MachiningBlog.com

View Original

The Basics of Gage Blocks

Gage blocks (also known as gauge blocks) are inspection tools that are used in the machining industry. They typically come in an 81-piece set and the sizes in the set are as follows:

The blocks are joined together to acquire the appropriate height by a process called wringing. When you wring blocks together, you gently slide them and line them up. Since the gage block surface is ultra-flat and smooth, the blocks stay together.

The gage blocks come in different grades. Grade B is made for shop use, and Grade A is for inspection and setting inspection tooling. There is a U.S specification number GGG-G-15C that reclassifies the gages as .5 to 3. Grade 3 is a compromise between the grade A and B.