There are different types of microscopes, but what we’re going to be focusing on is the toolmakers’ microscope. Unlike other conventional microscopes which are used to magnify and let microscopic things be seen macroscopically, the toolmakers’ microscope is usually used as a measuring device for microscopic stuff. Using this, it can measure objects up to 1/100th of an mm or 0.01 millimeters. This type of microscope is perfect for measuring miniature mechanical, electrical, or microscopic parts.
Parts of a Toolmakers Microscope
Base– it has a hollow base, which makes it easier for the microscope to accommodate and let light pass through the unit underneath.
Circular Stage Surface – Located at the upper part of the base, a circular stage surface is installed. It is made of transparent glass and it can be rotated 360 degrees for easier adjustment of the subject to gain a better view.
Eyepiece – The eyepieces are the lenses at the top that the viewer looks through; they are usually 10X or 15X. To get the total magnification level, multiply the magnification of the objective used (ex: 10X eyepiece * 40X objective = 400X total magnification).
Micrometer Screws – It has two (2) micrometer screws, with one used for longitudinal movement and the other for the latitudinal movement of the stage.
Ground Glass Screen – The ground-glass (now mostly grained plastic) screen is the most direct way of viewing the image for framing and sharpness control. The screen localizes the image plane for observation.
After looking at some parts of the toolmakers’ microscope, here are the ways on how to do the toolmakers’ microscope works:
How The Toolmakers Microscope Works?
Just like with conventional microscopes, the toolmakers’ microscope also depends on light or optics. The light from the source will be collected and focused to bounce directed to the object for the viewer to see its shadow because light will not pass through opaque objects. However, with the shadow prevalent, it somehow resembles the object, which allows for measurements to be made.
The level of magnification that will be needed with this particular device is largely depending on the objective lenses that will be used. However, it is often supplied with the facilities to be able to see with a magnification range of 10x to 100x. On the other side, low magnification allows most of the objects under observation to be viewed, while high magnification provides a clear image (with adjustments of light) for good and accurate measurements.
To make the microscope be able to adapt to a wide range of applications, a wide variety of attachments may also be required to be used. Provided that the image, which is the shadow of the object, has to represent the real and specific details of the object such as details about its shape and also what color it is, some specimens also use a variety of special accessories and techniques, lens coatings, filters, and diaphragms.
The Different Uses of the Toolmakers Microscope
The base of a toolmaker’s microscope is built to be strong and firm, for it to be able to hold a wide range of objects to be used for observations, study, and measurements.
With it being a multi-functional device, most toolmaker tools can be often found inside most of the manufacturing and factories of machines, electronics, tools, and the like. In such places, these tools offer great help when it comes to measuring the sizes, shapes, angles, and positions of small components which will fall under the measuring range of the microscope. This makes the microscope particularly suitable for such tasks: measuring the shapes of such components as milling cutters, thread gauges, and guide screws among others.
Moreover, the device can be used for measuring the center-to-center distance of holes in a plane, also any linear measurements. You can also do accurate angular measurements.
Applications of the Toolmakers Microscope
Determining Relative Positions
The microscope can be used for relative positions of different points by just measuring the distance traveled, which is necessary for bringing a second point to the position contained with the first and so this pattern continues.
Measuring Different Angles
With the usage of this microscope, it is possible to measure the angles by using only the protractor eyepiece. This allows for the angles of the object to be viewed and then determined at the same time.
Comparison of measurements
This is where the microscope is used to compare some of the thread forms, measuring the pitch, and diameter. Here, the microscope makes this possible by using the master-profiles engravings in the eyepiece.
Compared with a scale
This is where the images of the object are compared with the scale in the projection screen.
Benefits of Having a Toolmakers Microscope
For those involved in the repairing of given tools such as machine parts, electronic parts, and the like, the toolmaker’s microscope can be used for the confirmation of surface finishes and measuring defects on any kind of surface you can think of.
It can also provide you with accurate and precise measurements of objects, even at a microscopic level.
Moreover, the toolmaker’s microscope offers a wide range of optical viewing techniques. It can use the type of optics, that offer higher magnification resolution for better measuring accuracy and precision.
