Fowler Micrometer IP54 Repair Suggestions

[Shavings]

I have an older style Fowler IP54 mike that isn't operational because the battery holder/cover has crumbled into pieces. I've contacted Fowler but they no longer carry the replacement part which is a cube shaped holder (not the current round one). If someone has one laying around that they no longer use, I would be willing to purchase it as that would be the quickest way to get it back into operation.😁
Seeing as that is a long shot, I think that this may be a candidate for 3d printing a replacement. I haven't done any 3d printing so am looking your comments/thoughts. Is there a significant learning curve in learning how to use a printer? Do I need to allow for shrinkage after printing by increasing the size by a small fraction? The original part is somewhat flexible. Is there a similar material available for 3d printing or will the part be rigid? A couple of years ago, our local library obtained about six 3d printers which they made available to the public as part of a technology department. If they haven't been totally trashed by now, it would be an option for me to give this a try.
Any other suggestions for repair would also be welcomed.

[reggie_obe]

Get it 3D printed? Maybe someone here will step up to the challenge.

[Bented]

You do realize that IP means Ingress Protection, a new Mitutoyo IP 65 0" to 1" digital micrometer may be bought new for less then $200.00. BUY a new one.
https://www.globaltestsupply.com/pro...SABEgJyp_D_BwE
Or Grainger with a NIST Long Form certificate.
https://www.grainger.com/product/4LA...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[PStechPaul]

You can buy a new one, probably as good as the Fowler, for $38 at Harbor Freight:

https://www.harborfreight.com/digita...g_q=micrometer

The battery cover for your micrometer looks similar to that used on many cheap digital calipers. Perhaps you can find an old one or buy a cheap one and kluge the cover to fit your micrometer.

[Bented]

You can buy a new one, probably as good as the Fowler, for $38 at Harbor Freight:

You will likely not get the NIST inspection certificate with it however, people love those things, it likely costs $38.00 to ship it there and test it then ship it back.

Several years ago I bought a new 8 X 12 X 2" granite surface plate from Starrett.
This is only the first Page.

[PStechPaul]

Yes, all depends on what accuracy you really need, and if NIST traceability is required. If you have some gage blocks you can do your own calibration.

The Fowler micrometer might have a USB or RS-232 port, and if you don't mind a tether you might be able to power it that way. Or even solder some wires to the coin cell contacts and an external 1.5V battery. But the 3-D printer option sounds like a good learning project.

[Jim Stewart]

Yes, all depends on what accuracy you really need, and if NIST traceability is required. If you have some gage blocks you can do your own calibration.

Ummm, seems to me if you need NIST traceability you wouldn't be using a Fowler instrument...

-js