Gage Block Search - Looking for gage blocks that are 12, 24 and 40"

[gpainter]

Looking for gage blocks that are 12,24 and 40". I have been able to find 12" steel,but no other bigger than 20". Would like carbide. Would prefer not to wring smaller blocks. Thanks in advance. I have checked Starret, Fowler, Brown & Sharpe, Davis and Travers.

 

[Jim Biz]

Mitutoyo?

 

[Jerry Eldred]

Have you asked if they could build you a custom length? I'm presuming that because you don't want to wring together, you need pretty tight tolerances which couldn't be achieved with wrung blocks. My first inclination in such a situation would be to request a custom build.

 

[Al Dyer]

Agree,

Custom ($$$$) build might be the only way to go. You might also want to consider the yearly calibration costs of a custom built block and the need for a backup block.

Good luck GP, keep us posted!

 

[Ryan Wilde]

I hate to say it, but there is no such block prebuilt. To have them made would probably cost thousands of dollars each (a good 20" block is SEVERAL hundred dollars, and they are set up to make them in quantity. Mind you that it can be done for a price, but the lead time will be long.

Another problem is that special sizes usually require a minimum of 4 be built (something to do with the lapping process was what I was told).

My suggestion would be to PERMANENTLY wring blocks together. For example:

24" - (2) 12" blocks

40" - (2) 20" blocks

Both sets should (must) be wrung and held with rods (use square blocks), using threadlocking compound on the threads to 'preclude adjustment'.

Most good dimensional labs should be able to measure the finished stack for you with an uncertainty of <100µin (at 20°C - your temperature and uncertainty may vary, offer void in some areas). The manufacturer may even be able to do this for you, and it would be much cheaper than being made of a continuous piece of metal.

More for the 'information' file:

Clean, well wrung gage blocks begin to go through a process of 'cohesion' in a fairly short time. Cohesion is the process of two separate masses sharing atoms. I've seen it in practice (purely accidentally - we couldn't get blocks apart with a rather large mallet - they had been wrung together for only two days).

Ryan
(Since you're in Indiana, and I lived/worked there in a purely dimensional lab until April, I can put you in contact with someone that can help you explore this further, and it is an accredited lab. I will not post the company in the forum, however.)

 

[gpainter]

fyi Mitutoyo said they could be made:

24" 2590
36" 4170
meter 4620
4mos. to make