Gage Block Calibration Requirements question

T

thekellyg

#11
Thanks everyone! These blocks are stored in their protective case at all times and only used once a year to verify calipers so there is essentially no 'wear and tear' on them.
 
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hogheavenfarm

Quite Involved in Discussions
#12
We have the same situation, and I have set the gage blocks at 5 years as well. It is more cost effective to simply buy new blocks every 5 years than calibrate more often for us. We do not need high grade blocks, and we use them for about 50 calipers. Handling is important however, gloves and great care when using.
 

Project Man

Involved In Discussions
#14
Re: Calibration question

Thanks everyone! They are actually used very little so I'm pushing it to two years for now. :agree1:
We have a set of gage blocks that are only used to calibrate shop tools. Our calibration interval is 5 years for the gage blocks. We have been through several ISO audits and our interval has been accepted every time.
 

BradM

Staff member
Admin
#15
Yes! You need to be having gauge blocks evaluated. Depending on their construction material, they can expand and contract (hence the reason they have ? tolerances).

Wear is just one factor that can affect gauge blocks.


We have the same situation, and I have set the gage blocks at 5 years as well. It is more cost effective to simply buy new blocks every 5 years than calibrate more often for us. We do not need high grade blocks, and we use them for about 50 calipers. Handling is important however, gloves and great care when using.
Just asking...

When you get new gauge blocks, do you have the old gauge blocks verified before disposal?


We have some pretty nice gauge block sets with probably 10 uses per month. In reviewing the measurement data returned with them, the gauge blocks do change over time. I can see this because we have gauge blocks that are verified annually that aren't used (long story.. but I digress). Most gauge blocks shrink, but I do see them expand also.
 

BradM

Staff member
Admin
#16
Re: Calibration question

We have a set of gage blocks that are only used to calibrate shop tools. Our calibration interval is 5 years for the gage blocks. We have been through several ISO audits and our interval has been accepted every time.

That's good. Auditors shouldn't be dictating your intervals; your process requirements should.

If the gauge blocks are stable and well within tolerance at the scheduled calibration, there is no need to do it sooner.

Like I said, the main thing I do is watch for trend. When a gauge block gets near 75-80% of tolerance, I have it replaced.
 

hogheavenfarm

Quite Involved in Discussions
#17
Actually I do check the old ones, but since I do not have equipment here capable of precise enough measurement to calibrate them, it does me little good, except to maybe try to stretch the calibration interval a bit, but even that is risky due to the uncertainty level of my equipment. We do not dispose of them, I have several sets sitting here on my shelf.
 
#18
Re: Calibration question

We have a set of gage blocks that are only used to calibrate shop tools. Our calibration interval is 5 years for the gage blocks. We have been through several ISO audits and our interval has been accepted every time.
Scary, eh? It could well be that the auditor has not much idea, of course. You realize that...?
 
S

Shannon3288

#19
I just sent out a set last week and they looked pretty good to me even though they were quite old. I completely expected to open up the box and put away my cert. Unfortunately the 1" block failed and they rejected them. I did however just order a new 1" block with a certification and will be just sending that back with the set and then it will pass. Don't let their good condition fool you. It was however only off from its actual allowable wear by .000022.
 

BradM

Staff member
Admin
#20
Actually I do check the old ones, but since I do not have equipment here capable of precise enough measurement to calibrate them, it does me little good, except to maybe try to stretch the calibration interval a bit, but even that is risky due to the uncertainty level of my equipment. We do not dispose of them, I have several sets sitting here on my shelf.
A question... you state you have equipment to check them. Do you think your equipment is sensitive enough to pick up changes?

just wondering... you may not have the precision to measure and certify their accuracy; but possibly assess drift? Then, you can extend the certification of them out more. If the blocks are stable; good. If you are detecting drift, maybe time to send them in. You can use the data from the calibration vendor to assess your measurement system.

Just a thought.
 
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