Classification Standards
Instruments and meters are the products of a synthesis of various scientific and technological disciplines. They encompass a vast array of types, enjoy widespread application, and undergo constant technological evolution; consequently, there are multiple methods for classifying them. Based on purpose and application, major categories include measuring tools and instruments, automotive instruments, tractor instruments, marine instruments, aviation instruments, navigation instruments, piloting instruments, radio test instruments, carrier and microwave test instruments, geological exploration test instruments, building material test instruments, seismic test instruments, geodetic surveying instruments, hydrological instruments, timing instruments, agricultural test instruments, commercial test instruments, educational instruments, medical instruments, and environmental protection instruments.
Product Categories
Instruments and meters classified as products of the machinery industry fall into thirteen categories: industrial automation instruments, electrical instruments, optical instruments, analytical instruments, laboratory instruments and apparatus, material testing machines, meteorological and oceanographic instruments, motion picture machinery, photographic machinery, photocopying and microfilming machinery, instrument components, instrument materials, and instrument manufacturing tooling. These products are characterized by high versatility and large-scale production, or they serve as essential foundations for the instrument industry.
Classification by Characteristics
Various types of instruments and meters can be further subdivided into smaller categories or sub-categories based on specific characteristics such as function, the object of detection or control, structure, and operating principle. For instance, industrial automation instruments can be categorized by function into detection instruments, loop display instruments, regulating instruments, and actuators. Detection instruments can be further classified by the physical quantity measured into temperature, pressure, flow, level, and mechanical quantity measuring instruments. Temperature measuring instruments can be subdivided by measurement method into contact and non-contact types; contact-type temperature instruments can be further categorized into thermoelectric, expansion, and resistance types.
