George Schuetz Director of Precision Gages

Basics 1 Jun 1999

Never Forget The Basics

We spend a lot of time in this column discussing sophisticated gages and out-of-the-ordinary applications—so much so, that perhaps we've lately been neglecting the basics. After all, the fanciest electronics, computers and software won't deliver accurate results if good gaging practice is absent.

Measurement 3 May 1999

Electronic Height Gages

We've looked at "basic" comparative height gages, which are used for layout tasks and other surface plate measurements. Related to these are instruments known as electronic height gages.

Toolholders 1 Apr 1999

Inspecting Tapers, Part 2: Toolholder Gaging

A few months ago, we discussed the calibration of conical taper masters, which are used to master taper gages. Now let's look at the parts those gages are used to inspect—toolholders.

Inspection and Measurement 1 Mar 1999

Assessing Gage Stability

Gage stability implies different things in different contexts. If taken literally, it may refer to whether there is something loose on the gage, or some other gage problem occurs randomly, to cause two identical trials to produce different results.

Inspection and Measurement 5 Feb 1999

Gaging 'Relational' Dimesions

Specifications often require inspection of dimensional relationships between two features, or between two dimensions on the same feature. Compared to single-dimension specifications (such as diameter), these "relational" specifications can be challenging to inspect.

3 Jan 1999

Inspection Tapers Part 1: Certifying The Master

Conical parts, such as machine tool tapers, gas petcocks, and the shanks of modular prosthetic joints, must often be inspected for taper accuracy. This is usually performed with a special air or electronic gage, custom-made for the specific part.

1 Dec 1998

Gaging By Computer

Computers are rarely necessities for standard dimensional measurements, although almost any application can be enhanced through the use of PC-based gaging software. And while the use of "gaging computers" cannot serve as a substitute for sound gaging practice, the potential benefits they offer are greater, and the barriers to entry lower than ever.

1 Nov 1998

Measuring Roughness With Buttons And Donuts

The Ra parameter is the most commonly used measurement for surface roughness. Until recently, in fact, it was the only parameter recognized by ANSI, although new ANSI and ISO standards include many different parameters from which to choose.

1 Oct 1998

A Shallow Bore (This Is Not An Autobiography)

Imagine a large rotor with an ID of 12 inches. One normally uses an adjustable bore gage, or perhaps an inside rod micrometer, to check the diameter.

1 Sep 1998

Take A Stand

Bench comparators consist of an indicating device, plus a height stand that incorporates a locating surface for the part. On some stands—especially those used to measure large parts—the base itself serves as the reference surface.

1 Aug 1998

Temperature Compensation

Temperature variation is one of the most significant sources of gaging error. As manufacturing tolerances get tighter and the margin for gaging error gets smaller, it becomes an issue that must be addressed.

1 Jul 1998

Central Intelligence

Many factors influence the accuracy of hole diameter measurements. We've seen in past columns the importance of operator skill in the use of rocking-type adjustable bore gages, and discussed how variations in part geometry may make even technically accurate measurements inaccurate from a part-function perspective.

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