What is a Reed Type Mechanical Comparator In Metrology?

A reed-type mechanical comparator is composed of a collection of parallel, flat, spring-like reeds or blades. These reeds are typically made of high-quality steel and are calibrated precisely to ensure precise measurements.

In metrology, a mechanical comparator of the reed type is used to measure extremely minute lengths or displacements with a high degree of accuracy. It’s a lever arm with a spring-loaded plunger (or “reed”) attached to it. The distance between the reed and the object being measured is amplified by the lever arm’s displacement and displayed on a dial gauge or digital readout.

When precision is of the utmost importance, as in the production of precision parts or the calibration of measuring instruments, the reed-type mechanical comparator is often used. It works great for pinpointing the presence or absence of even the tiniest size discrepancies. The reed type mechanical comparator’s simplicity and user-friendliness are two of its many benefits. It’s not as expensive as some other mechanical comparators and it doesn’t take much practice to master it.

However, the reed type mechanical comparator’s accuracy is constrained by the reliability of its spring. Friction, hysteresis, and other forms of mechanical noise can all be introduced into the comparison process simply by virtue of the comparator’s mechanical design. Because of its limited precision and range, the reed type mechanical comparator is typically used for measuring very small dimensions.

Reed-type mechanical comparators are extensively used in a variety of industries and applications requiring comparative and rapid measurements. Common applications include manufacturing processes, quality control inspections, and precision machining.

It is essential to note that mechanical comparators of the Reed type lack the accuracy and precision of more advanced measuring devices, such as electronic or optical instruments. However, their simplicity, portability, and affordability make them suitable for measurement duties that do not require extremely high levels of precision.

Video 01: reed type mechanical comparator |Construction | Working | What is sued of reed type comparator