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| articles:auditing_plug_gages [2023/01/31 13:31] – created rrandall | articles:auditing_plug_gages [2023/05/14 11:51] (current) – [The Disassembly of Plug Gages] rrandall |
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| ===== The Disassembly of Plug Gages ===== | ===== The Disassembly of Plug Gages ===== |
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| [{{:articles:thread_reversable-2.png?direct |Source: https://www.gageassembly.com/setting-plug/}}]The VAST majority of plug gages that I’ve seen consist of a handle (the middle piece) with a removable plug gage on each end (hence "Go/No Go gages”) - and often have two different end colors (Green for “Go” and “Red” for “No Go”). {{ :articles:iu-2.jpeg?direct&250|}}As you can see from the image to the left, these gages are easily removed from the handle (e.g., for replacement when worn). Since these gages can be removed from the handle… as shown in the image to the right, a calibration status label on the handle is meaningless. | {{:articles:thread_reversable-2.png?direct |Source: https://www.gageassembly.com/setting-plug/}}The VAST majority of plug gages that I’ve seen consist of a handle (the middle piece) with a removable plug gage on each end (hence "Go/No Go gages”) - and often have two different end colors (Green for “Go” and “Red” for “No Go”). {{ :articles:iu-2.jpeg?direct&250|}}As you can see from the image to the left, these gages are easily removed from the handle (e.g., for replacement when worn). Since these gages can be removed from the handle… as shown in the image to the right, a calibration status label on the handle is meaningless. |
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| So how can auditors identify individual gages in order to verify their calibration status? | So how can auditors identify individual gages in order to verify their calibration status? |
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| While the gage would need to be removed from the handle, a “good" auditor will verify this unique identification so as to later confirm metrological traceability. While some companies simply place a calibration status label on the plug gage handle, to "good" auditor will quickly dismiss any assertion that calibration of the gages is linked to the handle (Yes. I’ve actually seen companies try this… unsuccessfully). | While the gage would need to be removed from the handle, a “good" auditor will verify this unique identification so as to later confirm metrological traceability. While some companies simply place a calibration status label on the plug gage handle, "good" auditors will quickly dismiss any assertion that calibration of the gages is linked to the handle (Yes. I’ve actually seen companies try this… unsuccessfully). |
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| While some threaded and non-threaded (plain) plug gages are identified with serial numbers… others have no unique identification at all. The example below is typical... identifying technical details about the gage, but nothing unique to that specific gage. | While some threaded and non-threaded (plain) plug gages are identified with serial numbers… others have no unique identification at all. The example below is typical... identifying technical details about the gage, but nothing unique to that specific gage. |
| Aware of this issue, many "good" calibration labs will work with their customers to assign and add a unique identification to each plug gage lacking a unique serial number. While unique identification can be etched onto the gage, there are other quicker & easier ways to address this; such as using a "Solvent Resistant Ink” and a couple of inexpensive rotating alpha numeric rubber stamps (with 1/16" or 1/8” character heights). For example: https://www.durable-tech.com/blog/bid/95129/Epoxy-Ink | Aware of this issue, many "good" calibration labs will work with their customers to assign and add a unique identification to each plug gage lacking a unique serial number. While unique identification can be etched onto the gage, there are other quicker & easier ways to address this; such as using a "Solvent Resistant Ink” and a couple of inexpensive rotating alpha numeric rubber stamps (with 1/16" or 1/8” character heights). For example: https://www.durable-tech.com/blog/bid/95129/Epoxy-Ink |
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| Personally, I’d give preference to [[https://www.durable-tech.com/|Durable Technologies]] product #6459 "One Part Epoxy Ink" (about half way down the page linked below) simply BECAUSE it is certified for United Launch Alliance (ULA) for ULA 5-79055, Rev. C (so if the company gets any ULA work requiring this type of part marking, you’ll already be covered). | Personally, I’d give preference to [[https://www.durable-tech.com/|Durable Technologies]] product #6459 "One Part Epoxy Ink" (about halfway down the page linked below) simply BECAUSE it is certified for United Launch Alliance (ULA) for ULA 5-79055, Rev. C (so if the company gets any ULA work requiring this type of part marking, you’ll already be covered). |
| https://www.durable-tech.com/marking/industrial-inks | https://www.durable-tech.com/marking/industrial-inks |
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