Fixed limit gauges are precision devices generally used in a production environment for rapid, accurate and full proof inspection of component parts during and after a production process. There are certain basic rules which need to be followed to ensure the gages perform to their expected accuracy and have a long operational life.
• Ensure at all times the gauge, and in particular the gauging surfaces, are kept clean and free from dirt, grease and in particular abrasive material.
• Always take into account the abrasive action of the component part on the gauge. For example, cast-iron, cast-aluminium and steel are more abrasive than brass, copper or plastic, consequently particular care and more frequent calibration should be in-place when inspecting components produced from abrasive materials.
• Fixed limit gauges should always be held either by hand or in a suitable gage holder.
• A common challenge is to ensure different operators achieve consistent gauging result when using pin and plug gauges. This can be assured by simply using the weight of the gauge rather than operator load to determine the Go, No Go status.
• When the gauge is not in use it should be stored in a suitable drawer where each gauge is located in its own dedicated space and there is no opportunity for damage.
• Reversible Pin and Tri-Lock Plug Gauges should be regularly calibrated using a traceable standard, when excessive wear is recorded the pins or gauge members should be reversed thereby doubling the gauge life.
• When setting Adjustable Snap Gauges always use a traceable standard for setting the Go and No-Go gauge dimensions, using either gauge blocks or master setting pins.
• YPG gauges are produced to the highest standards using top quality materials, despite this, when used round the clock gauging tens of thousands of component wear could occur. It could take years of service life for errors to become noticeable regular calibration will ensure gauge integrity. The guidelines above will minimize any problems.