Which Grade Do I Need ?

The grades specified provide a relatively wide range of accuracy's and quires often arise as to which grade of gauge should be purchased. Gauge blocks are available in a range of accuracy grades conforming to British, European and International standards. When deciding which grade is required, you should consider not only the application, but also the accuracy of the equipment with which they are to be used.

Grade 2 (metric & imperial)
These gauge blocks are intended for general shop floor use by skilled workers to set up., for example an Optical comparator used next to a grinding machine to establish a 2.5um (0.0001") tolerance band.

Grade 1 (metric & imperial)
This is the normal inspection grade for use within a designated inspection area by a skilled inspector to verify the accuracy of general inspection equipment such as plug gauges and for setting electronic measuring devices of normal accuracy.

Grade 0 (metric & imperial)
These higher accuracy gauges are intended for use within a controlled environment by skilled inspection staff for higher precision work which could include calibration of instruments or other gauges. The degree of accuracy would indicate the need for adjustments based on UKAS calibration certificate data.

Grade K (metric) - Din and ISO Standards
Gauges of this accuracy are intended for use within temperature and environmentally controlled inspection rooms or calibration laboratories. They should be used as masters against which other gauge blocks are calibrated by comparison. Reference to a UKAS Interferomic Class A calibration certificate is essential in this case

Grade 00 (metric) - Din and ISO Standard
Grade K (metric & imperial) - BS4311
These are the highest grades produced and are intended for use only in specialized calibration laboratories.

Which Material Do I Need ?

Steel
When used in accordance with accepted practices, steel gauges will provide many years of useful life & remain the most commonly accepted length standards. They must however be cleaned carefully after use, stored in a dry environment & be protected from corrosion if used infrequently.

· Highly alloyed steel.
· Hardness guaranteed to 800Hv (64Rc).
· Artificially aged for guaranteed stability.
· All gauges are marked with a unique laser-etched serial number.
· Coefficient of expansion: 11.6

Tungsten Carbide
Are used where a high surface hardness is required, tungsten carbide gauge are

· Finest grade tungsten carbide.
· Hardness guaranteed to 1500Hv.
· High resistance to corrosion.
· High wringability.
· Coefficient of expansion: 4.5

Ceramic
This material has advantages in most applications due to its relative wear resistance, strength and stability. It will not rust and is virtually unaffected by acids or alkalis.

· Manufactured from Yttria stabilized Zirconia which is transformation toughened to further increase it strength.
· Hardness guaranteed to 1400Hv.
· All gauges are marked with a unique laser etched serial number.
· Due to the microstructure, any minor damage is unlikely to affect the wringing properties.
· Closest expansion coefficient to steel.
· An inherently low friction co-efficient.
· Providing increased life compared to steel gauges.
· Coefficient of expansion: 9.8