Industrial knobs are commonly used to adjust machinery components. Once installed, you can grab and turn an industrial knob to adjust the component to which it’s connected. For greater precision, however, you may want to choose a scale ring.
What Are Scale Rings?
Scale rings are round industrial knobs with scaled graduations. The sides feature graduations, such as 0 to 12, for instance. Also known as graduated rings or knobs, scaled rings offer a superior level of precision when compared to traditional industrial knobs.
How Scale Rings Work
Like most industrial knobs, scale rings are used to adjust machinery components. They typically feature a tapped hole in the center that supports a threaded stud. You can install a scale ring on a threaded stud, assuming it’s the right size. Only scale rings, though, feature scaled graduations.
The scaled graduations on scale rings serve as a reference for adjustments. Rather than trying to eyeball an adjustment, you can refer to the graduations. The graduations feature properly scaled values so that you don’t turn the knob too little or too much.
How to Choose a Scale Ring
There are several things to consider when choosing a scale ring, one of which is the material. Since they are used in precision-critical applications, scale rings require a durable construction. Aluminum is a popular material used in the construction of scale rings. It’s strong, lightweight and resistant to corrosion. But some scale rings are made of other, softer materials.
You should also consider the size when choosing a scale ring. Some scale rings are larger than others. Large scale rings are often easier to grip and turn, but they take up more space than their smaller counterparts.
Don’t forget to check the size of the tapped hole as well. Most scale rings feature a hole with interior threading in the center, but the size of this tapped hole will vary.
For greater ergonomics, you may want to choose a knurled scale ring. Knurled scale rings feature a textured section along the exterior. Rather than grabbing and turning the smooth part with the graduations, you can grab and turn this knurled section.
Common Types of Scale Rings
There are different types of scale rings. While they all feature scaled graduations, some of them are designed for specific applications. Angle measurement rings, for example, are used to set angles. Distance scale rings, on the other hand, are used to make adjustments of very small distances — typically just millimeters — with machinery components. Regardless, all scale rings have scaled graduations on the side.