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Measuring Instruments are those tools used to determine the dimension of any object. Measuring instruments come in different shapes and sizes and are usually made of a material that can be easily machined to fit the measurements. These measuring devices are then connected to a fixed or movable platform. Commonly used measuring instruments are:
Measuring instrument that is used to measure physical quantities. Measuring instrument that can be calibrated. Measuring equipments include: electronic digital scales, electric field detectors, hydrometer, kilogram scale, meter scale, weighing instruments and many more. The type of measuring instrument you choose depends on your need and the measurement being done.
Ranges are used to specify the level of accuracy for measuring the main category of the measurement, time or mass. There are many types of ranges and some of them are: maximum error, minimum error, mean error, standard deviation, critical range, interval, arithmetic mean and standard deviation. Units of measure depend on the purpose of the measuring instrument. There are some common units of measurement: meter, kilogram, kilo (Kg), liter, degree, second, time (sec/min), temperature (degree Fahrenheit), power (watts, volts, etc) and some others. In general, the ranges that are used for measuring the main category of the measurement are defined within the accepted practical limits of scientific calculations, where values that lie outside the tolerances are considered as unacceptable.
Surface Gauge - This is an example of measuring instruments with a single or continuous reading. It is usually used for liquids and other mediums that are resistant to changes in temperature and pressure. One of its advantages is that it is easily adjustable, which is why there are surface-mounted versions for precise applications and smaller measurements. The basic types of surface gauges are: dial gauge, leveling gauge and mechanical transducers. Dial gauge is a type of continuous reading surface that contains a pointer with a setting for numerical display of readings.
Gauge - It is a measuring instrument with two needles that can either move vertically or horizontally, but not both at the same time. It can either contain one needle, or more, depending on its shape. There are many types of gauges and all of them have their own specific purposes. Some examples of common gauges are: electrical flow meter, hydrometer, and barometer.
Electrical Flow Meter - It is one of the most common measuring instruments. A variation of this measuring device is the electrical conductivity meter. Conductivity is a physical quantity that can be measured by means of electrical resistivity, electrical thermography or electrical leakage. Another type is the electrical couplings meter, which is used to measure the resistance across electrical contacts. All of these devices require electrical current as their input and as output.
Mechanical Gauge - This is another form of measuring instrument. A mechanical gauge is one that uses a pin-like input and output and measures the pressure or weight of the measuring instrument to or from a piece of material. For example, a pound of measuring instrument could have a spring attached to it so that the weight can be read as the weight of the object it is being used to measure. There are several common types of mechanical measuring instruments.
How Do You Use These Measuring Instruments? In general, you should never turn off your measuring instrument while it is still measuring. Also, before you use a measuring instrument, make sure you understand its main purpose and how you are going to use it. Reading the main article on measuring instruments will help you understand better what instruments are available for measuring the quantities you need.