Guide to Measurement Basics

Determining industrial measurement devices and units of measurement

By Michelle Cramer

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide upon a unit and type of measurement

You can measure anything you can think of, including solids, liquids and gases. However, each item you measure requires a different unit of measurement. Typically, you measure solids by length, width and height, by measuring in centimeters, inches, feet or yards. You measure the volume of liquid within a container by pints, quarts, liters, gallons or cubic inches. Ounces, pounds and tons are the units of measurement for weight. Each unit of measure has a specific abbreviation and, when it reaches a certain amount, becomes the next unit of measure. For example, 12 inches is one foot, four quarts is one gallon and 16 ounces is one pound.

I recommend: National Institute of Standards and Technology offers General Tables of Units of Measurement for further information. For an exhaustive dictionary of measurements, including the International System of Units, the metric system and English traditional systems, visit the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Find measurement devices for measuring gases and liquids

The measurement of liquid is typically in volume, specified by liters. A graduated cylinder is the most precise means of measuring the volume of a liquid. They range in size but typically measure by milliliters. Of course, more common measuring instruments for liquids that a business such as a bakery might use include measuring cups and spoons. Alternatively, you measure gas pressure by using a barometer, manometer or aneroid (mechanical) gauge.

I recommend: Clackamus Community College in Oregon offers an explanation of measuring volume and how a graduated cylinder works. Wisc-Online, a web-based learning resource center, offers a presentation of gas pressure measurement.

Discover measurement tools that find length

There are various measuring devices for finding the length, width or height of a solid object. The more obvious tools include rulers, yardsticks and tape measures. For long distances, many industries, such as construction, use a measuring wheel. Measuring wheels, which range in size depending on the terrain you use them for, have both mechanical and electronic counters that tally the distance for you.

I recommend: Engineer Supply explains the uses of measuring wheels and offers a variety of styles to fit your needs. Easy Surf provides a U.S. metric measurement conversion guide.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Meteorologists use barometers to obtain a measurement of air pressure, giving them a reading of current weather conditions. The construction of barometers is an empty glass tube, devoid of any air or gas, placed on a disk of mercury. The air pressure in the environment forces the mercury up the barometer providing a reading.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate measuring devices for high pressure and temperature storage

Businesses that store liquids and gases at high pressure need pressure gauges. Such products are often volatile, and must be stored at an exact temperature and pressure. Measuring that temperature and pressure is a must.

I recommend: Omega Engineering sells multiple types of pressure gauges in sizes from two to six inches, in analog or digital format. Ashcroft manufactures several pressure gauges in analog and digital reading, along with thermometers, pressure and temperature switches,indicators and test gauges.

Find industrial measurement gauges like micrometers and calipers

Measuring while constructing with wood and metal requires other specific measurement gauges. Metalworkers, woodworkers and mechanical engineers need calipers or micrometers that help them read measurements more precisely than basic rulers. Micrometers can then hold those measurements in place.

I recommend: Medford Tools and Supply has multiple types of industrial measurement devices from Chicago Brand, including digital and vernier calipers, dial indicators and micrometers. Their micrometers can read in analog or digital. Empire has a supply of measuring tools, including leaf feeler and ID gauges, and dial or digital calipers.

Purchase laser measurement tools to accurately determine distances

Laser distance measurement devices are very helpful for jobs requiring precise measurements. The lasers in these machines can determine distances to the exact decimal point, measure around obstacles and calculate angles very efficiently, simplifying your work. While such devices are costly, their efficiency and speed can make up for the expense.

I recommend: Professional Equipment has several laser distance measuring products, at a wide range of prices. Many of them advertise as being easier to use than tape measures. DigitalMeasuringTools.com carries laser meters and measuring instruments from manufacturers like Sonin, Leica and TLM.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Watch out for measuring devices that only use metric or U.S customary units, and not both. While metric units may be easier to calculate, there are still American businesses that won't use them. Most measuring devices should include both systems.

Action Steps
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Hire consultants to train employees to use measuring instruments

Consulting groups for specific industries often provide training on a variety of topics, some of which include the proper use of measuring devices commonly used in the workplace. These sessions can be a few hours up to a few days, with professionals working in-house to train employees.

I recommend: The IMTEC Group provides measurement training for many types of industrial workplaces. They teach measuring techniques with and without measurement devices. American Trainco provides many in-house and seminar training courses for HVAC companies, most of which include measurement training for different positions.

Sign up for online courses to learn how to use measuring products

Industrial measuring devices can be complicated, but there are online courses that explain how to use them to make the workplace more efficient. Most of these courses are designed to teach basic skills, but can be a good refresher course for experienced employees. Online courses can be taken on your own time at relatively little cost to the employer.

I recommend: Training Classes provides and online course designed to teach industrial measurement and control in engineering. ITC Learning provides a multimedia presentation online, in addition to a DVD that illustrates industrial measurement skills for various instruments.

Take training opportunities provided by measurement equipment manufacturers

If your company works with a manufacturer of industrial measuring equipment, you can often have manufacturer representatives come to your company and work with employees. These training courses may also be offered outside of the workplace as day-long seminars.

I recommend: Servco Industrial provides training sessions to teach employees basic and advanced skills for using its line of industrial measurement tools. Hexagon Metrology offers a variety of training course options to teach the skills necessary to properly use its measurement instruments.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To provide support to those who work with measurement equipment, keep product manuals for all your measurement tools in easy reach.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pressure gauge

A pressure gauge is a type of device that measures the pressure of gas or liquids. Pressure gauges are normally made out of either brass, stainless steel or aluminum.

I recommend: You can read an in depth article on pressure gauges at Omega Engineering. They also have a section that outlines the different types of pressure gauges made.

Caliper

When you hear the word caliper used regarding measurements, the person is talking about the tool used to measure the distance between two symmetrically opposing sides.

I recommend: Head over to Wisc-Online for a presentation on how to read a caliper correctly.

Micrometer

In the world of mechanical engineering, when a precise measurement is needed, micrometers are used. These devices are capable of measuring extremely small distances.

I recommend: Techtarget.com explains what a micrometer is.

Graduated cylinder

A graduated cylinder is used to measure liquids and comes in sizes ranging from small to large.

I recommend: Visit Indigo Instruments to learn more about graduated cylinders and to see visual images of them.

Barometer

In the world of weather, a barometer is used to measure the atmospheric pressure. Barometers are typically filled with mercury, which reacts to the pressure. The higher the mercury, the higher the atmospheric pressure.

I recommend: If you would like more information on barometers, including how they work, head over to Big Site of Amazing Facts.

Measuring wheel

Measuring wheels are tools that can measure long distances in a short amount of time. The person using the measuring wheel would stand behind it and push it the distance that needs to be measured.

I recommend: If you would like some tips on how to purchase a measuring wheel and the pros and cons of mechanical and electric models, go to EngineerSupply.