Calibration of Pin Gages - What are my options?

[Montserrat P]

I have a doubt with regard to this case:

We are using pin gages to measure dimensions of a part numbers. However, I have detected that the pin gages were not in our calibration system. I request something that validate the accurancy and reliability of that pin gages. Therefore, I would like to know which is the best procedure to accomplish with it.

Option: Request to the manufacturer of the pin gages the calibration certificate of each pin gage that was bought.
Option: Request to the manufacturer a new set of pin gages with the certification certificate and use them as "our standard" for the next pin gages that we could need.
Option: Take the dimensions of a pin gage and make a drawing of it. Then, the calibration technician could verify that dimensions of the pin gages in the area vs the mesauring of fthe drawing.

Which is the best option?

I would like to know your comments with regard it.

 

[Bubba]

If you are using the pin gages to measure product, they should definitely be included in the calibration system.

Option: Request to the manufacturer of the pin gages the calibration certificate of each pin gage that was bought.

Unless your individual pin gages were originally calibrated by the manufacturer and serialized, it is doubtful that the manufacturer will have any information for you. Even if they did, if the pins have been used for any length of time, it would be beneficial to have them calibrated again to make sure that they are still within tolerance.

Option: Request to the manufacturer a new set of pin gages with the certification certificate and use them as "our standard" for the next pin gages that we could need.

Ordering a new set of calibrated pin gages is certainly an option, but then you will still be left with uncalibrated pins that will have to be thrown away or strictly segregated from the calibrated pins to avoid accidental use. A better alternative would probably be to send the original pins to an approved calibration laboratory to have them calibrated. This gives you the additional benefit of knowing whether any of the pins you have already been using are out of tolerance.

Option: Take the dimensions of a pin gage and make a drawing of it. Then, the calibration technician could verify that dimensions of the pin gages in the area vs the mesauring of fthe drawing.

If you have the capability to verify the dimensions of the pin gages within the acceptable tolerance, this is probably the best option. You will need to make sure that whatever you are using as a standard to measure the pins has greater accuracy, resolution and precision than the pin gages themselves. If that is not the case, it would probably be better to send them to someone else.

 

[Montserrat P]

Thanks a lot!

 

[CarolX]

what we do

I have a large set of pin gages (.061" to .750"). I have my system set-up to check each pin before use with a micrometer. Thus I avoid having to send them out for calibration. I've used this system for several years and it works well.

CarolX

 

[MsHeeler]

Question: Is ASME B89.1.5-1998 a standard or a guidline? I need evidence if it is a standard.

 

[CarolX]

Please refer to this thread

Is ASME B89.1.5 a standard? Measurement of master discs or cylindrical plug gages

 

[NWrubberQA]

Re: what we do

Carol, do you document your pin gage verification prior to use? If so, how have you done that. We just had a finding becuse we do not document the verification.