History of precision measuring instruments

Micrometers and calipers are used to accurately measure the length of all kinds of products. And gauge blocks are the standard instruments for these lengths. We have compiled the history of these three instruments in a booklet.

History of micrometer evolution

History of the Evolution of the Micrometer Cover Image
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Catalog No. 257(4)
Updated May 2018

The prototype of the micrometer was invented in the 18th century. We will introduce the path of its evolution along with industrial development.

table of contents

  • Chapter 1: The Age of the Founders
  • Chapter 2 The Copper Age
  • Chapter 3: The Dawn
  • Chapter 4: The era of Made in Japan
  • Chapter 5: The era of development as an information device
  • Chapter 6 Micrometers evolve further

Sample of published content

Sample image of the evolution of the micrometer #1
Sample image 2 of the evolution of the micrometer
Sample image 3 of the evolution of the micrometer

History of precision measuring instruments: The origin and evolution of the caliper

History of precision measuring instruments: The origin and evolution of the caliper Cover image
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Catalog No. 364(4)
Updated December 2021

This course will introduce the origins of the sliding caliper that preceded the vernier caliper, and the evolution from the origins of the vernier caliper, which is a sliding caliper with a vernier scale, to the digital vernier caliper.

Main Contents

  • What is a caliper?
  • Origin of the name of caliper and vernier scale
  • The oldest sliding caliper: the vernier caliper
  • Calipers in Europe and the United States until the end of World War II
  • Depth and Height Gauges
  • The origins and spread of calipers in Japan
  • Movement of calipers after World War II and establishment of the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS)
  • The development of height gauges in Japan
  • Development and evolution of digital calipers

Sample of published content

History of precision measuring instruments: Sample image 1 of the origin and evolution of the caliper
History of precision measuring instruments: Sample image 2 of the origin and evolution of the caliper
History of precision measuring instruments: Sample image 3 of the origin and evolution of the caliper

gauge block story

Gauge Block Story cover image
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Catalog No. 12016(3)
Updated November 2018

This article outlines the history of the birth of gauge blocks, the history of their domestic production in Japan, and the history of gauge blocks at Mitutoyo.

table of contents

  • Chapter 1 The Birth of Gauge Blocks
  • Chapter 2: Gauge block manufacturing in Japan
  • Chapter 3 Mitutoyo Gauge Block Production
    • Prototype gauge blocks at the Kamata Factory
    • In-house production at the Mizonokuchi Factory
    • Production of gauge blocks for sale at the Utsunomiya Factory
    • Construction of the Numata Laboratory and full-scale production of gauge blocks
    • Product and technology development
    • Development at the Miyazaki Factory
    • Product and technology development

Sample of published content

Gauge Block Story Sample Image 1
Gauge Block Story Sample Image 2
Gauge Block Story Sample Image 3

Related Information

Museum/History Museum
Museum/History Museum You can experience the history of Mitutoyo and precision measurement around the world through the collections and experience corners that have been certified as part of the Modern Industrial Heritage Group by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Mitutoyo's history
Mitutoyo's history Founded in 1934, Mitutoyo's first step was to successfully domestically produce micrometers in a small laboratory, and eventually became one of the world's leading comprehensive manufacturers of precision measuring instruments.

Related products

Micrometer
Micrometer We have a wide variety of lineups, from general-purpose products to dedicated products suitable for special applications. We continue to innovate the history of micrometers, achieving the world's first 0.1μm measurement.
caliper
caliper We have a wide lineup ranging from general-purpose products to specialized products for special purposes. We can meet the needs of a variety of environments and purposes, including waterproof and dustproof functions compliant with IP67 and carbon materials.
Gauge block
Gauge block Mitutoyo's gauge block is equipped with an optical frequency comb device that has a length standard equivalent to the national standard. Please use it as a length standard for various precision measuring instruments.
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