Dial Indicators
Dial indicators, also known as dial gauges and probe indicators, are instruments used to accurately measure small linear distances, and are frequently used in industrial and mechanical processes. They are named so because the measurement results are displayed in a magnified way by means of a dial.
A special variety of the dial indicator is the dial test indicator (DTI) which is primarily used in machine setups. The DTI measures displacement at an angle of a lever or plunger perpendicular to the axis of the indicator. A regular dial indicator measures linear displacement along that axis.
Dial indicators may be used to check the variation in tolerance during the inspection process of a machined part, measure the deflection of a beam or ring under laboratory conditions, as well as many other situations where a small measurement needs to be registered or indicated. Dial indicators typically measure ranges from 0.25 mm to 300 mm (0.015 in to 12.0 in), with graduations of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm (metric) or 0.00005 in to 0.001 in (imperial).
