Digital calipers are one of the most common hand tools used on the shop floor. In a manufacturing plant, under a quality control system, these tools need to be checked and calibrated on a regular basis. We have discussed in past articles the pros and cons of doing gage calibrations internally or by an external…
When measuring parts to tolerances of a thousandth of an inch, we can usually be certain that our measurements are accurate to within a “tenth,” if we follow standard gaging practice: i.e., master the gage frequently, maintain the gage in good working order, keep things clean, have the master recalibrated periodically, etc. But certainty becomes…
After all that has been written about Statistical Process Control (SPC) over the years, I am continually surprised at how often shop owners tell me they would like to do Data Collection for SPC, but they’re “just too small,” or they “can’t afford all that fancy equipment.” There seems to be a mistaken perception out…
The use of electronic temperature compensation in gaging has become a valuable tool in improving the accuracy and GR&Rs of gages in harsh manufacturing environments. The need for temperature compensation comes into play when the expected errors from temperature variation caused by the environment can use up more than 10% of the part tolerance. Where…
Checking with the gage manufacturer will help you understand what the real limits of your gages are before you go too far down this path. Maybe the gages were not designed to meet the new tolerance requirements. This could mean a new investment in gaging is required. But for some gaging, like fixed body gages,…
In some plants, metal parts are made accurate to 0.01 inch. In other plants, there are products that cannot tolerate size differences of even a few millionths of an inch. Making parts to either tolerance range is impossible without accurate gaging. However, accurate gaging is impossible if liberties are taken with the design, handling, and…
When digital electronic indicators were first introduced in the early 1980s, observers expected them to blow mechanical dial indicators out of the water. But despite the clear superiority of electronic indicators in terms of higher resolutions, better accuracy, and usefulness in statistical process control and data collection systems, mechanical indicators retained other advantages and continued…
A clear digital display, robust construction and high Mahr accuracy characterize our digital dial gages. The range includes measuring instruments for all applications. Various interfaces for data transfer and a high protection rating up to IP 54 leave no demands unfulfilled. For more information about the MarCator 1086 Ri Digital Indicator, CLICK HERE. Giving Your…
Measuring vs. Gaging: The Value of Conserving Measuring Range Many people confuse the act of measuring a part with that of gaging a part. And although they are quite similar, understanding their subtle differences can improve the accuracy and efficiency of both processes. Measuring is the process of determining the dimension of a part by…
All gaging equipment must be calibrated periodically to ensure that it’s capable of performing the job for which it’s intended: i.e., measuring parts accurately. This has always been necessary for the purpose of maintaining quality, but there are now additional, external reasons to establish and maintain a regular program of gage calibration: customers’ requirements. More…