WHY CALIBRATE THREAD GAGES?

Calibration of a thread gage defines the accuracy and quality of an internal or external measurement. Overtime, accuracy of a thread gage can start to drift due to excessive use of the instrument. By calibrating a thread gage frequently, measurement uncertainty minimizes which, in turn, ensures result accuracy. Accuracy of results is extremely important when it comes to use of equipment because it allows users and businesses to feel confident, reduces costs from manufacturing errors and keeps processes safe.

WHEN TO CALIBRATE

There a many deciding factors on when a thread gage should be calibrated. Calibration is required for the following:

• Testing of a new thread gage
• Testing a thread gage after it has been repaired or modified
• Testing after specific usage of a thread gage
• Prior to and after critical measurements of internal and external parts
• When there is measurement uncertainty
• After events where a thread gage has been dropped or misused
• If a thread gage is exposed to adverse conditions

Thread gages should also be recalibrated periodically based on an interval, either recommended by the manufacturer or determined by a trend history analysis. When using an interval recommended by the manufacturer of a thread gage, it is important to remember the interval may decrease due to usage factors.

RISK IN NOT CALIBRATING GAGES

• Inaccurate Results: If a thread gage is not calibrated, it will not give accurate measurements. This leads to all of the points bulleted below.
• Poor Reliability: When a thread gage is calibrated with a certificate, you can prove that the gage is well maintained and regularly serviced. Without a certificate of calibration, the reliability of the measurements is low. By performing calibration on a thread gage, you are ensuring the gage is performing within accepted standards and is achieving quality assurance.
• Safety Risks: A handful of safety risks can come from uncalibrated thread gages. Since thread gages are used to measure conjoining parts, such as nuts and bolts, it is crucial that the gage can measure these internal and external parts thoroughly. If not measured correctly, the part being measured could become faulty causing danger to those working on it or those using the equipment.
• Dissatisfied Customers: If the quality of your thread gage isn’t good or if the service is inferior, the customers will be unhappy. If a part becomes faulty due to your uncalibrated and inaccurate thread gage, the customers won’t hesitate to take their business elsewhere.

Need to learn more about thread gages?
Read our guide!