Wringing [ edit]
- Vacuum applies pressure between the blocks because the air is squeezed out of the joint [note 1]
- Surface tension from oil and water vapor that is present between the blocks
- Molecular attraction that occurs when two very flat surfaces are brought into contact; this force causes gauge blocks to adhere even without surface lubricants, and in a vacuum
Can gauge blocks be wrung together?
As [AvE] shows us with a video on how gauge blocks can be “wrung” together, there’s more to these little blocks than meets the eye. Gauge block wringing is probably nothing new to experienced machinists, but for the rest of us, it’s a pretty neat trick.
What holds the gage blocks together?
Surface tension from oil that remains on the gage blocks or water vapor from the air acts as a glue to hold them together. 3. When two very flat surfaces are brought into such close contact with each other, this allows an interchange of electrons between the atoms of the separate blocks, which creates an attractive molecular force.
What is a gauge block a holder?
A holder that turns a stack of gauge blocks into an instant, custom caliper or go/no go gauge. The pictured accessories provide a set of holders and tools to extend the usefulness of the gauge block set.
How do you know if a Gage block is good quality?
The blocks should slide together without any feel of bumps or scratching, and should adhere to each other strongly after being rotated into place. Wringability is an important property of gage blocks, and is fortunately a quality that can be controlled and monitored readily by the user of the blocks.
How do gauge blocks wrong?
There are two wringing pads used to prepare a gauge block for wringing. The first is an oil pad, which applies a light layer of oil to the block. The second is a dry pad, which removes any excess oil from the block after the oil pad has been used.
Why do precision blocks stick together?
0:322:00Gage Block Wringing - Why? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSecond of all the surface tension from oil and water vapor on both blocks. Might hold them togetherMoreSecond of all the surface tension from oil and water vapor on both blocks. Might hold them together finally intermolecular forces might cause attraction since the surfaces are so smooth.
What does it mean to ring gage blocks together?
Wringing gage blocks is the process of assembling gage blocks together end-to-end to achieve a specific measurement. Not everyone uses gage blocks in wrung combinations, but wringability can provide a test of the integrity of the surface condition of the gage block.
How accurately can gauge blocks be wrung together?
If the size of the gauge requires a stack of five blocks to make up the nominal size of the gauge the accuracy of each block must be known to 0.5/5 or 0.1 µm.
How do you gauge blocks stick together?
1:148:02Will Gauge Blocks Wring Together In a Vacuum Chamber? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe next mechanism they could stick together is through surface tension.MoreThe next mechanism they could stick together is through surface tension.
Do gauge blocks need to be calibrated?
Like most test, measurement and inspection equipment, gage blocks require regular calibration to maintain accuracy. Scratches, gashes and other damage caused by wear and corrosion can negatively affect the blocks' accuracy. Subjecting the gage blocks to calibration is the best way to verify accuracy.
What is the purpose of wringing gage blocks before stacking them?
The wringing process allows for a near zero clearance between multiple gage blocks, reducing stack up errors. Ideally, when wringing gage blocks together, you should strive to use the fewest blocks needed to achieve the required length.
How are gauge blocks used?
What are gauge blocks used for? Gauge blocks are used to calibrate engineering equipment, (e.g. micrometers and Vernier calipers). Higher grade gauge blocks can also be used to calibrate other gauge blocks of the same or lower grade.
Who invented gauge blocks?
Carl Edvard JohanssonGauge block / InventorCarl Edvard Johansson was a Swedish inventor and scientist. Johansson invented the gauge block set, also known as "Jo Blocks". He was granted his first Swedish patent on 2 May 1901, Swedish patent No. 17017 called "Gauge Block Sets for Precision Measurement". Wikipedia
How often should you calibrate gauge blocks?
every 1 to 3 years2) HOW OFTEN SHOULD GAGE BLOCKS BE CALIBRATED? Industry consensus is that gage blocks be calibrated every 1 to 3 years. Calibration intervals may be shortened or lengthened as needed. The frequency of calibration is determined by the user with consideration given to usage, care, and desired accuracy.
How do you calibrate gauge blocks?
Gauge blocks are being calibrated by two methods: interferometric calibration and calibration by mechanical comparison to reference gauge block. While interferometric method represents primary level, comparison is more suitable for calibrating industrial gauge blocks because of lower costs and shorter calibration time.
What is the best grade of gauge blocks?
Grade 0, Webber A1: The most popular grade of blocks: 1) it is accurate enough to perform 95% or more of all applications. This grade is recommended for general use. 2) most steel blocks are Grade 0, and steel is the most popular choice of gage block materials.
How are gauge blocks joined?
The blocks are joined by a sliding process called wringing, which causes their ultra-flat surfaces to cling together.
What is gauge block?
A gauge block is a block of metal or ceramic with two opposing faces ground precisely flat and parallel, a precise distance apart. Standard grade blocks are made of a hardened steel alloy, while calibration grade blocks are often made of tungsten carbide, chromium carbide or ceramic because they are harder and wear less.
How accurate are gauge blocks?
Gauge blocks are calibrated to be accurate at 20 °C (68 °F) and should be kept at this temperature when taking measurements.
What is a gauge block wringable?
The ability of a given gauge block to wring is called wringability; it is officially defined as "the ability of two surfaces to adhere tightly to each other in the absence of external means.".
When did Johansson start making gauge blocks?
When Johansson started manufacturing gauge blocks in inch sizes in 1912 , Johnanson's compromise was to manufacture gauge blocks with a nominal size of 25.4mm, with a reference temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, accurate to within a few parts per million of both official definitions.
Who invented the gauge block?
The gauge block set, also known as "Jo Blocks", was developed by the Swedish inventor Carl Edvard Johansson. Johansson was employed in 1888 as an armourer inspector by the state arsenal Carl Gustafs stads Gevärsfaktori (Rifle Factory of Carl Gustaf's town) in the town of Eskilstuna, Sweden.
Why are wear blocks included in a tool stack?
The wear blocks, made of a harder substance like tungsten carbide, are included at each end of the stack, whenever possible, to protect the gauge blocks from being damaged in use. Machinists and toolmakers try to use a stack with the fewest blocks to avoid accumulation of size errors.
Guide on Selection of Gauge Blocks
Select the size of the gauge block by the range of holes, slot, and spaces dimensional requirement. Sometimes, you can already find the exact length of gauge block that you need in our gauge block sets. However, in case you need to make a certain new length, you have to wring and stack the gauge blocks depending on the size requirement you need.
Wringing Gage Blocks
Aside from the precision and accuracy of gauge blocks, one major characteristic of gauge blocks is their ability to wring together.
Other Ways of Stacking Gauge Blocks
There are several ways to combine gauge blocks except wringing. A stack of gauge blocks can be clamped together. You could use a gauge block holder for a rectangular gauge block. On the other hand, you can insert a rod into the center hole of a square gauge block.
How to Take Care of Gauge Blocks
For our measuring tool to function precisely and to get accurate measurements during inspection of our manufactured goods, you should treat gauge block with respect and care.
How To Use And Care for your Gauge Blocks
Gauge blocks are one of the most common forms of dimensional measuring tools. Although they are seemingly a simple block of ceramic, steel, or chromium carbide, they are actually a highly-engineered piece of precision measuring equipment. Below, we will outline the proper use and care recommendations needed to ensure a long productive life.
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How to wring a gage block?
Wringing Gage Blocks 1. Make sure that blocks are clean. 2. Wipe the surfaces of the blocks to be wrung gently across the oiled Wring Pad. (See figures below.) 3. Wipe these surfaces on the dry pad, removing as much oil as possible . 4. Slide the surfaces of the blocks together as shown.
What is a gage block?
Gage blocks that don’t wring may give erratic and unreliable results. The fact that gage blocks wring is incorporated into the lengths of the blocks themselves. Gage block length is defined as an interferometric measurement when the gage block is wrung to a flat platen. This includes one wringing film in the defined length of the gage block.
What is wringability in gage?
Wringability is an important property of gage blocks. In fact, gage block specifications recommend replacing blocks that have lost their ability to wring. Not everyone uses gage blocks in wrung combinations, but wringability is a test on the integrity of the surface condition of the gage block.
Why is it important to remove nicks and burrs before wringing blocks together?
It is important that all nicks and burrs be removed BEFORE attempting to wring blocks together because a burr on one block may damage the surface of the other block. Blocks may be checked for burrs with a gage block stone before wringing.
What happens when two very flat surfaces are brought into close contact with each other?
When two very flat surfaces are brought into such close contact with each other, this allows an interchange of electrons between the atoms of the separate blocks, which creates an attractive molecular force. (This force will remain even in a vacuum or if no oil or water is present on the blocks.)
Do gage blocks slide together?
The blocks should slide together without any feel of bumps or scratching, and should adhere to each other strongly after being rotated into place. Wringability is an important property of gage blocks, and is fortunately a quality that can be controlled and monitored readily by the user of the blocks.
Who invented gauge blocks?
But no – [Carl Edvard Johansson] got a patent for his “Gauge Block Sets for Precision Measurement” in 1901. As [AvE] shows us with a video on how gauge blocks can be “wrung” together, there’s more to these little blocks than meets the eye.
What is a measuring stick made of?
Basically, each block is a piece of tool steel or ceramic that’s ground and lapped to a specific length. Available in sets of various lengths, the blocks can be stacked end to end to make up a very precise measuring stick.
What forces hold a gage block together?
The source of the forces holding gage blocks together are thought to come from: Air pressure from the surrounding environment as the air is squeezed out when the blocks are slid together. Surface tension from oil that remains on the gage blocks or water vapor from the air that acts as an adhesive to hold them together.
What is a gage block?
Gage blocks that do not wring may give erratic and unreliable results . In fact, gage block specifications recommend replacing blocks that have lost their ability to wring. Gage block length is defined as an interferometric measurement when the gage block is wrung to a flat platen.
Why use gage stone?
A gage block stone with serrated grooves is recommended because it gives a better "feel" for nicks and burrs that catch the edges of the serration. Badly nicked surfaces will click as a nick passes along the serration. Foreign material em-bedded in the grain of the stone may scratch the blocks.
What is a wringing gage block?
Wringing gage blocks is the process of assembling gage blocks together end-to-end to achieve a specific measurement. Not everyone uses gage blocks in wrung combinations, but wringability can provide a test of the integrity of the surface condition of the gage block. Gage blocks that do not wring may give erratic and unreliable results. In fact, gage block specifications recommend replacing blocks that have lost their ability to wring.
Why do you need to remove nicks before wringing blocks?
Remove all nicks and burrs before attempting to wring blocks together because a burr on one block may damage the surface of the other block. Blocks may be checked for burrs with a gage block stone before wringing.
What is wringability in gage?
Wringability is an important property of gage blocks, and fortunately, it is a quality that can be controlled and monitored readily by the user of the blocks. With correct use and care, gage blocks will provide long, reliable and accurate service. A wringability test may be done by the user of the blocks if a problem with a block is suspected.
How thick is a gage block?
The test may be difficult to apply to gage blocks that are not almost perfectly flat. This includes thinner gage blocks that are less than 0.1 inch (2.5 millimeters) thick, which are not usually flat in their free state, including most gage blocks in metric sets.
Overview
Notes
1. ^ Doiron & Beers 2009, pp. 1–4
2. ^ Doiron & Beers 2009, p. 12
3. ^ Doiron & Beers 2009, p. 4
4. ^ Friedel, Dave, Wringability and Gage Blocks, archived from the original on 2011-06-05, retrieved 2010-12-22.
Description
A gauge block is a block of metal or ceramic with two opposing faces ground precisely flat and parallel, a precise distance apart. Standard grade blocks are made of a hardened steel alloy, while calibration grade blocks are often made of tungsten carbide, chromium carbide or ceramic because they are harder and wear less. Gauge blocks come in sets of blocks of various lengths, along with additi…
Grades
Gauge blocks are available in various grades, depending on their intended use. The grading criterion is tightness of tolerance on their sizes; thus higher grades are made to tighter tolerances and have higher accuracy and precision. Various grading standards include: JIS B 7506-1997 (Japan)/DIN 861-1980 (Germany), ASME (US), BS 4311: Part 1: 1993 (UK). Tolerances will vary within the same g…
Manufacture
Gauge blocks are usually made either from hardened alloy tool steels, ceramics or cemented carbides (such as tungsten carbide or tantalum carbide). Often the carbide has a hardness of 1500 Vickers hardness. Long series blocks are made from high-quality steel having cross section (35 × 9 mm) with holes for clamping two slips together. These are also available in carbon steel material. Steel blocks are hardened and tempered. The hardness is important because it slows do…
History
The gauge block set, also known as "Jo Blocks", was developed by the Swedish inventor Carl Edvard Johansson. Johansson was employed in 1888 as an armourer inspector by the state arsenal Carl Gustafs stads Gevärsfaktori (Rifle Factory of Carl Gustaf's town) in the town of Eskilstuna, Sweden. He was concerned with the expensive tools for measuring parts for the Remington rifle…
Gauge pins
Similar to gauge blocks, these are precision-ground cylindrical bars, for use as plug gauges to measure hole diameters, or as parts of go/no go gauges or similar applications.
Gauge rollers and balls
These are supplied as sets of individual rollers or balls as used in roller or ball bearings or tool and die making applications. Calibration balls can be used to calibrate contact angle goniometers, CNC machines and similar equipment.
Guide on Selection of Gauge Blocks
- Select the size of the gauge block by the range of holes, slot, and spaces dimensional requirement. Sometimes, you can already find the exact length of gauge block that you need in our gauge block...
- During the stacking and wringing gauge blocks process, always make sure to use the minimum number of blocks as possible to prevent errors or variations in measurement of length becau…
- Select the size of the gauge block by the range of holes, slot, and spaces dimensional requirement. Sometimes, you can already find the exact length of gauge block that you need in our gauge block...
- During the stacking and wringing gauge blocks process, always make sure to use the minimum number of blocks as possible to prevent errors or variations in measurement of length because the more ste...
- Do Math. Always consider the least significant digit of the lengths of the gauge blocks to wring.
Wringing Gage Blocks
- Aside from the precision and accuracy of gauge blocks, one major characteristic of gauge blocks is their ability to wring together. Wringing is the process of sticking two opposite measuring faces of the gauge block in order to make a certain new precise length that is not available on the set. It does not need any adhesives or magnetism for the ga...
Other Ways of Stacking Gauge Blocks
- There are several ways to combine gauge blocks except wringing. A stack of gauge blocks can be clamped together. You could use a gauge block holder for a rectangular gauge block. On the other hand, you can insert a rodinto the center hole of a square gauge block. The gauge block holder typically comes as a set with other different sizes of holders. This allows you to form multiple di…
How to Take Care of Gauge Blocks
- For our measuring tool to function precisely and to get accurate measurements during inspection of our manufactured goods, you should treat gauge block with respect and care. Learn to take extra care of our gauge block, before, during, and after use. You should also set a periodical check-up for our gauge blocks called calibration conducted by a certified calibration laboratory …