Experiment No:3

Block Gauges

Introduction:
Filled by students

Objectives:

-To familiarize the student with the types, applications of block gauges.
-To learn how to use block gauges in calibration.

Apparatus :

1-Set of block gauges.

2-Surface plate.
3-Outside micrometer.

Theory:
Filled by students
Gauge blocks
Accurate measurements of length can be accomplished only through comparison with
a standard, preferably one that is traceable to a primary standard .
Working standards for the measurement of length, such as line standards and end
standards are essential to manufacturing. Two marks engraved on a dimensionally
stable material define length on a line standard. The length of an end standard is the
distance between its flat, parallel end faces.

Gauge blocks are the most often used length standards. These are small, steel blocks,
usually rectangular in cross section, having two very flat and parallel surfaces that are
a certain specified distance apart. Gauge blocks (figure 3.1) are usually made of alloy
steel or cemented carbide, hardened ( to increase wear resistance ) and carefully heat
treated to relieve internal stresses and minimize subsequent dimensional change.

The measuring surfaces of each bock are ground and then lapped to produce very flat
and smooth surfaces that are parallel within a few tenths of a micrometer. When such
surfaces are slid together with a slight contact pressure, the adhere with a significant
force ( adhesion is due to molecular attraction and atmospheric pressure ); this
procedure of combining gauge blocks is called wringing.

Gauge blocks usually come in sets of various sizes and by wringing you can obtain
various combinations.
 Figure 3.1 gauge blocks set.
Gauge blocks also called slip gauges-are made in five grades or classes or accuracy:
Grade 00, Calibration Grade, Grade 0, Grade I & Grade II.

Calibration grade has the highest level of accuracy in normal engineering practice
and it is intended for calibrating other blocks. They are used where tolerance are <
2µm and are not intended for general gauge inspection.

Grade 0,I ,II are intended for general use. Grade 0 is intended for high precision
uses, grade I is for general purpose manufacturing gauge (they are used with sine
bars), and grade II is intended for rough setting purposes and checking components.

Instruction for wringing together two slip gauges:

1. Surfaces must be clean and free from burrs. They should be washed in petrol,
benzene, carbon tetrachloride or other dielectric-greasing agents and dry on a
clean cloth. Then be wiped with clean soft chamois leather.
2. Slip gauges then should be held across one another at right angles and wring them
with a rotary motion; this reduces the amount of surface rubbing.
3. A minute amount of grease or moisture must be present between the surfaces for
them to wring satisfactorily. Unless a very firm is obtained, there is always a
possibility that the wringing film may be a micrometer thick.

It is advisable to take the following points into consideration: In order to prevent

damage to gauge blocks:
1. Protect from dust, dirt and moisture.
2. Avoid magnetization.
3. Handle lapped faces as little as possible to prevent etching from finger acid. Wipe
all finger marks with clean soft chamois leather.
4. Always wipe faces immediately before use even when use is continuous.
5. Always replace clean gauges in their box and close it after use. If gauges are not
in frequent use they should be coated to prevent corrosion.
6. Do not handle gauges above the open box; they may cause damage to other
gauges if dropped.
 Figure 3.2 method of wringing slip gauges

Not:
* For longer dimensions, length bars are used.
* To combine gauge blocks, one should use the minimum number of blocks in
order to reduce wear and the accumulated error on the whole combined length.

Calibration

Calibration is the act or result of quantitative comparison between a known standard

and the output of the measuring system measuring the same quantity. In a way, the
process of calibration is in effect the procedure for determining the scale of the
measuring system .
For example, by application of a range of known values for the input and observation
of the system output, a direct calibration curve can be develop for the measurement
system. On such a curve the input, x, is plotted on the abscissa against the measured
output, y, on the ordinate. A calibration curve forms the logic by which a
measurement system's indicated output can be interpreted during an actual
measurement . The calibration curve can be the basis for fixing the output display
scale on a measurement system.

Figure 3.3 Calibration of a micrometer using block gauges

Procedure

1. Use the provided metric unit slip ( block ) gauge set, list the slips to be wrung to
produce the following overall dimensions using the minimum number of block
gauges.
2. Use the block gauges set to calibrate the provided micrometer, calculate the error
in each reading, draw the calibration curve.

Results:
Filled by students
Reading No. Size or gauge block Micrometer reading Error (mm)
X (mm) Y (mm)
1
2
3
4
5
6

Discussion and Conclusions

Filled by students