Principle and operation of stylus probe instruments
Direct Instrument Measurements (Metrology):
These methods enable to determine a
numerical value of the surface finish of any surface. Nearly all instruments
used are stylus probe type of instruments. These operate on electrical
principles. Further, these electrical instruments can be of two kinds. In first
type, they operate on the carrier-modulating principle. The movements of the
stylus exploring the surface are caused to modulate a high frequency carrier
current. The second type includes those operating on voltage-generating
principle. In these the movements of the stylus are caused to generate a
voltage signal. In both these types the output has to be amplified and the
amplified output is used to operate a recording or indicating instrument .The
carrier modulated frequency type of instruments have the advantage that the
signal fed to the recorder depends only upon the position of the stylus. While
in the voltage generating type, when the oscillatory movement of the stylus
stops, the output falls to zero no matter where the stylus may be.Some pneumatic instruments are also used
for measuring surface finish.