I’ve actually never seen this slot technique in commercial calipers - most just use the traditional vernier lines since they’re easier to manufacture and more durable in metal than these slots wuold be.
Comment on Moire/Vernier Radius Gauge
flubba86@lemmy.world 1 month ago
I’ve used many calipers with a vernier scale, but for some reason I’ve never seen the use of slots like this to simplify and highlight the reading. It’s actually a very obvious thing now I’ve seen it. Are there any commercial calipers that have it?
MysteriousSophon21@lemmy.world 1 month ago
monotremata@lemmy.ca 1 month ago
Not as far as I know. Practically speaking there are several disadvantages–the slots limit the light on the markings, parallax effects can mess with the reading, it requires two full surfaces sliding against each other which increases friction, etc. Plus with a regular vernier scale you can see both sides of a line, which could give you a better sense of how they line up (“vernier acuity”). But in a case like this, where precision isn’t a top priority and ease of use might outrank it, I think there’s an argument to be made for it.