I am a new quality manager of a calibration laboratory. Recently, I have been working on updating our old gage block procedure to include the new ASME B89.1.9 tolerances and grades. However, it appears some of our competitors are still using the old grades (Grade 0,1,2,3). Are most cal labs adopting these changes or ignoring them? It has been out for four years. We want to be up to date with new standards, but not at a disadvantage versus other labs since most of our customers aren't aware of the change and may not be willing to transition. Overall, I would like to know how accepted this change has been in the gage block community.

I am a new quality manager of a calibration laboratory. Recently, I have been working on updating our old gage block procedure to include the new ASME B89.1.9 tolerances and grades. However, it appears some of our competitors are still using the old grades (Grade 0,1,2,3). Are most cal labs adopting these changes or ignoring them? It has been out for four years. We want to be up to date with new standards, but not at a disadvantage versus other labs since most of our customers aren't aware of the change and may not be willing to transition. Overall, I would like to know how accepted this change has been in the gage block community.

Welcome to the cove :bigwave:

We have some experts in the Calibration arena that will help. The weekends are slow so just hang in there for a response. I am sure someone will assist you in your questions.

Actually the grades 0-2 and alpha betic grades (for laser gage blocks) are still used both nationally and internationally.....APLAC recently had a gage block PT that included grade 0 and grade H blocks.

Hershal

I am a new quality manager of a calibration laboratory. Recently, I have been working on updating our old gage block procedure to include the new ASME B89.1.9 tolerances and grades. However, it appears some of our competitors are still using the old grades (Grade 0,1,2,3). Are most cal labs adopting these changes or ignoring them? It has been out for four years. We want to be up to date with new standards, but not at a disadvantage versus other labs since most of our customers aren't aware of the change and may not be willing to transition. Overall, I would like to know how accepted this change has been in the gage block community.

Michelle

We didn't catch on to the new standard until last year ourselves. In terms of just the tolerance grades, we calibrate the blocks to whatever grade the customer asks for. We see old sets that were manufactured when GGG-G-15 was in effect. If the customer wants the the tolerances from this old standard applied to his set, we do it. We have seen quite a mixture, but still the new tolerance grades are a minority.
As organizations have to purchase new blocks, they are going to encounter the new tolerances. But this may be years coming.

It may be something that you announce to your customers, or contact the customers as the blocks come in. In any case, it may add more extra work unnecessarily. I've found that many customers aren't totally aware of the significance of the tolerance grades and the accuracy associated with them. When I speak with some customers, we find that their sets are not accurate enough or much more accurate than is needed.

I'm more concerned myself with some labs I've seen not reporting Variation in Length (VIL). One lab manager I spoke with asked why I was requesting it, and that no one ever asked for it. A unfortunately high premium was demanded to include this in the calibration. (Naturally, I went elsewhere)

Looking for help. What is the difference between gage blocks RS 81.A1 and B89.1.9-2002 Grade B. I am looking at ordering one of these and there is about 1K price difference.

Thanks in advance.

Looking for help. What is the difference between gage blocks RS 81.A1 and B89.1.9-2002 Grade B. I am looking at ordering one of these and there is about 1K price difference.

Thanks in advance.

Bob,

The first item you mention is a Starrett catalog #. It is an 81 pc. set of tolerance grade "0" in accordance to B89.1.9-2002.

B89.1.9 is the ASME standard for gage blocks (2002 revision). This standard does not have a grade B. Grade B is from the earlier federal specification GGG-G-15. While I've seen variation on this, Grade B tolerance is usually given as +/- 50 millionths (.000050") for most of the set.

In comparison, the grade 0 ranges from +/-5 millionths to +/-12 millionths for the 4" block.

If you are using it for simple calibrations or checks of mics and calipers, get the grade AS2 (or "B" if they call it that). If you have stricter requirements, get the grade 0.

We change everything to the new standard unless the customer specifies otherwise. Each grade has an equivalent except AS-2. Shop grade, or Grade B is still done as shop grade- we consider that an industry default.

I'm looking for gauge block which standard is "min tolerance on length at any point"

JIS B 7507-1997, BS 4311:Part1: 1993 or SAME B89.1.9-2002

I need Grade K used as Reference standand.

It seems ASME better than others, Isn't it right ?

So is it safe to say, I can used the GRADE "B", 50 millionths (.000050") for my in-house calibration?....I'll be calibrating MICS/CALIPERS/IDICATORS/HEIGHT GAGE.....If so, can someone recommend a good place to purchase and a brandname....Starrett??

So is it safe to say, I can used the GRADE "B", 50 millionths (.000050") for my in-house calibration?....I'll be calibrating MICS/CALIPERS/IDICATORS/HEIGHT GAGE.....If so, can someone recommend a good place to purchase and a brandname....Starrett??

Starrett-Webber and Mitutoyo gage blocks are great... and expensive. I didn't even think Starrett-Webber made a grade "B" (any more), but they do make a standard 81 piece set. Their part number is RS 81.B and it runs $250 - $300.
See: http://www.starrett-webber.com/GB0.html.

Mitutoyo are likely to be the same price, if not higher. I don't think they sell a grade B as they strictly use the current standard JIS/ASME tolerance grades.

These would be purchased through some distributor in your general area.

The other option is to buy a cheaper set, likely made in China. Just Google "grade B gage blocks" and the ads will magically appear. Even Amazon.com carries such sets, ~ $90.

If you can afford it, get one of the two brands noted. Buying a grade B means that the instruments you are calibrating have at BEST a tolerance of +/-.0002". (4:1 ratio). Any gage with a better tolerance, say .0001" or .000050" will require a tighter-toleranced gage block set to calibrate it with.


Don't forget to get them calibrated by an accredited lab!