Caliper Calibration Services

Digital Caliper

Overview & Advantages
A digital caliper uses an electronic linear encoder to display readings on an LCD. It often supports metric and imperial units switching, zero setting at any location, and hold functions.

Digital calipers are among the easiest to read and use, reducing human error. However, they depend on proper zeroing and are subject to errors if the electronics or encoder strip is damaged or contaminated.

Calibration Notes

• The zero position and span must be verified.

• The response linearity across the full measuring range is checked.

• The “as-found / as-left” readings are documented.

• Any drift, backlash or hysteresis errors are assessed.

• The display logic (switching units, incremental reading) is checked for consistency.

Vernier Caliper

Overview & Advantages
The classic vernier caliper uses a sliding main scale with a vernier scale for fractional readings. It is entirely mechanical, with no electronics, making it durable and robust.

Vernier calipers are immune to electronic failures and interference, but reading them accurately requires practice, and parallax error or misreading the divisions is common.

Calibration Notes

• Zero alignment must be verified and zero error compensation documented.

• The scale readings at predetermined gauge block points are compared to reference standards.

• Linearity, repeatability, and measurement uncertainty must be assessed.

• Any wear, burrs, or damage to jaws must be checked and corrected.

• Zero-error correction is recorded for user reference.

Dial Caliper

Overview & Advantages
A dial caliper uses a mechanical dial with rack-and-pinion to provide a direct analog pointer reading for fractional increments.

Reading dial calipers is easier than vernier models, but they contain more moving parts and are sensitive to dust, dirt, and mechanical wear.

Calibration Notes

• Zero reading when closed must be confirmed.

• Dial backlash, hysteresis, and pointer movement must be verified.

• Gauge block reference points are used to compare readings.

• The dial mechanism is tested for smoothness and repeatability.

• Full measurement range is verified for accuracy.

Digital Depth Caliper

Overview & Advantages
A depth caliper (or depth gauge) measures the depth of holes, slots, or recesses. The digital variant uses an electronic sensor and display for ease of use.

Calibration Notes

• The depth rod zero point must be verified.

• Known depth standards or gauge blocks are used for accuracy checks.

• Linearity, repeatability, and angular error of the depth rod must be assessed.

• The mechanism is checked for drift or backlash.

Analogue Calipers

Overview & Advantages
Analogue calipers refer to non-digital types such as vernier or dial. They are rugged, simple, and immune to electronic failures.

Calibration Notes

• Zero offset must be verified.

• Gauge blocks are used to check accuracy across the range.

• Repeatability and wear are assessed.

• Reading methods are validated to ensure correct interpretation.