Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Gauge Blocks - A Zombie Technology

Published

Author(s)

Theodore D. Doiron

Abstract

Gauge blocks have been the primary method for disseminating length traceability for over 100 years. Their longevity was based on two things: it was relatively inexpensive to deliver very high accuracy to users, and the technical limitation that the range of high precision gauging system was very small. While the first reason is still true, the second factor is being displaced by changes in measurement technology since the 1980s. New long range sensors do not require master gages that are nearly the same length as the part being inspected, and thus one of the primary attributes of gauge blocks, wringing stacks to match the part, is no longer needed. Relaxing the requirement that gauges wring presents an opportunity to develop new types of end standards that would increase the accuracy and usefulness of gauging systems.
Citation
Journal of Research (NIST JRES) -
Volume
113
Issue
3

Keywords

Dimensional metrology, gauge blocks, industrial inspection, history, end standards

Citation

Doiron, T. (2008), Gauge Blocks - A Zombie Technology, Journal of Research (NIST JRES), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (Accessed April 19, 2024)
Created May 1, 2008, Updated February 19, 2017