Micrometer screws are portable devices used to measure small lengths and thicknesses, such as the width of pipes or the thickness of a wire. They have four parts and can be calibrated for different units of measure. They were first created by French astronomer William Gascoigne in the 1600s and have since been widely produced.
A micrometer screw is a portable device used to measure very small lengths and thicknesses. Examples of its measurements include the width of pipes or the thickness of a wire. Micrometer screws come in at least three different design variations, but all use a finely calibrated screw to take accurate measurements. A micrometer screw can be calibrated to take different types of units of measure, making them useful in different disciplines.
Most micrometer screws have four important parts: a handle, the calibrating screw, the frame, and an anvil. The frame holds the anvil away from the screw. When the screw is twisted, it decreases or increases the distance between the end of the screw and the anvil, much like a vice. Some micrometer screws simply have a handle and the attached screw. It is held against the object being measured much like a ruler.
All micrometer screws are carefully manufactured so that the distance between the screw threads is the same along the entire length of the screw. In this way, when the screw is rotated, it can provide an accurate measurement. The base of the screw will be marked with lines showing each unit of measurement. When paired with those on the micrometer screw handle, the user can see the measurements taken.
A micrometer screw can have various attachments that can be screwed in and out to measure different objects. They are also available in various designs to make it easier to measure different types of objects and distances. Individuals can purchase a micrometer screw to specifically measure widths, slots, and holes. The screw can also measure depths, diameters and thicknesses of pipes. They are available in both metric and US measurement systems.
A French astronomer named William Gascoigne is credited with creating the first working micrometer in the 1600s, although the concept existed before then. He used it to measure distances between stars as could be seen through his telescope.
Prior to this, a sextant was used to measure the distance between the sun and the horizon for navigation of ships. This was a naked eye measurement only, and Gascoigne realized that a much more accurate measurement could be made through the use of a screw. With these measurements, he was then able to make calculations relating to the size of the planets and stars he was seeing in the sky. Over time, the micrometer’s accuracy led to its development for measuring terrestrial objects. They began to be widely produced in the 1800s.
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