Traditionally the length of a production run was a key factor in the selection of a dimensional gaging system. Typically, the higher the production run, the more cost effective a dedicated or customized gaging system was likely to be, while shorter runs would require greater flexibility and versatility in gaging. A dedicated gage would be faster, more accurate, and least subject to operator influence, but would also likely be more expensive. However, because that cost could be amortized over the long production run, it would ultimately provide the most cost-effective solution. A more general gaging system, on the other hand, would be less expensive and able to measure a greater variety of parts and dimensions, but could require more complex setups, more operator skill, and have longer measuring cycles.
These days that logic may be changing. For one thing, the days of long runs of the same parts are pretty much over. In today’s manufacturing environment, short runs and quick changeovers are becoming the rule, and both speed and flexibility in gaging systems has become key. At the same time, the long-term trend toward tighter tolerances requires systems with greater inherent accuracy as well.