is important to understand the purpose of the microscope being purchased in
order to get the most out of it. This is also the case with a toolmakers
microscope.
With this device, it is worth considering the type that comes with
ergonomic features as well as eyepiece adjustments, which will allow for
fatigue free viewing over a long period of time.
Return to Learning about Stage Micrometer and Measurement
Return from Toolmakers microscope to MicroscopeMaster Reviews
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read on MicroscopeMaster! Leave me a comment in the box below.