George Schuetz Director of Precision Gages

Inspection and Measurement 1 Nov 1999

Machine Compensation

Ever since electronics first made their way onto machine tools, machine builders and users have tried to achieve some level of "automatic" process control. Certain causes of dimensional variation in machined parts—tool wear, for instance—occur gradually.

Measurement 1 Oct 1999

Perfect Gaging In An Imperfect World

It is certainly not news that, more and more, gages are being forced out onto the shop floor. Tight-tolerance measurements that were once performed in a semi-clean room by a trained inspection technician are now being done right next to the machine, often by the machinist.

1 Sep 1999

Operating Characteristics And Calibration Curves

Gage accuracy is described by a number of concepts, including repeatability, linearity, calibration, and "accuracy" itself. The Operating Characteristics (OC) curve presents an easy way to visualize what these terms mean, and how they are interrelated.

1 Aug 1999

Checking For Centralization And Balance Errors

Air gaging is often referred to as a non-contact form of measurement. This is accurate, to the extent that there's no metal-to-metal contact between a sensitive gage component and the workpiece.

Measurement 1 Jul 1999

Gaging Countersunk And Chamfered Holes

While countersunk and chamfered holes are similar in appearance, functionally they are quite different. Consequently, different gages exist to serve these different functional requirements.

Measurement 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.

Inspection and 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.

Inspection and Measurement 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.

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.