Description:TECHNICAL FIELD:
Present disclosure relates to a field of manufacturing technology. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a measuring apparatus used in a steel industry. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose the apparatus for measuring dimensions of workpiece such as a steel billet.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE:

Dimensional accuracy of the cast/formed objects (e.g. billet, bloom), which serves as input to further shape imparting down-stream processing, play an important role in controlling the dimensional accuracy of the finished goods. In the absence of proper dimensional control of input stock, defined by the difference in two diagonal's lengths and sides, serious defects are introduced during the shaping (e.g. hot rolling) process. This is attributed to twisting of dimensionally inaccurate input stock being pushed through the roll pass openings, which are usually machined on the rolls and therefore its dimensions are fixed, imparting shape to it.

In order to control the dimensional accuracy of the input material, it is critical that the cast/formed objects are measured accurately and quickly at the time of its production. The continuous casting process of billet is a fast process and multiple casting strands are usually employed to cast/ produce multiple billets simultaneously. To measure the dimensions of cast billets, and thereby ascertaining and initiating the required corrective measures to control it, billets are required to be cooled to room temperature for manual measurement.

Conventionally, manual measurement - using conventional tools such as inside-caliper and a measuring scale, of dimension of cast product is done. Caliper is used for locating the opposite corners and then a measuring scale is used for reading the distance between the two jaws of the caliper that represents the diagonal. This arrangement is dependent on the skill of the operator and suffers from the accuracy problem because while removing the jaws out of the job for measuring the distance, they invariably open out, making the reading less accurate. The placing of billets vertically below for measurement, presents additional challenge to the operators to stay in bend position for a long time. Hence, the use of conventional tools suffers from a slow, inaccurate and labour-intensive measurement. In order to address the ergonomics, accuracy and speed of measurement a mechanical device has been designed.

In the prior art the diagonals of the billets are measured by using an inside caliper and a ruler. First diagonal length is taken with the two jaw of the inside caliper and then the jaw opening is read on the ruler. For the first step the operator has to bend which is not ergonomic.

Further, the Applicant of the instant application had previously developed an apparatus that facilitates measurement of diagonal length of the cross-section of the workpiece. However, this apparatus may be used to measure only the diagonal length of the workpiece and not any other measurement. Also, the measurement of the dimensions is complex and is done manually.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional process are overcome by process as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of apparatus and process as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus for measuring dimensions of a workpiece is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first arm comprising a first support and a second support. The second support extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first support. The first arm is operable to move the first support and the second support. The apparatus further includes a second arm having a third support and a fourth support. The fourth support extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third support. The second arm is operable to move the third support and the fourth support. The first arm and the second arm are pivotally connected to each other and are operable to a first position to adjust the first support and the third support to measure a first dimension of the workpiece. The first arm and the second arm are further operable to a second position to adjust the first support and the fourth support to measure a second dimension of the workpiece and are operable to a third position to adjust the second support and the third support to measure a third dimension of the workpiece.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the workpiece is a steel billet with a substantially square-shaped cross-section.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first dimension is a diagonal measurement of cross-section of the workpiece, the second dimension is a width measurement of the workpiece, and the third dimension is a height measurement of the workpiece.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first arm comprises a first handle to operate the first arm and the second arm comprises a second handle to operate the second arm.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the apparatus comprises a measuring scale mounted on at least one of the first arm and the second arm to measure dimensions.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the measuring scale is a digital scale configured to display the dimensions measured by the apparatus.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first support and the third support are defined with first jaws at its edges to hold diagonal ends of the workpiece for diagonal measurement of the workpiece.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, each of the first support, second support, third support and the fourth support are defined with second jaws to secure sides of the workpiece during width and height measurement of the workpiece.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method for measuring dimensions of a steel billet using an apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises providing a first arm and a second arm that are pivotally connected to each other. The first arm comprises a first support and a second support, the second support extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first support and the first arm is operable to move the first support and the second support. The second arm comprises a third support and a fourth support, the fourth support extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third support and the second arm is operable to move the third support and the fourth support. The method further includes operating the first arm and the second arm to a first position to adjust the first support and the third support to measure diagonal cross-section of the steel billet, operate the first arm and the second arm to a second position to adjust the first support and the fourth support to measure width of the steel billet. The method also includes operating the first arm and the second arm to a third position to adjust the second support and the third support to measure height of the steel billet.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG.1 illustrates a front view of an apparatus used for measuring dimensions of a workpiece, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.2A-2C illustrate measurement of different dimensions of the workpiece using the apparatus shown in FIG.1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent apparatus or methods do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses an apparatus and a method for measuring dimensions of a workpiece. The apparatus is typically used in a steel industry and hence the workpiece may be a steel billet. However, the apparatus may also be used in other industries and the same should not be considered as a limitation to the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the billet may be a material that has been obtained either by continuous casting or hot rolling. The apparatus of the present disclosure may be used to measure the dimensions of a workpiece with square-shaped cross-section. The apparatus facilitates ease of measurement of the dimensions of the workpiece. With the usage of apparatus, operator may stand at a place and measure the dimensions i.e., the operator may not be required to bend for measuring the dimensions. Additionally, with the use of single apparatus of the present disclosure, all the three dimensions of the workpiece or steel billet may be measured with simple movement or adjustment of the apparatus.

The apparatus for measuring dimensions of the workpiece primarily includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm are generally vertical arms oriented vertically during the usage of the apparatus. Each of the first arm and the second arm are movable and may be adjusted by the operator to measure required dimensions of the workpiece. Further, each of the first arm and the second arm comprises supports. In an embodiment, the first arm may have a first support and a second support, and the second arm may have a third support and a fourth support. The supports typically form an extended part of the arms, and they may extend from a bottom portion of the arms when the arms are oriented vertically. In an embodiment, the first support and the second support forming part of the first arm may be oriented perpendicular to each other. In an embodiment, the first arm and the second arm are configured such that they do not have relative motion with respect to each other. Similarly, the third support and the fourth support forming extended portions of the second arm may be oriented perpendicular to each other. The first arm is a movable arm and may be moved or adjusted by the operator to in turn cause movements of the first support and the second support. Similarly, the second arm may be movable to in turn cause movements of the third support and the fourth support. In an embodiment, the third arm and the fourth arm are configured such that they do not have relative motion with respect to each other.

The apparatus may be operated to three different positions to measure three different dimensions of the workpiece or the steel billet. During measurement of dimensions of the workpiece, firstly, the first arm and the second arm may be operated to a first position. The first arm may be moved to adjust the first support and the second arm may be moved to adjust the third support. In the first position, the apparatus may be configured to measure a first dimension of the workpiece. In an embodiment, the first dimension may be a diagonal cross-section measurement of the workpiece. Further, the first arm and the second arm may be operated to a second position where a second dimension of the workpiece may be measured. During second dimension measurement, the first arm may adjust the second support and the second arm may adjust the third support for measurement. The second dimension may be a side measurement such as width measurement of the workpiece. Lastly, the first arm and the second arm may be operated to a third position where a third dimension of the workpiece may be measured. Here, the first arm adjusts the first support, and the second arm adjusts the fourth support to measure the third dimension of the workpiece. In an embodiment, the third dimension may be a side measurement such as height measurement of the workpiece.

The terms “comprises…a”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the specification, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or method. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitation of the present disclosure.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIG.1-2C. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated methods, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms of “substantially”, “between”, “along”, “free end” and other terms containing these specific terms and directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention referring to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meanings of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present invention.

FIG.1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a front view of an apparatus (100) for measuring dimensions of a workpiece (102). The apparatus (100) may be typically used in a steel industry. However, the application of the apparatus (100) should not be considered as a limitation, as the apparatus (100) may be used in any such industry to measure dimensions. In an embodiment, the workpiece (102) may be a steel billet. The steel billet is a material having square-shaped cross-section that may be extruded into required shape by either continuous casting or hot rolling. The apparatus (100) of the present disclosure may typically be used to measure dimensions of the square-shaped cross-section, however the same should not be considered as a limitation of the present disclosure as the apparatus (100) may be used to measure dimensions of the workpiece (102) having cross-section such as but not limited to rectangular cross-section.

The apparatus (100) primarily comprises a first arm (104) and a second arm (106). Both the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) are configured as movable arms. The first arm (104) includes a first handle (104c) which an operator may use to manually move the first arm (104). Similarly, the second arm (106) may include a second handle (106c) to move or handle the second arm (106). However, both the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) may also be operated automatically with the aid of machines. Thus, the way of operation of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) should not be considered as a limitation of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG.1, the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) may be vertical arms i.e., they may be vertically oriented during the operation of the apparatus (100). Further, as shown in FIG.1, the second arm (106) may be slightly tilted with respect to the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) may be positioned in front the first arm (104). The number of arms should not be considered as a limitation to the present disclosure, as there may be more than two arms to measure more dimensions of the workpiece (102) and there may be a single arm to measure fewer dimensions of the workpiece (102). The first arm (104) and the second arm (106) are pivotally connected to each other as shown in FIG.1. The pivotal connection may allow free movement of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) around the point of pivot. As shown in FIG.1, the pivot point may be at a substantially bottom portion of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106).

The first arm (104) comprises a first support (104a) and a second support (104b). The first support (104a) and the second support (104b) may be perpendicular to each other as shown in FIG.1. In an embodiment, each of the first support (104a) and the second support (104b) may include two portions with the first portions being perpendicular to each other and second portions connectable to the workpiece (102). In an embodiment, when the first arm (104) is operated by the operator, it causes movement of the first support (104a) and the second support (104b). Therefore, for any adjustments of the first support (104a) and the second support (104b), the first arm (104) may be operated by the operator. In an embodiment, there may be not relative motion between the first support (104a) and the second support (104b).
Further, the second arm (106) comprises a third support (106a) and a fourth support (106b). The third support (106a) and the fourth support (106b) may be perpendicular to each other as shown in FIG.1. In an embodiment, when the second arm (106) is operated by the operator, it causes movement of the third support (106a) and the fourth support (106b). Therefore, for any adjustments of the third support (106a) and the fourth support (106b), the second arm (106) may be operated by the operator.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG.2A-2C, a measuring scale (108) may be mounted on at least one of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) to measure dimensions of the workpiece (102). In an embodiment, the measuring scale (108) may be a digital scale (as shown in FIG.2A-2C) configured to display dimensions numerically, that is measured by the apparatus (100). The digital scale (108) simplifies the measurement or reading of the dimensions as compared to the conventional practice which was prone to manual errors.

In an embodiment, the first support (104a) of the first arm (104) and the third support (106a) of the second arm (106) have first jaws (110a and 110b) at its end to support the workpiece (102) during measurement. In an embodiment, the first jaws (110a and 110b) may be made of at least one of polymeric material or a rubber material. In an embodiment, the first jaws (110a and 110b) may be configured to support diagonal ends of workpiece (102). The first support (104a) and the third support (106a) may also have second jaws (112a and 112c) to support sides of the workpiece (102) during the measurement. Further, the second support (104b) of the first arm (104) and the fourth support (106b) of the second arm (106) are also configured with second jaws (112b and 112d) to support sides of the workpiece (102) during measurement of dimensions.

As shown in FIG.1, the apparatus (100) and in turn the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) may be operated in three different positions – first position, second position and third position. In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) may be configured to measure three different dimensions of the workpiece (102) at three different positions.

Referring now to FIG.2A-2C, they illustrate the process of measuring different dimensions of the workpiece (102) using the apparatus (100). As shown in FIG.2A, the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) are moved to the first position to adjust the first support (104a) and the third support (106a) to measure a first dimension of the workpiece (102) or the steel billet. In an embodiment, the first dimension may be diagonal measurement of a cross-section of the workpiece (102). The FIG.2A shows measurement of one of the diagonals of the workpiece (102), however the apparatus may be inverted along a vertical axis in order to measure other diagonal dimension of the workpiece (102). As shown in FIG.2A, the first jaw (110a) of the first support (104a) and the first jaw (110b) of the third support (106a) are configured to contact and support the diagonal ends of the cross-section of the workpiece (102) during measurement. In an embodiment, to bring the apparatus (100) to the first position, the operator may move the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) using the first handle (104c) and the second handle (106c) respectively.

Now referring to FIG.2B, the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) are moved to the second position to adjust the second support (104b) and the third support (106a) to measure a second dimension of the workpiece (102) or the steel billet. In an embodiment, the second dimension may be side measurement such as width measurement of the workpiece (102). As shown in FIG.2B, the stopper (112b) of the second support (104b) and the second jaw (112c) of the third support (106a) are configured to contact and support the sides of the workpiece (102) during measurement. In an embodiment, to bring the apparatus (100) to the second position, the operator may move the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) using the first handle (104c) and the second handle (106c) respectively.

Now referring to FIG.2C, the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) are moved to the third position to adjust the first support (104a) and the fourth support (106b) to measure a third dimension of the workpiece (102) or the steel billet. In an embodiment, the third dimension may be side measurement such as height measurement of the workpiece (102). As shown in FIG.2C, the stopper (112a) of the first support (104a) and the second jaw (112d) of the fourth support (106b) are configured to contact and support the sides of the workpiece (102) during measurement. In an embodiment, to bring the apparatus (100) to the third position, the operator may move the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) using the first handle (104c) and the second handle (106c) respectively.

Accordingly, all the three dimensions of the workpiece (102) may be measured using the apparatus (100). The number of dimensions to be measured by the apparatus (100) should not be considered as a limitation of the present disclosure as the same apparatus (100) may be adapted to measure multiple dimensions of the workpiece (102) depending on the cross-sectional shape of the workpiece (102).

In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) of the present disclosure facilitates measurement of all dimensions of the workpiece (102) with simple adjustments or movements of the apparatus (100). Thus, the apparatus (100) increases the simplicity and ergonomically convenient of measurement of dimensions of the workpiece (102) as against the conventional method where the operator had to bend and take each measurement separately making the process complex and tedious for the operator.

In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) of the present disclosure includes a digital scale, which directly shows the reading or measurement of the sides and diagonal cross-section of the workpiece (102). There is no manual measuring or calculation involved to obtain the dimensions of the workpiece (102).

In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) of the present disclosure may be used to measure the dimensions of the workpiece (102) or the steel billet without waiting for it to cool down to room temperature.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral Numerals:
Particular Reference Number
Apparatus for measuring dimensions of a workpiece/steel billet 100
Workpiece/Steel billet 102
First arm 104
First support 104a
Second support 104b
First handle 104c
Second arm 106
Third support 106a
Fourth support 106b
Second handle 106c
Measuring scale/Digital scale 108
First jaws 110a and 110b
Second jaws 112a, 112b, 112c and 112d
, Claims:We Claim:

1. An apparatus (100) for measuring dimensions of a workpiece (102), the apparatus (100) comprising:
a first arm (104) comprising a first support (104a) and a second support (104b), the second support (104b) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first support (104a),
wherein the first arm (104) is operable to move the first support (104a) and the second support (104b); and
a second arm (106) comprising a third support (106a) and a fourth support (106b), the fourth support (106b) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third support (106a),
wherein the second arm (106) is operable to move the third support (106a) and the fourth support (106b);
wherein, the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) are pivotally connected to each other,
wherein, the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) are operable to a first position to adjust the first support (104a) and the third support (106a) to measure a first dimension of the workpiece (102),
wherein, the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) are operable to a second position to adjust the second support (104b) and the third support (106a) to measure a second dimension of the workpiece (102),
wherein, the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) are operable to a third position to adjust the first support (104a) and the fourth support (106b) to measure a third dimension of the workpiece (102).

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the workpiece (102) is a steel billet with a substantially square-shaped cross-section.

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first dimension is a diagonal measurement of cross-section of the workpiece (102).

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second dimension is a width measurement of the workpiece (102).

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third dimension is a height measurement of the workpiece (102).

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first arm (104) comprises a first handle (104c) to operate the first arm (104).

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second arm (106) comprises a second handle (106c) to operate the second arm (106).

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claimed 1 comprises a measuring scale (108) mounted on at least one of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) to measure dimensions.

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the measuring scale (108) is a digital scale configured to display the dimensions measured by the apparatus (100).

10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first support (104a) and the third support (106a) are defined with first jaws (110a and 110b) at its edges to hold diagonal ends of the workpiece (102) for diagonal measurement of the workpiece (102).

11. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first support (104a), second support (104b), third support (106a) and the fourth support (106b) are defined with second jaws (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d) to secure sides of the workpiece (102) during width and height measurement of the workpiece (102).

12. A method for measuring dimensions of a steel billet (102) using an apparatus (100) of claim 1, the method comprising:
providing a first arm (104) and a second arm (106) pivotally connected to each other,
wherein the first arm (104) comprises a first support (104a) and a second support (104b), the second support (104b) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first support (104a) and the first arm (104) is operable to move the first support (104a) and the second support (104b),
wherein the second arm (106) comprises a third support (106a) and a fourth support (106b), the fourth support (106b) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third support (106a) and the second arm (106) is operable to move the third support (106a) and the fourth support (106b);
operating the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) to a first position to adjust the first support (104a) and the third support (106a) to measure diagonal cross-section of the steel billet (102);
operating the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) to a second position to adjust the second support (104b) and the third support (106a) to measure width of the steel billet (102),
operating the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) to a third position to adjust the first support (104a) and the fourth support (106b) to measure height of the steel billet (102).