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Capable of measuring the thickness of objects quickly and accurately, digital micrometers are perfect for all kinds of applications. Whether you need to know the thickness of paper or how deep a film coating is, digital micrometers are a great choice. Learn everything you need to know about using a digital micrometer and get started on taking highly accurate thickness measurements.  

What is a digital micrometer?

Micrometers are tools designed for measuring the depth, width, or length of a material. These thickness measuring tools give precise results and there are both traditional and digital versions available.  

Traditional micrometers require the user to read the results from the scale, taking care to reset it to 0 before each test. Digital micrometers record the measurement for the user and will either display on the tool itself or send the information to a linked computer or device.  

How to use a digital micrometer

To use a digital micrometer, you simply need to place the sample between the calipers. If you have a manual micrometer, you will need to tighten the calipers yourself. If you have an automated testing machine, it will do this for you once the sample is in place and the process is initiated. Once the calipers meet the material being tested, the result will be displayed for you to read.  

The high level of precision offered by a digital micrometer means it’s important to make sure the material you are measuring and the micrometer itself are wiped clean of any dust or dirt before using.  

What is the least count of a digital micrometer? 

The least count of a micrometer is the minimum measurement it is capable of recording, and this is 0.01 mm for analog and 0.001 mm for digital micrometers.  

How do you calibrate a digital micrometer?

You can calibrate a micrometer using a gage block. The gage block should have a certificate from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which allows you to ensure its set to commonly accepted measurements.  

Most digital micrometers also come with calibration rods. You can use these rods to calibrate your micrometer by closing the jaws or device around the rods and comparing the reading with the specifications. It’s also possible to reset most digital micrometers, which restores factory settings.  

Fast and accurate digital micrometers 

When you need a reliable digital micrometer capable of carrying out many tests to a high degree of accuracy, we recommend our Digital Micrometer 49-56. Designed to measure the thickness of sheet materials, like paper, corrugated, plastics, plastic film, tissue paper, nonwovens, textiles and other sheet-like substrates, this robust testing solution can be configured to meet any ISO, ASTM, EDANA or other international specifications for a wide range of sheet-like substrates.  

We also have a great range of micrometers from TMI Büchel, including calibration accessories such as gauge blocks 

Measure thicknesses with Industrial Physics

Be confident that when you measure thickness you’re getting results you can trust, by choosing Industrial Physics for your test and measurement solutions. Our specialist engineers can help you with everything from choosing the right machines to initial training or ongoing maintenance. Ready to get started? Check out our current range of micrometers. 

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FAQs

  • A digital micrometer is a precision instrument used to measure small dimensions with high accuracy. 
  • Place the object between the spindle and anvil, and read the measurement on the digital display. 
  • A micrometer offers a precision measurement tool that is used primarily for thickness testing. Digital micrometers are capable of measuring the thickness of materials with extreme precision.

  • Micrometers can measure a wide range of different materials, from thin films and tissues to corrugated card or nonwovens like leather. Our digital micrometers are often used for measuring paper, card and flexible packaging materials, but they can also be perfect for a wide range of applications. When you need to measure the thickness of a small sample, our digital micrometers could help.

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