Gage Blog
Bowers Metrology XT Series Bore Gages
The recovering economy has forced manufacturers to reduce their workforce and steamline their manufacturing processes. CMM's are not as quick as a bore gage and plug gages lack the accuracy needed! The bore gage (being a perfect mix of speed and accuracy) is the perfect solution for bore measurements.
"What's wrong with my test indicator?" A cosine error discussion
The Dial Test Indicator is one of the most popular and most commonly misused measuring tools. The fact that the test indicator’s contact point moves in an arc instead of a straight displacement is the root of the problem. An issue known as cosine error occurs when the contact point is not parallel with the surface to be measured.
Calibrating Surface Roughness Testers
We're often asked to provide roughness tester standards with non-standard values for calibration of surface roughness testers, also known as profilometers. Most instruments sold by Mahr-Federal, Fowler, Mitutoyo, Phase II, Brown & Sharpe and others include a calibration specimen (typically provided with a NIST traceable certificate) in the 119 Ra microinch range (3 um), which is the industry standard. Set your instrument to this specimen and it is assumed your tester is calibrated properly. Read more
Tapered Pipe Threads
On your docket today in your inspection department one product you must inspect and verify is a part with a Tapered Pipe Thread. Does not sound too tough, but did you know that there are actually three different common Tapered Pipe Threads used in industry today? Read more