QuantuMike micrometer boasts 2 mm-pitch leadscrew and advanced rotary encoder

The Mitutoyo QuantuMike, innovative high speed micrometer is billed as providing easier handling and higher productivity due to heavy investment in refining precision screw thread manufacturing methods and developing advanced rotary encoder technology. Conventional digital micrometer leadscrews need a fine pitch, typically 0.5 mm, to give enough mechanical magnification for the miniature rotary encoder on the spindle to achieve the required resolution. This makes them slow to adjust when taking measurements and checking the origin point. QuantuMike overcomes this problem by combining a precision 2 mm-pitch leadscrew with an innovative high-resolution electromagnetic induction rotary encoder to increase adjustment speed by up to four times, giving the user a much better measurement experience and enabling a real increase in productivity. Although productivity gains depend heavily on the type of measurements made and their spacing within the measurement range, the results of tests on a stepped shaft showed that QuantuMike measured this workpiece 2.4 times faster than a standard digital micrometer. The patented ratchet thimble mechanism helps ensure repeatable results by transmitting micro-vibrations along the spindle to the contact face to provide a constant measuring force and encourage good contact with the workpiece. The ratchet works from the thimble as well as the speeder so it is always easy to use – even when making measurements one-handed. Measurements are made to an accuracy of ±2 micron throughout the range models with 0-25 mm and 25-50 mm models available, both with and without data output.