Digital Indicator failing calibration

Hello everyone,

I have a digital indicator here that is failing its yearly calibration using the set master and gage blocks. 1mm = 1.12mm // 1.25mm = 1.36mm // 3.5mm = 3.64 // 5mm = 5.12mm

On average I am reading .12mm from where it should be.

Is there anything I can do to salvage this digital indicator? Can I send it out to be re-calibrated? Trying to avoid having to order a brand new one as we are tight on money.

Thanks

Benedictj1 over 1 year ago

does it have a fresh battery? have you cleaned it? you might not be able to avoid getting a new one.
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Smasherofprobes over 1 year ago

I will try putting a fresh battery in and see if this changes results. What does cleaning it consist of? Do you actually open it up and clean the inside?
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bfire85 over 1 year ago

What is the brand of the dial indicator?

I'd advise against taking it apart and seeing if a local metrology shop can fix it. Yeah, you're spending more money, but less than buying a new one if you break it.

Depending on brand, maybe the pinion is corroded or spring mechanism is worn.
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vpt.se over 1 year ago

Are you sure your zero really is zero?
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Smasherofprobes over 1 year ago

bfire85 Sorry for delayed response. It seems to be an "Oudtinx" brand indicator. I opened it up and didn't see any visible damage. My Boss did give the go ahead to order a new one thankfully but for future reference I would like to know how to resolve this issue.
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Smasherofprobes over 1 year ago

vpt.se I would assume so yes. I have certified 20-30 digital indicators this year without problems following this same process. Not sure why it's giving me issues.
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Fradders over 1 year ago

Not heard of them before over here in the UK, just looked them up and it appears they are Chinese surprise surprise, not expensive to replace, it may just be damp inside, worth having a closer look at it and get to know your way around them once you have the replacement, a link for a replacement in the US. https://www.amazon.com/Oudtinx-Electronic-Indicator-Conversion-Measuring/dp/B07R7P7H6M?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1
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bfire85 over 1 year ago

bfire85 Sorry for delayed response. It seems to be an "Oudtinx" brand indicator. I opened it up and didn't see any visible damage. My Boss did give the go ahead to order a new one thankfully but for future reference I would like to know how to resolve this issue.

Never heard of that brand. Looked it up and it's about the 1/3 to 1/2 of the price of a Mitutoyo DI. Yikes! Cheaper is not always better.

Are all your gages this brand? I'd stay away from Fowler too.
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Smasherofprobes over 1 year ago

bfire85 90% of our digital indicators are Mitutoyo and have held up well! Unfortunately the carelessness on the floor here has resulted in many of them being damaged and replaced with cheaper ones. I don't think we have any fowlers but if I come across any I will proceed with caution
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