9 Methods to Teach You How to Measure Screw Thread Size

Apr 08, 2024

As a standard part, threads play an important role in the connection and transmission of machine parts. It is also common to process threads during maintenance. The accuracy of threads has a direct impact on their connection and transmission. Thread detection methods are also necessary.

 

Ⅰ. Measure With Thread Ring (plug) Gauge and Card Plate

 

For general standard threads, thread ring gauges or plug gauges are used to measure, as shown in Figure (a). When measuring external threads, if the "over end" ring gauge of the thread just screws in, but the "stop end" ring gauge does not screw in, it means that the processed thread meets the requirements, otherwise it is unqualified. When measuring internal threads, use a thread plug gauge and measure in the same way.

 

Figure (a)

Figure (b)                                                                                Figure (c)

 

 

When using thread ring or plug gauges, be careful not to use excessive force or hard-screw with a wrench. When measuring some special threads, you must make your own thread ring (plug) gauge, but its accuracy should be guaranteed. For threaded workpieces with larger diameters, thread profile clamps can be used for measurement and inspection, as shown in Figure (b).

 

Ⅱ. Measure with a Threaded Micrometer

 

The thread micrometer is used to measure the pitch diameter of the thread, as shown in Figure (c). It is generally used to measure triangular threads. Its structure and usage are the same as the outer diameter micrometer. It has two contacts with the same thread profile angle, one One is in the form of a cone and one is in the form of a groove. A range of measuring contacts are available for different profile angles and pitches.When measuring, the two contacts of the thread micrometer are stuck on the tooth surface of the thread, and the reading obtained is the actual size of the pitch diameter of the thread.

 

Figure (d)

 

Ⅲ. Measure with Tooth Thickness Vernier Caliper

 

The tooth thickness vernier caliper consists of a mutually perpendicular high caliper and a tooth thickness caliper, as shown in Figure (d), and is used to measure the trapezoidal thread medium diameter tooth thickness and worm pitch diameter tooth thickness.When measuring, adjust the tooth height caliper reading to the tooth top height (the trapezoidal thread is equal to 0.25 * pitch t, and the worm is equal to the module), and then make the tooth thickness caliper and the worm axis roughly intersect to form a thread rise angle β, and make a small amount of swing. The minimum size measured at this time is the normal tooth thickness Sn of the worm axis pitch diameter.The normal tooth thickness of the worm (or trapezoidal thread) pitch diameter can be calculated in advance using the following formula:

 

Sn=t*cosβ

Base: Sn: worm (or trapezoidal thread) pitch diameter and normal tooth thickness, t: worm circumferential pitch, β: thread rise angle

 

Example 1: How to use a tooth thickness vernier caliper to measure a worm with module mn=6, number of heads K=2, and outer diameter da=80mm?

When measuring, you should first calculate:

Worm pitch t=mn*π=6*3.142=18.852mm

Worm lead L=t*k=18.825*2 = 37.704mm

Worm pitch diameter d = da-2* ms=80-2*6=68.00mm

Helix angle β = = =  = 10°1ˊ

Normal tooth thickness at worm pitch diameter

Sn= t*cosβ=*18.825*cos10°1ˊ=9.28mm

The tooth thickness vernier caliper should be measured at an angle of 10°1ˊ with the worm axis. If the actual size of the measured normal tooth thickness at the worm pitch diameter is 9.28 mm (there is some deviation due to the tooth thickness tolerance), then Indicates that the worm tooth shape is correct.

 

Ⅳ. Three-pin Measurement Method

 

The method of measuring the pitch diameter of a thread with a measuring needle is called the three-needle measuring method. When measuring, place three measuring needles with the same diameter D in the thread groove, as shown in Figure (e), and then use an appropriate measuring tool (such as a micrometer, etc.) Measure the size of dimension M to verify whether the pitch diameter of the thread being processed is correct.Calculation formula for thread pitch diameter:

d2=M-D +t t*ctg

M: Value measured by micrometer (mm), D: Measuring needle diameter (mm), α/2: Tooth shape half angle, t: Workpiece pitch or worm pitch (mm)

Calculation formula of measuring needle diameter D:

 

D=

 

If the thread profile angle is known, the following simplified formula can also be used to calculate:

 

Figure (e)

 

Thread profile angle α Simplify the formula
29° D=0.516t
30° D=0.518t
40° D=0.533t
55° D=0.564t 
60° D=0.577t

 

Example 2: Measure the thread of M24*1.5 with three needles. It is known that M=24.325. What are the measuring needle diameter D and thread pitch diameter d2 required?

 

Substituting α = 60° into D=0.577t, we get D=0.577﹡1.5=0.8655mm

d2=24.325-0.8655(1+1/0.5)+1.5﹡1.732/0.5=23.0275mm

The difference from the theoretical value (d2=23.026) is △=23.0275-23.026=0.0015mm, which shows that the difference is very small.

In fact, the pitch diameter of the thread can generally be found from the thread standard or directly indicated on the part drawing. Therefore, as long as the above formula for calculating the pitch diameter of the thread is moved and transformed, it can be calculated that the micrometer should measure The resulting reading formula:

M=d2+Dt*ctg

If the tooth form angle is known, it can also be calculated using the following simplified formula:

 

Thread profile angle α Simplify the formula
29° M=d2+4. 994D-1.933t
30° M=d2+4. 864D- 1.886t
40° M=d2+3.924D-1374t
55° M=d2+3. 166D- 0. 960t
60° M=d2+3D- 0.866t

 

Example 3: Use the three-pin measuring method to measure the thread of M24*1.5. It is known that D = 0.866mm and d2 = 23.026mm. Find the reading value that the micrometer should measure? 

 

α = 60° Substituting into the above formula

M = d2+3D-0.866t = 23.026+3﹡0.866-0.866﹡1.5=24.325mm

 

Ⅴ. Two-Needle Measurement Method 

 

The two-needle measurement method is more widely used than the three-needle measurement method. For example, threads with a small number of thread turns and threads with a large pitch (pitch greater than 6.5) are inconvenient to use the three-needle measurement method, and the two-needle measurement method is used. The measurement is simple and feasible. For ordinary threads, the tooth profile angle α =60°, as shown in Figure (f).

 

Figure (f)

 

d2=Mˊ-3D-+0.866tMˊ: Measuring size using double-needle measuring method (mm)

(The meanings of d2, D and t are the same as before and are no longer marked in Figure (f) )

As can be seen from the above formula, the first and third terms on the right side of the formula both contain the Mˊ value, and the Mˊ value needs to be calculated before measurement. It is inconvenient to directly apply the above formula to calculate the theoretical Mˊ value. The above formula needs to be corrected. It can be obtained through simplification in order to accurately control the Mˊ size during processing and ensure that the thread pitch diameter d2 is qualified.

 

The calculation of the Mˊ value for measuring the thread pitch diameter using the double-needle measuring method is as follows:

 

The above formula is transformed into:

d2=(Mˊ-D)-2D-+0.866t

Assume Mˊ-D = x. The above formula becomes:

d2= x-2D-+0.866t

Transform the above formula into: 8 x d2= 8 x2-16 x D-t2+0.866(8 x) t

After sorting it becomes: x2+(0.866 t-2 D-d2) x-=0

Solve for x

x 1=

x 2=

Dropping the root x 2 and retaining x 1 gives:

x =

Substitute the above equation into Mˊ-D = x to further solve for Mˊ:

Mˊ=+D

This is the formula for measuring the theoretical value Mˊ of ordinary thread pitch diameter using the double-needle method.

 

Example 4 Use the double-needle measuring method to measure the thread of M12 (6h).

It is known that D = 1.008mm, d2 = 10.863.What is the reading obtained when measuring using the double-needle measuring method?

M12 coarse thread α = 60° pitch t =1.75mm

M'=+D

=+1.008=12.4051mm

The thread pitch diameter itself has tolerances, and the measured values also have a range.

Since threads are standard parts and are widely used, it is a common task to check whether their accuracy meets the standards. The several measurement methods introduced above are also commonly used. We hope that their induction, summary, derivation and deduction will be helpful to the detection work. 

 

Ⅵ. Image Measurement Method

 

1. Measurement principle and method

- Image measurement method is to measure threads using optical image measuring instruments, such as image measuring instruments, tool microscopes and other equipment. By placing the threaded workpiece on the measuring platform, the thread is magnified and imaged using an optical lens.

- The measurement software can process and analyze the image of the thread and measure various parameters of the thread, such as major diameter, minor diameter, intermediate diameter, pitch, tooth angle, etc.

- Usually, the edge detection algorithm is used to determine the profile of the thread, and then the size parameters of the thread are obtained by calculating the distance between the profiles.

 

2. Scope of application and precautions

- It is suitable for various types of thread measurement, especially for small-size threads and complex-shaped threads with high accuracy and efficiency.

- Pay attention to the uniform lighting conditions of the measurement environment to ensure clear image quality. When placing the threaded workpiece, ensure its stable position to avoid shaking affecting the measurement results.

 

Ⅶ. Laser Scanning Measurement Method

 

1. Measurement principle and method

- Laser scanning measurement method is to use a laser scanner to perform non-contact measurement of threads. The laser scanner emits a laser beam, irradiates it on the thread surface, and then obtains the three-dimensional shape information of the thread by receiving the reflected laser signal.

- The measurement software processes and analyzes the collected three-dimensional data and calculates the various dimensional parameters of the thread.

-The overall shape of the thread can be quickly obtained, and it is also very effective for detecting the surface quality and shape error of the thread.

 

2. Scope of application and precautions

- It is suitable for high-precision and fast measurement of various threads, especially for large threads and difficult-to-reach thread parts.

- Pay attention to the calibration and accuracy verification of the laser scanner to ensure the accuracy of the measurement results. At the same time, avoid the influence of vibration and interference in the measurement environment on the measurement results.

 

Ⅷ. Contact Probe Measurement Method

 

1. Measurement principle and method

- The contact probe measurement method uses a measuring device with a probe, such as a three-coordinate measuring machine, to measure the thread. The probe moves on the thread surface and obtains the coordinate position information of the thread through contact sensing.

- The measurement software calculates the dimensional parameters of the thread based on the movement trajectory and coordinate data of the probe. It can measure various parts of the thread, including major diameter, minor diameter, middle diameter, pitch, thread angle, etc.

- Multi-point measurement is usually used to improve measurement accuracy and reliability.

 

2. Scope of application and precautions

- Applicable to high-precision measurement of various threads, especially for complex-shaped threads and strict thread measurement.

- Pay attention to the selection and calibration of the probe to ensure the accuracy and stability of the probe. During the measurement process, the contact force of the probe should be controlled to avoid damage to the thread surface. At the same time, attention should be paid to the influence of the accuracy of the measuring equipment and environmental conditions on the measurement results.

 

Ⅸ. Pneumatic Measurement Method

 

1. Measurement principle and method

- Pneumatic measurement method uses the flow characteristics of gas to measure threads. A certain pressure of gas is sprayed onto the thread surface through a nozzle, and the size of the thread is judged to meet the requirements according to the changes in gas flow, pressure and other parameters.

- Comparative measurement is usually used to compare the measured thread with the standard thread, and the size deviation of the thread is determined by measuring the difference in gas parameters.

- Fast and non-contact measurement can be achieved, which is suitable for thread measurement in online detection and mass production.

 

2. Scope of application and precautions

- Applicable to occasions where the thread size accuracy requirements are not particularly high, such as thread measurement of some common mechanical parts.

- Pay attention to the stability and accuracy of gas pressure, flow and other parameters, as well as the calibration and maintenance of the measuring equipment. At the same time, consider the impact of ambient temperature, humidity and other factors on gas parameters.

 

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