Today, modern digital gages have underused capabilities that allow for even greater ease of use and accessibility for all users.

Today, there are myriad ways to breathe new life into existing gages without the need to invest in new gaging. Users are familiar with the gages they have. They may be under quality control cycles, are easy to use, provide good results, and have proven themselves over time.

Gages have evolved throughout the years beginning with mechanical, then electronic models, and now convenient wireless electronic versions have come on the scene. Each type has an important place in today’s quality control and inspection processes.

All types of gaging, whether it be hand tools, comparative gages, complex measuring stations or portable surface finish gages, have long gone digital.

Even with the availability of hundreds of standard precision tools and gages, sometimes measuring challenges are best solved with a specially made gage. It is critical to work hand-in-hand with engineers who are dedicated to making sure that an accurate and easy-to-use custom-made solution can be attained for specific application requirements. 

Although predicting the future is hardly a precise science, it’s possible to identify trends and there have been some recent shifts worth noting.

If you’ve ever suffered through a difficult lesson, you were likely not in Gary Griffith’s class. Griffith teaches geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), quality audits, measuring and gaging, and other quality-related subjects, and though the technical aspects could make for a dry learning experience, his students say Griffith makes it fun.

The Marposs Grindline laser measuring system for on-line gauging of parts produced by centerless grinding machines such as pins, shock rods, steering racks or other parts needing a single diameter check prevents machining of out-of-tolerance pieces to reduce scrap, save time and help companies achieve zero-defect production.

I received an email from a reader with a question about different kinds of reports and certificates dealing with calibration—a subject that I comment on from time to time.