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Marking out and measuring

Coat with marking blue (or chalk on rough surfaces) so scribed lines show clearly.

Notes for this topic 1 file, in order

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  1. PDFMarking out and measuring – Metal Technology and Design notes (ZIMSEC O Level)46.8 KB

Tools

  • Steel rule and tape: measuring lengths.
  • Scriber: marking lines on metal.
  • Engineer's try square: marking and checking right angles.
  • Odd-leg calipers (jennies): lines parallel to an edge; finding the centre of a bar.
  • Dividers: circles and arcs; stepping off distances.
  • Centre punch: marks the centre of holes for drilling. Dot punch: marks lines so they stay visible.
  • Surface plate, scribing block (surface gauge) and vee blocks: accurate marking from a flat surface and on round bars.
  • Vernier calipers (to 0.1 mm or 0.02 mm) and micrometer (to 0.01 mm): precise measurement.

Preparing the surface

Coat with marking blue (or chalk on rough surfaces) so scribed lines show clearly.

Datum

Measure from a single reference edge or line (datum) to avoid adding up errors.

Worked example: Read a micrometer showing 7.5 mm on the sleeve and 23 on the thimble (0.01 mm divisions).

7.5 + 0.23 = 7.73 mm

Exam tip: Always mark the centre of a hole with a centre punch – otherwise the drill wanders.

Check yourself

  1. Which tool marks lines parallel to an edge?
  2. Why is marking blue used?
  3. What is a datum?
Show answers
  1. Odd-leg calipers (jennies).
  2. So that scribed lines show up clearly.
  3. A reference edge or line from which all measurements are taken.
Next topicCutting, filing, drilling and threading

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