Find HS Code and trade information for electronic protractor

Electronic Protractor

An electronic protractor is a digital measuring instrument used to measure angles in a variety of applications. Unlike traditional protractors which rely on visual alignment of markings, electronic protractors utilize sensors to determine and display angles numerically.

Material:

• Housing: Typically constructed from plastic (ABS, polycarbonate) for durability and light weight. Metal housings (aluminum) are common in higher-end models for increased robustness.
• Display: Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) are standard for numerical readout. Some models incorporate OLED displays for improved visibility.
• Sensors: Capacitive or inductive sensors are frequently used to detect angular position. More advanced units may employ MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensors for greater accuracy and resolution.
• Electronics: Printed circuit boards (PCBs) house the processing circuitry, battery connections, and display drivers.
• Battery: Button cell batteries (CR2032) or AAA batteries are common power sources.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of an electronic protractor is to provide precise and accurate angle measurements. They are designed to reduce errors associated with human visual estimation and parallax inherent in traditional protractors.

Function:

Electronic protractors function by:

1. Zeroing: The user typically calibrates the device to a baseline angle (often 0 degrees).
2. Angle Detection: Sensors detect the angular displacement from the calibrated baseline.
3. Digital Display: The measured angle is displayed on an LCD or OLED screen, often with units selectable between degrees (°), radians, and percent slope.
4. Hold Function: Many units feature a "hold" button to freeze the displayed angle for recording.
5. Absolute vs. Relative Measurement: Some protractors offer both absolute angle measurement (from a fixed zero point) and relative angle measurement (angle change from the last zeroed position).

Usage Scenarios:

• Woodworking: Measuring and setting angles for cuts, miters, and joints.
• Construction: Layout work, verifying angles of walls, roofs, and other structural elements.
• Machining: Setting up workpieces on milling machines, lathes, and other equipment.
• HVAC: Measuring angles for ductwork and pipe installations.
• Automotive: Checking suspension angles, alignment, and other automotive components.
• DIY Projects: Home renovation, furniture assembly, and general angle measurement tasks.
• Engineering/Surveying: Precise angle determination in field measurements and calculations.

Common Types:

• Digital Protractor with LCD Display: The most common type, offering basic angle measurement functionality. Often features a magnetic base for attachment to ferrous metal surfaces.
• Digital Level with Protractor Function: Combines a digital level with a protractor, providing both angle and inclination measurements.
• Inclinometer/Protractor: Measures angles relative to gravity, useful for determining slopes and inclinations.
• Wireless Digital Protractor: Transmits angle data wirelessly (Bluetooth) to smartphones, tablets, or computers for data logging and analysis.
• Laser Protractor: Projects a laser beam to assist with angle alignment and measurement.
• Smartphone-Based Protractor Apps: Utilize the smartphone's sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) to estimate angles. Accuracy varies significantly depending on the device and app quality.

Electronic protractors fall under instruments used for drawing, marking-out, or mathematical calculations, or for measuring length. Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 9017.20.80.40: This HS code covers drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments (for example, drafting machines, pantographs, protractors, drawing sets, slide rules, disc calculators); instruments for measuring length, for use in the hand (for example, measuring rods and tapes, micrometers, calipers), not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; parts and accessories thereof: Other drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments: Other Hand operated input devices which transmit position data to computer processors or displays (digitizers). The basic tariff is 4.6%, with an additional tariff of 25.0% and 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 59.6%.

• 9017.20.80.80: This HS code also covers drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments (for example, drafting machines, pantographs, protractors, drawing sets, slide rules, disc calculators); instruments for measuring length, for use in the hand (for example, measuring rods and tapes, micrometers, calipers), not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; parts and accessories thereof: Other drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments: Other Other. The basic tariff is 4.6%, with an additional tariff of 25.0% and 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 59.6%.

• 9031.80.80.85: This HS code covers measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments, appliances and machines: Other Other. The basic tariff is 0.0%, with an additional tariff of 0.0% and 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 30.0%.

Chapter 90 covers measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines. 9017 specifically covers drawing, marking-out, and mathematical calculating instruments. 9031 covers other measuring instruments not specified elsewhere.

It is important to note that the applicable HS code will depend on the specific features and functionality of the electronic protractor. If the instrument transmits position data to a computer, 9017.20.80.40 may be more appropriate. If it is a general-purpose measuring instrument, 9031.80.80.85 may be more suitable.