Gauge & Types of Gauges

 Gauge & Types of Gauges

Accuracy is challenging in every field. In physics, accuracy and efficiency depend on one of the parameters known as measurement. We are familiar with using scale, compass, measuring tapes, clocks, thermometers, and many more. Each device is used to measure different parameters. A screw gauge is a mechanical tool used to measure the diameter, radius, thickness of a wire or metal sheet. We have also studied vernier caliper scale and micrometer gauges in our previous sessions. In this article, let us know about a measuring device known as a gauge and types of gauges.

What is a Gauge?

A gauge is an important measuring device in the field of design engineering. It is a device used to provide certain dimensional information, according to a specified standard or system.

Some gauges are meant to measure the size of the object. But, most gauges are mainly used to specify if the dimensions of the measuring object are less or greater than defined standards that are within the tolerance range. Gauges can be operated electrically or mechanically.

They are generally considered as fixed-type or deviation-type instruments. Fixed-type gauges are designed to showcase if a given dimension is larger or smaller than the standard. They are usually made of soft steel, hard steel, or glass. To prevent rub-down, fixed-type gauges are chrome-plated or tungsten-carbide coated. Now let us know more about the various types of gauges.

Types of Gauges

Gauges are used to measure different types of objects having various sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, the gap in space, diameter of materials, or pressure of the flow. Specific types of gauges are used to measure each parameter. Gauges are classified into eight types, they are:

• Plug gauge
• Ring gauge
• Taper gauge
• Snap gauge
• Feeler gauge
• Thread gauge
• Form gauge

Caliper gauges

Now let us know in brief about each type of gauge.

Plug Gauge

A plug gauge is a fixed gauge that is used for measuring the shape and size of a hole. A plug gauge comes with different diameters. They are helpful to measure the inside diameters of drilled holes or holes that are machined into a manufactured part, component, or assembly. While measuring the inside diameter of the hole, aids in analyzing if the dimension of the hole falls under specified dimensional tolerance. These gauges are made of wear-resisting steel.

To check the lower limit of the hole, No-go gauge is used, and to check the upper limit of the hole, Go-plug gauge is used. The plain plug gauges are the double-ended type.

Ring Gauge

A ring gauge is a fixed gauge that is used for measuring the external diameters of cylindrical objects. They are made of thermally resistant steel for greater strength and stability. Ring gauge incorporates the tolerance principle, with “go” and “not go” sections. They are made with a variety of tolerance grades.

Taper Gauge

They are the measuring devices used to measure the width of gaps, grooves, hole diameter, and the inner diameter of the pipe. A taper gauge is made of both plug and ring styles. These gauges have a polycarbonate or brass case or cap made for ease of carrying.

Snap Gauge

These are mainly used for checking the shafts. Snap gauges are also known as gap gauges. It is a form of Go/no-go gauge used for both cylindrical and non-cylindrical parts. Go snap gauge is used with a higher limit of the shaft, and no-go gauge is used with a lower limit of the shaft.

Feeler Gauge

This type of gauge is used for clearance between the mating surfaces. They are manufactured in the form of a bunch of blades using steel. They are made of 0.3 mm to 1 mm thickness and 10 mm long. To measure the size of clearance, one or two blades are inserted in between the contacting surfaces, until an exact blade is found.

Thread Gauge

To measure the pitch and diameter of the thread, a thread gauge is used. Thread Gauge is also known as screw pitch gauge. Plug thread gauges measure the internal threads of nuts and brushes. Ring thread gauges check the external thread of bolts and screws.

Form Gauge

These are the types of gauges that are designed to check the profile of objects. Packs of blades featuring convex and concave circular profiles are known as radius gauges. They are used to measure the corners as well as radii of grooves.

Caliper Gauge

The gauge that is similar to a snap gauge and used to check the inside and outside dimensions of the product is known as a caliper gauge. One end of the caliper gauge is used to check the internal dimensions, and the other end is used to check the outer dimensions.