Gaging Systems
Description
Gaging systems are instruments that provide quantitative measurements of dimensional parameters and form attributes like wall thickness, height, length, depth, inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), taper and bore. Gaging systems may consist of several gages, fixtures, or other components for holding or manipulating parts during inspection. Typically, gaging systems have specialized gaging or inspection systems customized for a particular original equipment manufacturer (OEM) application. Complex gaging systems are used for large-scale gaging applications used in observations of hydrologic data.
Types
Based on the technology, gages are classified as given below:
Some of the different types of gages are listed below:
Bore gages – Measures the inner diameter of a hole
Depth gages – Consists of solid base and protruding rod for measuring depth
Height gages – Measures height; some of the examples include surface gages, vernier height gages, etc.
Calipers - Measures inner diameter, outer diameter, depth, etc. by slide movement
Micrometers – Consists of spindle and anvil build on C-shaped frame for precise measurement.
Thickness gages – Measures the thickness of paint, metal strips, and thin sections or films
Snap gages – Measures diameters or thickness in production settings
Gage blocks – Calibrates
Plug gages – Measures hole and slot dimensions
Special function gages – Measures gear factors
Applications
Applications of different types of dimensional gages are listed below:
Gaging systems are used in monitoring environmental and geological data
Thickness gages are applied in sheet metal, paint and coating industries
Optical gages are applied in automotive service stations to measure the level of fuel in a fuel tank for motor vehicles
Gage blocks are used for milling, grinding and drilling operations in metal manufacturing industries
Electronic and air gaging systems are used in pharmaceutical, plastics and automotive industries.