Plug Gages to Combat Hostile Production Environment

Ask the importance of plug gages to anyone who deals in machining tools in the manufacturing industry? The answer you would get is that ‘they are integral to ensure quality in all types of manufacturing processes'. Yes, also referred to as Go-NoGo gauge, it helps in the inspection of tools used to check a work piece against its allowed tolerances. You can conduct the test in two ways- a work piece that pass the ‘GO' test and another that goes the ‘NO GO' test.

Importance of Go/No Go Tests

As has been mentioned earlier, the Go/No Go tests using plug gages are important to gauge the quality of various machining components required in large manufacturing units. This is required for various processes like ensuring interchangeability of parts between processes and also between that of different manufacturers. The system of using plug gages to suit the quality needs of a particular manufacturer holds especially profitable in the production area of the factory as they require less skill or interpretation to use them effectively for the purpose of quality measurement. Moreover, they have no/few moving parts and hence, there are very less chances of getting damaged due to hostile production environment.

Working Principle of Plug Gages

The devices are used as plugs, hence the name plug gages. Well, using them for the purpose of getting precision measurement is quite simple. All you have to do is insert one end into the part first and depending on the result of that test, the other end is tried. These devices are threaded wherein the part to be tested is screwed on the part that is labeled GO where it enters fully and then there would be the NOT GO end where it should not fit totally. Accordingly to their area of operation, these devices are divided into hardened and ground gaug e or replaceable thread gauges.

Selecting the Best Plug Gages

With the growing importance of these measuring devices, many manufacturers have come up with different varieties of gages of varied make and dimensions. It is very important that you choose the ones that fit your needs to best of its ability to prevent wear parts. I recommend that you get custom gages that are built to your specifications that are developed from your part drawings. Buy only those that abide by ANSI/ASME B89.1.5. To get the best from these plug gages, always store them a secure location, preferably in individual containers. And, also dip all ball gages in an oil/wax based seal or coated with a rust preventive prior to storing for longer shelf life.

About the Author

Machining Technologies of known worldwide for its a high-tech, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. We have progressively expanded our manufacturing and worldwide product line to include wear parts components, tungsten carbide balls, stainless steel balls, carbide blanks, plastic balls, tungsten carbide, and plug gages.