What Is a Measuring Gage?
Measuring gage is a general term for a measuring tool that has a standard dimension, angle, shape, etc. It is mainly used in the manufacturing process to quickly determine whether a machined dimension, etc. is acceptable or not.
It is mainly used in the manufacturing process to quickly determine if the machined dimensions, etc. are acceptable or not. Measuring gages are not calipers or micrometers that measure dimensions. It is a tool to determine whether the dimensions of the object to be inspected are within the standard range.
When measuring dimensions with a measuring instrument, the speed and quality of the inspection process can vary depending on the skill level of the inspector. However, using a measuring gage, it is easy to determine whether a product is acceptable or not. Differences in operator skill are less likely to appear, and the gauges are easy to handle.
In addition, measuring gages can be used not only for on-site inspections but also for quality control between different companies. Simply by passing the same gauges to the subcontractors and telling them to use the gauges for quality control, the same dimensional control can be performed between the two companies.
Uses of Measuring Gauges
Measuring gages are used in the production line of industrial products. They are used during the manufacturing process and in final inspections to quickly check whether the machined part or dimensions that are important for the function of the product are within specifications.
In addition, measuring gages with a set of multiple sizes, such as the pin gages and skimmer gages described below, can be used to check the approximate size of a very narrow gap or the inside diameter of a relatively small hole.
Principle of Measuring Gages
Measuring gages are finished to a standard dimension. By placing the measuring gage finished to the standard size against or through the part to be inspected, it is possible to determine whether the size of the part to be inspected is larger or smaller than the measuring gage.
For example, if a measuring gage with a diameter of 5 mm can pass through a machined hole that requires a diameter of 5 mm, the diameter of the machined hole can be judged to be larger than 5 mm. Furthermore, if a measuring gage of 5.1 mm in diameter cannot pass through the hole, the inside diameter of the machined hole can be judged to be less than 5.1 mm in diameter.
By comparing the part machined at the manufacturing site with a measuring gage whose dimensions are known, it is possible to quickly determine whether the finished dimensions are within the standard range without using a measuring instrument such as a caliper.
Types of Measuring Gages
There are various types of measuring gages. The main types of measuring gages are as follows
- Block Gage: A “length” standard used for checking the accuracy of measuring instruments.
- Skimmer Gauges: Gauges used for measuring the dimensions of the gap between two surfaces.
- Welding Gauges: Gauges used for various types of measuring gages related to welding.
- Angle Gauge: A gauge used for angle inspection.
- Pitch Gauges: Gauges used to check the pitch of threads.
- Filler Gauges: Gauges used to measure the dimensions of narrow gaps.
- Taper Gauges: Gauges used for measuring gaps and hole diameters.
- Center Gauges: Gauges used to check the angles of turning tool cutting edges when threading on a lathe.
- Radius Gauges: Gauges used to inspect the radius (curved part) of a product.
- C-Face Measuring Gage: A gage used to measure the size of the C-face after C-chamfering.
- Pin Gauges: Gauges used for measuring hole diameters.
Other Information on Measuring Gages
Precautions for Handling Measuring Gages
Not only measuring gages but also other materials change their dimensions depending on temperature. When handling measuring gages, make sure that they are not extremely heated or cooled. This applies not only to measuring gages but also to inspection objects.
In addition, in inspections that are used repeatedly, there is a possibility that wear may occur on the parts that rub against each other over a long period of time. Measuring gages, like measuring instruments, should be calibrated periodically to check for dimensional accuracy.