Use mechanical calipers to measure steel diameter?

Currently, the market offers a variety of steel types for production and construction such as construction steel, steel plates, steel pipes, box steel or shaped steel, each type has its own unique characteristics to optimize efficiency for each specific application.

Classification of steel on the market

The current market offers many types of steel to serve the manufacturing and construction sectors, including construction steel, steel plates, steel pipes, box steel and shaped steel. Each type of steel possesses unique characteristics to meet different requirements in each practical application.  

Depending on the intended use and testing requirements, understanding the characteristics of each type of steel is very important. This not only helps you choose the right materials but also ensures efficiency during construction and production. Below are some outstanding features of popular steel types today:

Construction steel:

Among them, construction steel is most commonly used in two main forms: round steel bars and rolled steel. Round bar steel is divided into two types: plain steel and ribbed steel. Plain steel has the advantages of high ductility, malleability and elongation, with a diameter of 14 to 25mm and a length of about 12m. In contrast, rebar steel (also known as ribbed steel) has a solid structure and a grooved surface, with a diameter of 10 to 32mm, ideal for reinforcing reinforced concrete.

Besides, rolled steel is made in wire form with a smooth surface and is easily rolled up. Common diameters of rolled steel include Ø6mm, Ø8mm, Ø10mm, Ø12mm and Ø14mm, used in fixing steel bars or creating frames for concrete ceilings. 

Some other types of steel

- Steel plates: Produced in flat or rolled form, with smooth or ribbed surfaces. This type of steel is often used in automobile manufacturing, vehicle body manufacturing, factory construction and furniture manufacturing.  

- Steel tube: Has a hollow cylinder inside, smooth surface, with common shapes such as round, square, rectangular. Diameter ranges from 12.7mm to 219.1mm, thickness from 0.7mm to 6.35mm, suitable for many applications in construction and industry.  

- Steel box: Square or rectangular, hollow, with a maximum thickness of 5.1mm and standard length of 6m. Box steel is often used in construction projects, factories and the production of civil appliances  

All types of steel are produced according to certain diameter standards to ensure quality and durability when put into use. Therefore, checking the diameter of round steel, ribbed steel or tube steel is an important step to ensure the material meets technical requirements.  

When measuring the diameter of steel, especially ribbed steel, you need to note that ridges on the surface can affect the measurement results. Meanwhile, measuring the diameter of round steel pipes is simpler.

How to measure rebar diameter

When checking the diameter of ribbed steel, there are two common methods: using a mechanical caliper or calculating according to the nominal diameter formula. To ensure accuracy, you can choose a specialized meter to support the measurement process

Measure the diameter of ribbed steel with a mechanical caliper

Due to the uneven ribbed steel surface, measurement results may vary depending on the measurement location. Therefore, the most accurate measurement method is performed at the plane between the steel ribs.

In addition, choosing a quality mechanical caliper also affects the accuracy of measurement. You should use mechanical calipers from reputable brands such as Mitutoyo or Insize, ensuring low errors and reliable results.

Steps to measure ribbed steel diameter:

Check the accuracy of the mechanical caliper: Return the two calipers to their original position so that the 0 line on the scale coincides with the 0 line on the main ruler.

Conduct measurement: Open the outer measuring beak of the mechanical caliper to a distance wider than the diameter of the steel sample. Place the ruler perpendicular to the steel bar and tighten the locking screw to secure.

Read measurement results: After removing the ruler from the sample, you perform calculations and read the diameter value from the scale on the ruler.

Important notes when measuring steel diameter with mechanical calipers

When measuring steel diameter with a mechanical caliper, to ensure accurate and reliable results, you need to pay attention to some important points. These notes will help the inspection process become faster, more effective and meet technical requirements.

- Comply with technical standards: Before measuring, you need to clearly understand TCVN standards related to steel and reinforced concrete in construction to ensure satisfactory measurement results.

- Check the mechanical caliper before use: To ensure accuracy, check the zero point of the caliper and adjust if necessary, avoiding errors that affect the measurement results.

- Use appropriate equipment: To save time and increase accuracy, you can use a mechanical caliper or watch caliper, helping to read results faster and easier.

- Measure multiple times to ensure accuracy: Measurements should be made 2-3 times at different positions on the steel sample, then take the average value to get the most accurate results.