KEVOS® MAKEOS · Quality

Internal Taper Angle from Two Balls

What is the included angle and top diameter of this tapered bore, measured with two balls?

Included angle and diameter at the top face of an internal taper from the depths to the tops of two precision balls of different sizes.

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How this tool works

Inputs, units and where to find them

InputUnitTypical source
Small ball diametermmMeasured diameter of the smaller precision ball (it sits deeper).
Large ball diametermmMeasured diameter of the larger ball.
Depth from top face to top of small ballmmDepth gauge reading from the top face down to the top of the small ball.
Depth from top face to top of large ballmmDepth reading to the top of the large ball (negative if it stands above the face).

Method and formulas

  1. With radii R₁ < R₂ and H = h₁ − h₂: sin(α/2) = (R₂ − R₁) ÷ (H − (R₂ − R₁)).
  2. Taper on diameter = 2 tan(α/2).
  3. Large ball centre lies R₂ ÷ sin(α/2) from the apex; diameter at the face = 2 tan(α/2) × (that distance + R₂ + h₂).
  4. Example: the default readings give an included angle of 23.074° and 28.577 mm at the top face.

Limitations

  • Straight, round taper; both balls must touch the conical wall all round.
  • Ball diameter and depth errors are magnified for small angles.
  • Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.

Typical uses

  • Inspect tapered bores, valve seats and Morse sockets
  • Measure a taper without a taper gauge
  • Check the diameter at the gauge line

Who it is for

  • Quality inspectors
  • Toolmakers
  • Metrology technicians

What you get

  • Included taper angle
  • Taper per unit length on diameter
  • Diameter at the top face

Interpreting the result

  • Use balls as far apart in size as the taper allows to reduce error.

References

  • Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 682–691. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.

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Open the Internal Taper Angle from Two Balls calculator