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Calibration & Repair Services

Thread Gage Calibration Mistakes to Avoid

Thread gages are useful and popular for many reasons, but most importantly, because they are incredibly accurate. However, accuracy is not necessarily a built-in factor. How the device is used plays a large part in the overall accuracy of the thread gage. To improve efficiency, you must avoid mistakes when it comes to the calibration process. The greater the error during this process, the greater the error in your result. Ensure you know how to avoid a calibration mistake. References Many people use some form of a handbook or reference when they begin the thread gage inspection process. This step is an excellent idea if you want to ensure accuracy; however, you need first to ensure that the reference is correct. Handbooks update of, and if the information inside the reference is out of date, you will run into an issue when you try to use new methods based on old data.  Ensure all the information you have is current. Keep in mind, that if you use your measurement results for an international configuration, you must use a reference from the appropriate country as American standards are not necessarily universal around the world.  Quality Always lead with quality, not cost. Lower performing measuring systems are low cost, but they operate with a reduced level of efficiency and do a poor job at calculating data for the parallelism or flatness of the thread gage accurately.  Higher performing systems, such as bench micrometer system, are often a better option because of their increased quality but may come with a slightly higher investment. Additionally, choosing a system based on cost alone increases the likelihood of you investing in a system that does not have the measuring power that meets your specific needs.  Comparator Stand Adjustments Ensure you don't forget to make adjustments to the comparator stand to ensure accurate calibration. For example, when using a calibration stand, the size of the thread gauge will determine the level of measuring power that is necessary to provide an accurate result. However, some people don't remember until the last minute that you cannot manually adjust the measuring power on these devices.  You must, instead, replace the entire indicator with one that is suited for the size of the thread gage. Don't wait until you have your tools in front of you and are ready to begin the process to then realize this information. Purchase any additional indicators you need beforehand.  The above represent only a small portion of the mistakes that may occur as a result of a calibration mistake. Ensure you use quality materials and take the appropriate steps to avoid these, and other, errors. Contact WESTport, for more help.

A Guide to Maintaining All of Your Industrial Equipment

Whenever you are looking to make the most out of your industrial equipment and metal work, the best thing to do is acquire the tools and service that are helpful for maintenance. Industrial equipment can be incredibly useful, but will also require some detailed maintenance by workers and contractors that are skilled. To keep all of your priciest and most important industrial equipment on one accord, consider the tips in this article and use them the best that you can. Get the best testing tools for your equipment Any time that you are looking to test and maintain your industrial equipment, it is very important that you get your hands on the ideal testing equipment. This testing equipment will allow you to not only get proper readouts, but to make sure that your industrial equipment is working the way that it should. Purchasing a thread plug gauge for sale will allow you to assess your best metal equipment. Any time you're in the market for one of these tools, be sure that you look into the wear resistance, any specific design protocols and some handles and materials that will allow you to get a good grip and use the tool to the best of your ability. Be sure that your contractors are well trained Any time that you have somebody utilizing your most prized industrial equipment, be sure that they are the most qualified and certified. In addition to satisfying OSHA certifications, and continued education opportunities so that machine operators remain up to par. By making operator training mandatory, you will reduce the likelihood of incidents when using the machinery and will keep all of your equipment at its best for years. Maintain safety protocols anytime that you are using your industrial equipment on-site. Get insurance on all of your equipment Having insurance on all of your industrial equipment can be one of the most beneficial investments you make. This is true because industrial equipment can be pricey and you need to have some recourse if something goes wrong with it. Shop around for a warranty or insurance plan that can help you operate on a regular basis without worrying about the condition of your tools and equipment. You can also buy a maintenance plan for the professionals can come up to your property for regular service. Utilize these tips so that you can make the most out of your industrial equipment. For more information, contact services like WESTport.  

Maintaining Your Precision Instruments

When you're tasked with overseeing an industrial operation, it's important you stay aware of the vast array of responsibilities that await you. Reliable performance is the result of repeatable actions, but unless you can correctly verify those actions through the use of accurate measurements, you may find yourself in the dark. Precision measuring instruments, when used properly, can be extremely helpful toward that end, but even they require specialized maintenance that you should be prepared to provide. Unfortunately, many people may be unaware of those requirements and find themselves relying on potentially inaccurate information. Below, you'll find a guide to maintaining your precision instruments that should help you avoid those pitfalls and generate reliable reports that you can use to optimize your measurements. It's often been said that a good craftsman never blames his tools, and by following these steps, you should never have a reason to do so. Segregated Storage For many people, their toolbox is an all purposes storage case that holds everything they may think they'll need in a given day. Unfortunately, that attitude can also make a toolbox a potential source of trouble, as your precision instruments can be easily damaged if they're constantly rattling around other items or being subjected to vibrations. For blunter instruments like screwdrivers and hammers, high precision comes in usage rather than manufacturing. That's not the case for calibration tools, plug gauges, and other specialized measurement tools that perform essential tasks as part of your manufacturing operation. Make sure that you store those items in protective cases away from your other tools. You should also keep those cases on a stable surface that's not subjected to frequent vibrations in order to guarantee their calibration remains consistent. If it's at all possible, keeping your precision instruments entirely out of the work area until they're needed is probably the best practice to follow. Temperature Control Mechanical factors aren't the only driving concern governing the accurate use of precision tools. Environmental factors also play a role, and in some cases, they may be even harder to control. A work floor is likely to be a warm and humid environment, and that changing temperature can cause both plastic and metal components to flex slightly. While those changes may be imperceptible to the naked eye, they can be vitally important when considering manufacturing tolerances. Even your instruments themselves may perform differently in a difficult climate, which highlights the importance of controlling your manufacturing area as much as possible. Air conditioning is a tool for productivity as much as it is a tool for comfort, and if you can't control the environment around your manufacturing space, you should attempt to perform your precision testing in a different, smaller area where you can receive accurate results. Careful Cleaning Ultimately, it's difficult to have an accurate instrument without having a clean instrument. This makes it your responsibility to thoroughly inspect all of the surfaces of your measuring tools after every usage, and carefully clean off any dirt or grime that may still be clinging. Non-static cloths are best for this purpose, as they can guarantee that you aren't forced to deal with any residual electrical or magnetic concerns. In the case of thread plug gages, this is a particularly important step, as industrial grease and lubricants may be hiding in the very openings that you're seeking to measure. WESTport offers professional calibration services and other measurement assistance that should be sure to provide you with the results you want. Turning to the professionals for your precision instrument needs is the best way to guarantee you're never left guessing, and to assure your customers that your tactics are reliable every time.

How to Properly Care for and Handle Precision Measuring Instruments

The world's best measuring instruments are all but worthless if they can't be relied on to provide accurate, reliable results. One key to ensuring that measuring instruments, such as micrometers, calipers and dial gauges, maintain a high level of reliability and accuracy is by taking proper care of them. Below is what you should know about the care and maintenance of these special precision tools. Lubricate Instruments Appropriately to Prevent Corrosion Proper lubrication of measuring instruments will prevent damage due to corrosion and oxidation. Precision measuring instruments should be lightly oiled after each use, and any excess oil should be removed from metal surfaces with a clean, dry cloth. A visibly "wet" instrument can attract and hold minute particles that can cause internal wear of precisely fabricated parts, especially those that move against one another. In addition, do not use penetrating oils or other compounds designed for purposes other than light lubrication. For example, avoid spraying your instruments with WD-40, as it may leave a film that can alter the calibration of the instrument. Even the thinnest layer of a foreign substance can throw off the accuracy of some measuring instruments, such as calipers and micrometers. Store Instruments in an Appropriate Environment Whenever you place an instrument in its storage location, be sure the location is well-protected from destructive elements. Do not store precision instruments where they can jostle against one another in a drawer; instead, separate instruments from one another using dividers or place them in padded cases. Avoid stacking instruments on top of each other, unless they are well-protected in cases. If your work is in an environment where vibration is a problem, keep measuring instruments stored in an area as far away as possible from vibration and movement. Over time, these forces can slowly cause your instruments to fall out of calibration. In addition, if the storage location is subject to dampness, be sure to use moisture-removal methods that can help lower the humidity. Silica gel packets placed in drawers or keeping a storage room air conditioned can also greatly lessen ambient moisture. If air conditioning isn't possible, then consider investing in a dehumidifier that can dry the air to appropriate levels. Know How to Properly Handle Instruments During Use Once you have a precise measuring instrument in your hand, it becomes that much more important to protect that tool from harm or providing false readings. There are a few things you should do that will help prevent damage or miscalibration during use, including avoiding sudden shocks or rough treatment. Do not drop, throw, or bang measuring instruments against hard surfaces. If you use precision instruments often at a workbench, then consider investing in a rubber mat that can rest on the floor beneath the edge of the bench. This will help protect your instruments from damage should they be dropped. In addition, it should go without saying to never use a measuring instrument to pry or hammer another object. In addition, keep instruments from experiencing temperature extremes. If you are handling a measuring instrument, it is important to avoid permitting it to either heat up or cool down. Expansion and contraction can alter the calibration of the instrument, and that is why you should endeavor to keep it within a normal room temperature range. Avoid holding instruments in your hands for an extended period of time, for example, and don't rest them on surfaces that are either too hot or cold. Obtain Professional Recalibration Assistance Some measuring instruments require occasional recalibration to ensure they continue to function as designed, and that is why it is important to have a professional relationship with a precision instrument manufacturer or supplier. They can keep your instruments in top-notch condition so they'll provide years of reliable service.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR CLEANING AND MAINTAINING YOUR THREAD GAGES PROPERLY

A thread gage is an important piece of equipment with which you cannot operate your machine shop. To protect its usefulness and accuracy, you need to take the best care of it. Rather than simply wash it off and leave it out to dry, you instead need to take more care with its upkeep. These practical tips are some to make use of to clean and maintain your thread gages properly. 1. Use a Non-abrasive Cloth To properly maintain and clean your thread gage, you need to use a non-abrasive cloth on it before and after using it. It can accumulate stuff like metal scrapings, oil, and grease when it is being used. This buildup can accumulate in its grips and teeth and throw off the accuracy at which it can measure threads. To remove this buildup, you need to use a cloth that does not have an abrasive surface. Options like paper towels and microfiber wipes can be too rough on the surface of your thread gage. Instead, you need to use a soft cotton shop cloth or even an old tee shirt to wipe down thread gages before you use them, as well afterward. 2. Use a High-quality Lubricant After you wipe your thread gages down with a soft, non-abrasive cloth, you then need to use a high-quality lubricant to clean and oil it. The lubricant protects the metal components of the thread gage. It prevents the metal from suffering damages like gouges and scrapes the next time that it is used. Likewise, the lubricant will also make it easier for the thread gage to grip and glide over the screws, bolts, or other parts where you'll use it. It will not catch and snag, nor will it cause damage to the thread gage or other parts that you need to use for tasks in your machine shop. 3. Calibrate It Often Finally, you need to calibrate your thread gage often to ensure that it can measure accurately. You must ensure that its parts can span properly and also provide reliable measurements. You should calibrate your thread gages several times a year to maintain their proper function and use. These practical tips are some to use to maintain and clean your thread gages. You need to use a soft cloth to wipe down your thread gage both before and after using and use a high-quality lubricant. Contact industrial equipment companies to learn more about thread gages. 

Purchasing Some New Thread Gages? 3 Tips to Keep Them in Good Condition

If you are planning to purchase some new thread gages, you should know how to maintain them properly. This will help your gages last much longer for you, which will not only save you money but also save you time. Below are three maintenance tips to help you so you can be ready before you make your purchase. The Way the Thread Gages Are Used If you have employees that have never used thread gages, make sure they get the proper training on how to use them. This will ensure they treat the gages well and use them correctly. Do not ever force thread gages into anything that is being checked. Always push or turn the gages slowly and using very little force. If you do force the thread gages in any way, then the gage may be damaged, as well as the part you are using the gage on. Watch how you handle the thread gages. For example, if you touch the surfaces of the gages and you have any type of moisture or oil on your skin, this would cause the gage to rust very easily. Maintenance Tips When you are finished using the thread gages, clean each one. You should clean them with a type of lubricant that is made for this purpose. If you are not sure where to purchase this lubricant, talk with the company you purchased the gages from, such as WESTport. Inspect the gages that you use frequently and look for any signs of damage, such as scratches or dents. If you notice any of these things, stop using the gage immediately. Storage Tips When you are finished using the gages, you need to make sure you store them correctly. If you do not they will not last as long as they normally would, and this could also cause damage to them. First, separate out the gages by type. Put each type in a different storage container. You can use plastic containers or plastic storage boxes. Both things can be purchased at most home improvement stores. No matter what you store the gages in, make sure you keep them away from areas that have high humidity, high heat, chemicals, and moisture. If you have a cabinet, you can put the storage boxes or containers inside the cabinet. Mark each box or container so you know what type of gage is in them. This will help you when you need the gages.

Helpful Maintenance Tips For Thread Gages

Thread gages are instrumental devices in that they help workers check the pitch of threaded objects. If you have some and want to keep them in great shape, remember the following maintenance advice. Clean Regularly When your thread gages get dirty with things like debris and residue, they can't effectively check the pitches accurately. That will throw off your measurements and isn't ideal moving forward. That's why you need to get in the habit of cleaning these gages regularly. You don't have to exert a lot of energy when you use a pressure washer. It can spray pressurized water in the tiny grooves, helping remove whatever has built up over the months. As long as you clean your gages regularly before use, they should provide optimal pitch measurements every single time.  Coat With Protective Film If you want to ensure your thread gages hold up for many years, then what you can do is have a protective film applied to all of your thread gages. It's a thin layer that can keep your gages structurally sound. These preventative films also are designed to keep the gages from rusting, which is great if you have a habit of leaving them outside exposed to the elements all of the time. Even if they get wet, rust will not be able to set in and affect your gages' performance. That can save you a lot of money on replacement gages in the future. Use Gages Correctly Sometimes the best maintenance protocol for thread gages is simply using them how they're supposed to be used. You'll then be able to avoid a lot of issues, such as dents, scratches, and other structural problems that could affect how thread gages work at measuring pitches of threaded objects. When lining up any sort of thread gage on an object, make sure you're gentle and don't exert too much force. Just line the gage up so that you can get your measurements and then take the gage off. Such a simple step will keep your gages in great shape for a long time. Measuring pitches of threaded objects wouldn't be possible without thread gages. They are extremely important and if you have some in your possession, make sure you care for them appropriately. Steps like cleaning them on a regular basis and using them correctly can keep these gages in great shape and working like a charm. For more information, contact a thread gage supplier.

Purchased Some Thread Gages? 2 Maintenance Tips So They Will Last Longer For You

If you just purchased some thread gages for your company, you want them to last as long as they can. One way to do this is to provide the proper maintenance to them. Below are two maintenance tips so you can teach your employees how to care for the gages. Using the Thread Gages Properly Using the thread gages properly is the best type of maintenance you can do. If you have employees that have never used thread gages, train them well before they start using them. Tell the employees to never force the thread gages into any into the dimensions. Instead tell your employees to turn and push the gages very slowly. Your employees should also wear some type of gloves. These gloves need to be thin, however. One type that works well is surgical gloves. This is important because touching the gages with bare hands, oil can get on the thread gages causing rust to build up. Caring for the Thread Gages Once you teach your employees how to use the thread gages, teach them how to care for them as part of the maintenance. For example, when they are finished using the tread gages for the day, they need to clean them with lubricant. Once this is done, they should coat the thread gages with a rust preventative substance. While the employees are cleaning the thread gages, teach them how to inspect them for damage, such as deterioration. If there is, the thread gages need to be replaced. The gages also have to be recalibrated on a periodic basis. How often you do this depends on how much you use the thread gages. Talk with the company where you purchase the thread gages from to determine how often you should do this. It can be useful to write down the recalibration dates for each thread gages to help you keep up with how long you should recalibrate them. Another part of maintenance is storing the gages correctly. This includes gages that you are not using, as well as the gages your employees are currently using. The gages can be stored in a cabinet, container, or plastic storage box. Once you choose the storage option, keep the gages away from heat and humidity. If you have questions about any of this, contact the manufacturer. They likely have a manual with information about the thread gages, as well as maintenance tips.

3 Maintenance Musts for Your Thread Gages

Many industrial operations rely on thread gages for accuracy and precision when it comes to the pitch and placement of threaded screws. Thread gages may seem like small tools, but they can have a big impact on the effectiveness of your manufacturing processes. Proper maintenance is essential if you want to be able to rely on your thread gages in the future. Be sure that you are implementing these three maintenance musts to better care for your company's thread gages. 1. Maintain Constant Storage Temperatures You need to ensure that your thread gages are safe while they are in storage. Not all gages are used on a regular basis, so some instruments might sit in storage for several days, weeks, or months. Temperature fluctuations within your storage area could compromise the accuracy of any thread gage. Most gages are made from metal materials that can expand and contract as environmental temperatures fluctuate. You should store all gages in an area with constant temperatures and humidity levels to avoid precision problems from plaguing the accuracy of your thread gages over time. 2. Keep Thread Gages Clean Another important maintenance task that you must prioritize if you want to preserve the accuracy of your thread gages is the regular cleaning of these instruments. Dirt and debris can become lodged in the teeth of a thread gage and begin to harden. This hardened debris can affect the readings of the gage, leading to costly production errors. Instruct your workers to wash their hands before handling thread gages to eliminate oils and other contaminants from being transferred to the instrument. Schedule routine cleanings for all thread gages to avoid the complications caused by dirt buildup in the future. 3. Recalibrate Gages Often Thread gages need to be calibrated regularly to ensure they maintain their ability to accurately measure pitch. Manufacturers usually provide a recommended recalibration schedule, and you should stick closely to that schedule when caring for your own gages. Record the date of each recalibration, and track performance to determine which gages are starting to fail and may need to be replaced. Regular recalibration allows you to inspect your gages and keep them as accurate as possible. Maintenance plays an essential role in the performance and longevity of any instrument. Set up a maintenance plan for your thread gages to ensure they are able to provide you with accurate and useful readings during manufacturing. Contact thread gage vendors like WESTport for more information.

Six Things that Need to be Done to Ensure Thread Gages Stay in Good Shape Over Time

If you need to regularly use thread gages at your facility, it's important that you avoid malfunctions through proper maintenance. There are a few tasks that absolutely must be stressed in your maintenance regime to avoid problems over time. The following are five things that must be done regularly so that there are no thread gage malfunctions that compromise productivity at your work site. Regularly cleaning thread gages so that they don't become dirty One important and relatively simple thread gage maintenance task is keeping thread gages clean.  During regular usage, thread gages are likely to build up debris deposits. Debris that gets into gage components can compromise accuracy. Inaccurate thread gages compromise the quality of work that is carried out at your facility. Staff members should be trained to keep thread gages clean and to remove debris if it is noticed.  Keeping labels on thread gages so that they are used correctly Thread gages come in various sizes, and particular sizes are necessary for certain applications. For this reason, it's important that the size of a thread gage is always clearly marked when gages are in storage. This way, staff members will always retrieve the right gage when it's needed for a work site task. Neglecting to calibrate thread gages to ensure accuracy The calibration of any thread gage will lose precision over time and need to be reset. Staff members at your work site should be trained to keep careful records of calibration dates. Also, you should pay attention for manufacture recommended calibration frequency so that staff members don't let too much time pass between calibration dates.  Storing thread gages in areas that are exposed to temperature extremes Like any metal component, a thread gage is subject to becoming warped when they are put in places that are very high or very low in temperature. Be careful of where you're choosing to store thread gages at your work site. Thread gages that become warped because of temperature extreme exposure may become less precise over time.  Not only should you watch temperature extreme exposure, but you should also pay attention to humidity levels in your storage area. Humidity extremes can also cause problems when it comes to maintaining thread gages.  Not keeping thread gages well lubricated Thread gages that are never lubricated are likely to become corroded over time. This will create problems like premature wear and tear on other mechanical components in your system. Thread gages are typically lubricated using oily wax to coat gage parts. 

6 Mistakes to Avoid When it Comes to Thread Gage Maintenance

Thread gages are important pieces of equipment for industrial operations. Adequate maintenance is important for maximizing both the lifespan and efficiency of thread gages. Unfortunately, mistakes are made at many industrial facilities that compromise the condition of thread gages. The following are six mistakes that it's important to avoid when it comes to thread gage maintenance to avoid malfunctions and inefficiency issues. 1. Avoid temperature extremes in thread gage storage areas When it comes to thread gage use, it's important to understand how important precision is. Thread gages are made from metal materials that can expand and contract with temperature extremes. Expansion and contraction can compromise thread gage precision. Therefore, it's important to store thread gages in areas that don't experience any climate extremes. Avoiding extremes in both temperature and humidity levels is important to keeping thread gages in the best possible shape.  2. Allowing thread gages to become dirty Dirt and debris that becomes lodged into thread gage parts can compromise precision. It's therefore important to incorporate a cleaning regime into your thread gage maintenance procedures.  Workers need to be aware of the fact that oil in their hands can contaminate thread gages. Thread gage operators should therefore be trained to wash hands carefully before they come into contact with thread gages.  3. Neglecting to adequately lubricate gages Lubrication is important because it helps to avoid corrosion development and ensure efficiency in mechanical systems. Easy peel wax coatings that are oil based are ideal lubricants for thread gages.  4. Label thread gage size At most industrial facilities, thread gages of a wide range of sizes are used to get the job done. For this reason, carefully labeling thread gages according to their size and type is important to ensuring organization and precision.  5. Letting gage calibration lose accuracy Over time, thread gages can lose their accuracy and require recalibration. Keeping up on recalibration with careful records and regular inspection is important. Make sure that calibration dates are accurately recorded and that your calibration schedule adheres closely to manufacturer recommendations. 6. Ensure proper operator training The best way to ensure that your thread gages stay properly maintained is to ensure that your operators are properly trained on both thread gage usage and maintenance.  Make sure that new employees are properly trained and briefed on correct maintenance procedures. Keep manufacturer manuals available to them regarding thread gage usage to avoid malfunctions and to ensure that proper maintenance and safety procedures are followed at your facility.

3 Reasons Why Calibration of Your Measuring Instrument is Important

In contemporary times, we are surrounded by technology. Our entire world revolves around it, without which none of our work seems to be possible. Accuracy becomes the most important factor when it comes to using machines as the reliability of production totally depends on the advanced technology of the machines. For this purpose, it becomes indispensable to look for the specifications of the measuring tools used to check the precision and accuracy. Numerous precision measuring tools are used to ensure that the machines serve us with the correct data. These instruments need to be accurate enough on which one can rely on taking decisions and performing tasks. Due to this reason, calibration of measuring tools are done to assure that the measurements are appropriate and deliver correct information. What is Calibration? A process of juxtapositioning between a standard measurement and one which is used for measuring is termed as calibration. It configures an instrument, providing assurance that the result delivered is appropriate. When it comes to checking the precision of instrument through calibration, it should be 10 times the accuracy of the measuring device that is being compared with standard one. If there arises a case where measurements don’t meet expectation to that of the criteria, then with the help of calibration it is adjusted for achieving particular specifications. Why is Calibration Important? It serves us as a guarantee that tool which is used for the measurement is meticulous. For better understanding, we brought you few more reasons that would evidently explain its paramount value. No Manufacturing Errors, No Cost Sometimes, large manufacturing industries may face some flaws in the production. Consequently, the cost of it rises. Though defects would be small, their costs prove to be the high burden on the manufacturers. It would not only be expensive in the form of resources, but also as a waste of time. It can be avoided through calibration of measuring instrument that verifies if it delivers an appropriate result or not. Calibrating tools and gauges will evidently reduce the risk for attaining any possibility of production defects. But, ensure that the sensors which are used for its monitoring are appropriate in this process. However, laying hands on the correct calibrating tools would serve your purpose in the best way and it can be done by buying it from a trustworthy supplier such as Penn Tool Co. For gaining detailed information, you can explore penntoolco.com and get your desired products. Safety It goes without saying that when every functioning of the measuring instruments is verified under the process of calibration, it keeps all the processes safe. All the devices and machines which are used to produce products ensures its safety through this process.Certification Certification The accuracy of measuring device deteriorate with time fleets. And this wear and tear of the machine The accuracy of measuring device deteriorate with time fleets. And this wear and tear of the machine are occurred due to several factors affecting it. Therefore, it becomes imperative to look for the safety of it, which can be made possible by calibrating measuring tools proficiently. However, it can be said that certification of the machine is maintained through calibration. Now since you are introduced to the paramount importance of calibrating instruments, it is upon you whether or not to consider these points in your manufacturing process. Besides, it is for sure that this verification process won’t harm the production in any way. July 21, 2017 - Measuring Instruments

Electronic Calibration and Repair

Fox Valley Metrology and Twin Pines Metrology, divisions of WESTport Corporation are able to offer its customers complete repair and calibration services on nearly all makes and models of electronic test and measurement equipment. Most calibration services can be performed in our lab or at your facility. We allocate personnel to handle solely equipment repairs and calibration. This provides us with the ability to lower our costs while generating faster turnaround time on our services. Our primary ISO/IEC 17025 standards laboratory provides the resources you need for the traceability for all of your lab standards. All repairs are quoted prior to completion, and will not exceed 50% of the cost of a replacement. All technicians are supplied with laptop computers and portable printers for any on site requests. Also, technicians are equipped with DoDMIDAS and GIDEP CD-ROMS, which contain all military and some civilian calibration procedures. This enables the customer to receive accurate certifications and calibration labels at the time the job is completed. Most of Fox Valley Metrology's electronic calibration technicians have been trained in the military with years of extensive calibration and repair experience. Field Service Calibration FVM and Twin Pines Metrology, a division of WESTport Corporation has an extensive fleet of fully-equipped service vehicles and offers you the advantage of onsite calibration. This reduces any potential downtime at your facility by not having to send your gages or tools out for calibration or repair. Our technicians come fully equipped with laptop computers and printers. This allows us to print out your certifications at the time of calibration rather than mailing them at a later date as is the standard practice of most calibration laboratories. Customers sometimes have the misconception that onsite calibration service will cost more than regular “ship-in” service. Time consuming packaging and freight cost can offset the cost of traveling to your facility. Our team of experienced quote specialists will provide a comprehensive price quote for any onsite calibration work to be preformed in North America. The Advantages of Onsite Calibration: Fastest turnaround time Calibrations and Certifications issued the same day Minimizes the risk of shipping delicate and costly instruments Eliminates instrument down time and the need for duplicates Minimizes any interruptions to your manufacturing process Engineer on-site to answer any questions immediately No questions as to where your instruments are or when they will be returned Calibration services can be done all at once or scheduled throughout the year No shipping costs No delays in waiting for gages or tools to be returned Saves time and money The entire on-site calibration services process is handled by our on-site coordinators who will assist you from scheduling to document delivery. They will assign the appropriate field service calibration technicians and answer all your questions regarding your instruments. We will also provide our industry award winning Gage Management software free of charge. View, print and manage all of your calibration certifications online and never have to search for a certificate or calibration due date again. Click here to register now for our Gage Management Online program. Please contact one of our calibration consultants who will gladly assist you in determining the best onsite calibration service solution that will fit your needs.

Calibrate Your Thread Plug Gauge with Three-Wire Method

  Your thread plug gauge has a tendency to damage or wear out and requires that you check if it is still working within acceptable tolerances. The gauge can be calibrated with a variety of methods, but if high accuracy is required then using the Universal Length Measuring Machine (ULM) is the most appropriate practice. However, if you do not need very high accuracy, then the Three-Wire Method is your calibration method of choice.This method not only saves your money but it is accepted by the international standards too.   Calculating the Pitch Diameter The pitch diameter can be found using the following formula. • The thread pitch for a 60° American Metric Unified National thread E = M-3d+0.866025P (1) • The thread pitch for a 55° Imperial Unified National thread E = M-3.16568d+0.960491P (2) Where P: Thread pitch (metric unit only) d: Wire diameter E: Pitch diameter M: Measurement over wire June 30, 2014 admin

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