Intro to Millwright Practice Exam

What effect can gravity have on a dial indicator and bracket?

1. It can cause vibrations

2. It can create sag

3. It can increase accuracy

4. It can improve calibration

The correct answer is: It can create sag

The impact of gravity on a dial indicator and its bracket primarily manifests as sag. When a dial indicator is mounted on a bracket, the weight of the indicator and the bracket can lead to a slight bending or drooping, which is often referred to as sag. This sag can compromise the accuracy of the readings taken by the dial indicator because it may cause misalignment between the measuring contact and the surface being measured. In practical applications, if the bracket sags, the indicator’s position could shift, leading to incorrect measurements. This is particularly critical in precision alignment tasks or when measuring small tolerances, where even minor deviations can result in significant errors. Thus, recognizing and mitigating the effects of gravity-related sag is an essential consideration for ensuring correct measurements when using dial indicators.