dial indicators are precision measurement instruments used to measure the alignment of a machine

Dial indicators are precision measurement instruments used to

measure the alignment of a machine's components or the general

deviation of any object from an expected standard. They are named

for their clock-like faces, which consist of numbers arranged in a

circle which a dial points to. Several different types of dial

indicators exist, differentiated by factors such as their size,

connection method and the type of information featured on their

face

Balanced reading dial indicators are so named for the way that

information is arranged upon the dial's face. Figures are printed

upon the face of this dial running in two directions, starting from a

zero in the center. Often, positive numbers are featured to the right

of the zero and negative numbers to the left.

Continuous Dial Indicators

Continuously numbered dial indicators do not have the two sets of

numbers featured on balanced reading dial indicators. The figures

on this type of dial indicators run in one direction without stopping

and without any type of a separation.

Reversed Balanced Dial Indicators are named because they have

the same basic positive and negative scales to each side of a zero,

but the positive numbers are to the left and the negative are to the

right.

Reversed Continuous Dial Indicators

Reversed continuous, or counter-clockwise, dial indicators are the

same as continuous dial indicators except that the numbers run in

the opposite direction.

Test Dial Indicators look a great deal like a watch, except with a

needle to one side. They are completely adjustable and can be

calibrated to measure any type of machinery for which they are

needed.

Plunger Dial Indicator also have a clock-like face but are

characterized by the plungers mounted on one of their sides. They

come in both mechanical and electronic designs. One common use

for plunger dial indicators is to measure the work of injection

molding machines. The mechanism which allows this type of dial

indicator to work is a rack and pinion, which changes the linear

thrust of the plunger into rotary motion for the dial.

Lever Dial Indicator are characterized by their lever and scroll

mechanisms, which cause the stylus to move. This type of dial

indicators are more compact and easier to use than plunger-type

dial indicators and are therefore quite often used.