Measurement of Screw Threads

Elements of a Vee-form Thread

A vee-from thread is composed basically of the following elements.
– Major or outside diameter
– Minor or root diameter
– Form, particularly flank angles
– Pitch
– Simple effective diameter
Bench Micrometer – Major Diameter
Measurement of Minor Diameter

Use of prisms to measure minor diameter

Measurement of thread form
Screw Thread Projection
Screw thread projection

Projection normal to thread axis causes interference

Turning thread through helix angle avoids interference

but foreshortens pitch and distorts profile
 Microscopic flank angle measurement
The flank angle is defined as the angle made between the straight
portion of the thread flank and a line normal to the thread axis.
 Effect of Flank Angle Errors

Nut of perfect form mating with a screw having a flank angle error δ θ on one flank
only.
Fouling with a screw having a flank
angle error

h
δE d = (δ θ1 + δ θ2 )
sin 2θ
Pitch errors in screw threads

Progressive pitch error Periodic pitch error

Measurement of Pitch Error

Fiducial indicator used on pitch-measuring machine

Pitch Measuring Machine
Effects of Pitch Errors

δE d = δp cot anθ
Simple Effective Diameter
Best Wire Size