Calipers help you measure filament and parts on your 3D printer. If you’re someone who owns a 3D printer or intends to work with one, you’ll need a pair of digital calipers in your tool set.
Vernier is a very good digital caliper. Check out Stainless Steel Vernier Calipers here.
This Vernier caliper has several things going for it:
- Accurate to 0.01 mm
- The thumb wheel spins freely
- Comes with free feeler gauge for measuring gaps
- Can use feeler gauge to check accuracy of the caliper
Top 4 Best Digital Calipers For Measuring 3D Filament Diameters
Introduction
The variability in the diameter of a length of 3D filament is called its “tolerance”.
Good filaments generally have a tolerance of +/- 0.05 mm. That means the diameter varies less than 0.05 mm from the it’s advertised width. If the filament tolerance is larger than +/- 0.05 mm, it might clog your printer.
So I measure my filament from time to time just to make sure I am working with good quality filament
Since filaments and 3D printer parts need to be exact down to the millimeter, the caliper you select should be able to give the reading you desire in units as small as fractions of millimeter.
It should also be as accurate as possible. All of the calipers reviewed here are accurate to within 0.02 mm according to the manufacturer, but in practice they all measure anything pretty much perfectly.
You can also check the accuracy of calipers by measuring objects with known widths. If you buy the Venier caliper and get the free feeler gauge, then you can measure that.
Otherwise, you can measure the width of your phone. It’s quick and easy and will give you a sense of how accurate your caliper is.
Neiko 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper with Extra-Large LCD Screen
Product Overview
This product by Neiko is a powerful digital electronic caliper that has the capability of measuring dimensions with high accuracy. It can even measure up to 0.01 mm!
The LCD is quite large for additional clarity, and it displays exact external and internal measurements.
It can display data in numerous formats like fractions, millimeters, and inches. Taking the perfect measurement is now possible thanks to the fine position lock. The caliper switches off when it is not being used.
Primary features and benefits
- You can change the measuring mode and choose from millimeter, inch, and fractions just by pressing a button.
- Measurement range varies from 0 inches to 6 inches.
- Resolution varies up to 0.01mm.
- Accuracy is up to 0.02mm
- The frame is made using polished stainless steel. The frame, coupled with a locking screw and knurled thumb roller ensure accurate positioning and smooth sliding.
- Comes with extra batteries and a storage case
Detailed Review
A caliper is the first tool you turn to when you need an exact measurement of something. However, the accuracy of the tool is useless if you have difficulty in reading it accurately.
The Neiko 01407A resolves the problem by combining the caliper with a large LCD to read the exact measurement.
You can instantly convert the metric scale to SAE, and you can zero the display whenever you want. The ground jaws facilitate great precision while the position lock and thumb-roll mechanism allow extensive adjustment.
Customers like how easy this caliper is to use. They have also voiced their opinions about its accuracy and how it turns off when not needed.
VINCA DCLA-0605 Quality Electronic Digital Vernier Caliper
Product Overview
This digital Vernier caliper boasts good quality considering its cost. It is the best tool for DIY projects at home, and it can also be used for professional tasks related.
It features one of the biggest caliper LCDs so that the user can read the measurements easily.
Primary features and benefits
- Measurement range extends to 6 inches
- Accuracy is up to 0.02mm
- Large LCD
- The repeatability varies to 0.01mm
- Resolution extends to 0.01mm
- Made using quality stainless steel
- 1-year warranty included
Detailed Review
The allowed maximum measurement speed is 120 inches in one second. The LCD screen is quite large therefore the measurements can be read accurately, something that the customers appreciate.
The data can be shown in various units including fractions, inches, and metric.
If the caliper is not used for around 5 minutes, it automatically switches off. The latest processing of the depthometer’s groove results in smooth sliding, better appearance, and more accurate result.
The caliper is calibrated fully before it is sold. Apart from a one-year warranty, it also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
YKS 6 Inch Carbon Fiber Composite Vernier Digital Caliper Ruler With Big Screen
Product Overview
This carbon fiber Vernier caliper from YKS is ideal for measuring external and internal dimensions. And yes, you can also use it for measuring the diameter of 3D filaments too.
This Vernier caliper features a linear capacitive measuring system. The LCD is also of an appropriate size.
Primary features and benefits
- Weighs only 70g
- Comes with a 1.5V battery cell
- Measurement range extends up to 4 inches
- The resolution is 0.01 inch
- LCD is easy to read
Detailed Review
Weighing only 70g, the Vernier caliper is ideal for transportation. It doesn’t feel heavy while being used, which a lot of customers have talked about.
Since it can measure up to 4 inches, it is the most suitable tool for DIY projects. It can also be used professionally for making small measurements. But take note that it can’t measure depth.
You can ‘zero’ the reading of the caliper regardless of the position. Considering the price, this caliper is suitable for those who just want a caliper to keep in the garage or for small 3D printing related projects.
Stainless Steel Vernier Electronic Digital Caliper | FREE Feeler Gauge Included
Product Overview
This digital caliper by Green Toolz is designed not only for DIY projects, but it is also suitable for professional use. Despite being extremely precise, this caliper is also easy to use.
The caliper has an ergonomic design so that it is easy to handle and is comfortable. The caliper comes with an automatic on and off function for saving power. It also comes with a low battery warning.
Primary features and benefits
- The resolution ranges to 0.0005 inches
- The accuracy varies to 0.0015 inch
- Rolling thumb mechanism allows use with one hand
- Lock screw tightly holds the jaw in position
- The caliper can be reset whenever you want
Detailed Review
As a professional, you can’t guess ‘measurements’ regardless of how good you might think you are. Not measuring a 3D filament properly can end up harming the printer as well as stalling your project.
This caliper allows accurate measurement of diameter, depth, and step measurements in fractions, metric, or SAE. You can instantly convert the readings and save time. The thumb roller glides smoothly.
It is a compact caliper which makes it easy to carry around. The caliper is quite durable since it is made of hardened stainless steel.
It comes in a molded heavy-duty casing with a screwdriver for changing it. This caliper also comes with a 2-year warranty that customers love.
Conclusion: Best Digital Calipers
It’s important to use the best digital calipers to measure the diameter of the 3D filament you plan on using so that you get an accurate reading. Vernier calipers are a solid choice.
Of course, any of the other digital calipers mentioned above will do well. Just make sure you look through them to find one that has the features you want.
Check out our complete guide to accessories for more tools to help with 3D printing.
Feel free to leave a comment with any questions. Good luck!