What is an dial test indicator?

The dial Test Indicator is a sensitive instrument having a graduated dial and an indicating hand which is connected through a system of multiplaying levers, or gears, to a contact point that is fastened to the end of a spindle. The cantact piont is placed in contact with the workpiece. Any movement of the contact point is transmitted through the spindle, greatly amplified by the international works, and displayed by a movement of the indicating hand on the dial. Dial test indicators are designed to read to .001inch,.005inch, or .0001inch.The reading of the divisions is usually marked on the dial face.They are made in a great variety of sizes and shapes. Indicators are widely used in machine shops, and tool and dial shops in combination with many other forms of gaging and measuring devices. In the shop , dial test indicators are frequently simply referred to as “indicators�?

Dial test indicator—The abbreviation for this term is DTI . Also known a dial gauge or as, a clock gauge. A measuring device used to measure relatively small movements or displacements. The displacement of a plunger or stylus is shown on a circular dial by means of a ratating pointer.
The amount of tie bar extension can be measured by mounting a DTI on a stand so that the end of the spring loaded plunger makes contact with the end (vertical) face of the tie bar. The stand may be designed to accommodate 2 or 4 DTI’s(i. e.one for each tie bar), so that individual tie bar extention can be measured simultaneously.Such measurements should be recorded on the mould setting/record sheet.See locking dorce, plunger type dial test indicator and lever type dial test indicator.