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Micrometers History and Mitutoyo

By Nestor Carlise


The Mitutoyo Corporation was started in 1934 with one product, which was the Micrometer. This product built the foundation of the company which is now the largest metrology company globally. Mitutoyo's vision was to create the most accurate Micrometer at an affordable price.

The company has continued to grow it's product line of precision measuring tools following the success of the Micrometer and the need for supplementary/related tools such as the caliper and indicators.

The demand for measuring tools which meet the demands of modern products continues to increase. As a result of this demand, Mitutoyo has continually developed its current products further while also expanding their product lines to include new instruments. This new demand is driven largely by the progression of electronics. Some examples of products Mitutoyo produced to meet this demand include: Form Measuring Equipment, Optical Comparators, and Coordinate Measuring Machines.

Data collectors and analysis software followed closely behind the integration of electronics into Mitutoyo's line of measurement tools. The need for these supporting products was largely brought about with the invention of SPC or more commonly known as statistical process control.

Mitutoyo has had to continually adapt to a changing market place - as any great business does, by developing new and improved products to meet the demand of modern manufacturing. In modern manufacturing, computer technology plays an integral role. As such, Mitutoyo now manufactures instruments which can measure in the sub-micron range with the aid of computer technology.

The Micrometer, a Brief History

Once the effectiveness and capabilities of the Micrometer were fully understood the product was used in several other manufacturing operations - however at the root, the tool was designed for the watch making industry.

The original micrometer was designed to be affixed to a table top, and was known as Watt's Tabletop Micrometer. Watt's was originally known for his career in steam engine engineering.

It wasn't until the mid nineteenth century however that the micrometer was really commercialized. This was achieved following the invention/improvement of the design known as the "millionth of an inch" model. Sir Joseph Whitworth is the man accredited with this model.

Over in France - a new model of micrometer was being developed. This new model was smaller, more refined and could be held in your hand. This new model could also produce accurate results, but at a fraction of the size. This new design while being designed in France, was really made popular when it hit American soil. American manufactures saw great benefit to incorporating this in the manufacturing process. It became a staple in the production of sewing machines, and then expanded to other product lines.

Further refined in Japan, the tool became a staple to be used alongside statistical control processes. This led to development of the electronic micrometer, which significantly reduced human error in its application.




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