January 2013 Newsletter: What Gages are Right for You?

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StraightThreadInspectionSolution
Straight Thread Inspection
System Solution
What Gages are Right for You?

Gagemaker Can Sort It Out

baffledWe get plenty of customer questions about which gages are needed and which are recommended to inspect their threads. The truth is… it depends. The gages depend on the product you’re making because the elements differ among the various thread types. What’s right for an NC 50 is not the same for 5″ Line Pipe, 4″ 6 pitch ACME, or 5″ Buttress threads and so on… Horizontal drilling threads differ from water well drilling, from mining threads, from tubing and casing threads, from threads on 6A products (flanges and valves), and so on…

For the most part, it comes down to design of the thread itself, or its form. Each thread form has comparable elements (sometimes with different names)…. and each element requires a particular inspection method and each element has its own set of tolerances… and it doesn’t stop there. Industry standards, customer contracts, and associations (like API, ANSI, or ISO) all have a different set of rules and regulations for machined threads.
StraightThreadInspectionSolution
Headache yet? We realize how confusing this can get, so Gagemaker has already gone through the trouble of sorting and identifying the things you to need to inspect and what you need to inspect them.

Say you cut ACME threads, you’ll need to inspect them. Like most straight threads, ACME thread inspection includes functional size, pitch diameter, lead, height, and form.

Now, you may ask yourself,”Why do I need to inspect all that?” Well….
Functional size provides an overview of the cumulative effect of multiple elements. Correct functional size means the parts will screw together.
Pitch diameter verifies that a thread is within allowable tolerances and together with functional size gives a near complete picture of the thread.
Lead directly affects a part’s functional size. It also can indicate if the lathe is cutting properly.
Height contributes to the interchangeability and integrity of the thread assembly, and may help you calculate an unknown major or minor diameter.
Form verifies the correct pitch, angles and thread geometry of the specifications. The better the form, the better the thread engagement.
Gagemaker has countless solutions for thread inspection. Each one was created with industry and association requirements in mind. Simply meeting all the minimum requirements of your industry or buyer may not be producing the highest quality. Let us help you sort through this. Gagemaker has the years of experience to help you find the tools you need.

More Answers to Common Questions On the Way!
Functional Thread Size Gages
Pitch Diameter Size Gages
Thread Lead Gages
Thread Profile Templates
Functional Rolls
Pitch Diameter Ball Contacts
TDWIN Thread Calculation Software
MIC TRAC 3000 Series

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Gagemaker, LP develops and manufactures innovative precision mechanical inspection equipment for the Oilfield, Automotive and General Machining industries. Recognized as the leading provider of Tapered & Straight Thread Measurement Gages; API Products, Tubing and Casing Gages, Engineering Software and Calibration Software & Equipment, Gagemaker products are used in countless facilities around the world.