The Mitutoyo grade AS-1 rectangular gage block is made of steel,
has its nominal length engraved in inches, and is supplied with a
Mitutoyo inspection certificate that states that the block meets
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B89.1.9-2002
grade standard for flatness, length, parallelism, and surface
finish. The inspection certificate specifies the deviation of the
individual block from its nominal length. Gage blocks are
commonly used to calibrate fixtures and precision instruments in
workshop, inspection, and dimensional metrology applications, to
inspect tools such as ing tools, cutters, fixtures, and
mechanical parts, and in the gage manufacturing process itself.
This grade AS-1 gage block is commonly used for workshop and
inspection applications to calibrate fixtures and precision
instruments, to inspect a variety of tools such as ing
tools, cutters, fixtures, and mechanical parts, and for gage
manufacturing applications. It is made of high-carbon,
high-chrome steel which has a high hardness for minimum
deterioration, and is selected for its wear-resistance. This gage
block has a rectangular base for accurate wringing. Nominal
length is measured in inches, and is indicated with laser-etched,
black characters. The length of a gage block is usually slightly
shorter than its stamped nominal length, to account for the thin
layer of oil or wring film used when two or more blocks are wrung
together. An identification number is laser-etched on the block
for traceability. The block has a depth of 0.355 inches. It comes
in a carrying case with a padded, formed interior.
This gage block is supplied with a Mitutoyo inspection
certificate [National Institute of Standards in Engineering
(NIST)-traceable] that the block meets ASME B89.1.9-2002 standard
for flatness, length, parallelism, and surface finish.
Gage blocks (also called gauge blocks, Hoke blocks, Jo blocks,
slip gages, and Johansson gages) are blocks used to calibrate
measuring equipment and to standardize the measurement of length
in manufacturing industries. They are commonly made of
precision-ground steel, ceramic, or carbide material, and have a
square or rectangular base. Each block has a unique
identification number. Length is in inch or millimeter
measurement. They can be sold individually, and are also sold in
sets with blocks of varying lengths. Gage blocks can be wrung
together to create a required length. Wringing is the process of
lapping blocks together with a small a of oil. They are
standardized by grade, which refers to the tolerance or deviation
of an individual block from its nominal length. Gage block grades
are defined for flatness, length, parallelism and surface finish.
Some grades of gage blocks meet standards such as ASME,
Association for Iron and Steel (AIST), and International
Organization for Standards. Application and required level of
accuracy dictate which grade of gage block should be used. Some
manufacturers provide an internally-generated certificate of
inspection to verify that a gage block meets grade standards.
Gage blocks can also go through a calibration certification
process to verify measurement accuracy. Calibration is performed
by an accredited facility. Gage blocks are commonly recalibrated
after use to ensure dimensional accuracy. If a gage block does
not meet calibration standards, it should no longer be used. Both
a certificate of inspection and a calibration certificate specify
the deviation from the nominal length.
Mitutoyo manufactures precision measuring tools, metrology
equipment, and systems. The company was founded in Tokyo in 1934
and formed Mitutoyo America Corporation in 1963, which is
headquartered in Aurora, IL.
- Grade AS-1 gage block supplied with a Mitutoyo certificate of inspection that the block meets American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B89.1.9-2002 standard for flatness, length, parallelism, and surface finish.
- High-carbon, high-chrome steel provides high hardness and wear-resistance.
- Rectangular base for accurate wringing.
- Nominal length (in inches) indicated with laser-etched, black characters.
- Identification number etched in block for traceability.