I. Key Considerations Before Use Temperature Compensation (The Golden Rule of Environmental Control)
Gauge blocks are extremely sensitive to thermal expansion.Before performing precision measurements, both the gauge blocks and the workpiece must undergo “soaking” (thermal stabilization) in the same constant temperature environment of 20°C (68°F).
● Recommendation: Small gauge blocks require at least 30 minutes for soaking, while large ones may require several hours.
2.Thorough Cleaning (Removal of Protective Coatings)
●Steel Gauge Blocks: These are usually coated with a thick layer of anti-rust grease upon delivery. Use a tissue to remove excess grease, then wipe with a lint-free cloth moistened with industrial denatured alcohol (ethanol).
● Ceramic/Tungsten Carbide Gauge Blocks: Although these are not prone to rusting, fingerprints, oil stains, or dust must still be removed to ensure measurement accuracy.
● Tool Selection: Always use a dedicated micro-fibre cloth; avoid using ordinary paper towels, which may scratch the mirror-like surface.
3.Inspection for Surface Damage (Burr Check)
Before use or wringing, the measuring surfaces of the gauge blocks must be checked for raised scratches or burrs.
● Risk: Wringing blocks with burrs will permanently scratch the mirror finish.
● Detection: It is recommended to use an optical flat to check interference fringes; irregular fringes indicate the presence of burrs or surface unevenness.
II. Core Operation: Wringing Procedure
Wringing is the process of causing two gauge blocks to adhere to each other through molecular forces. The technique used directly determines the reliability of the combined precision.
● Cleaning and Lubrication: Ensure both gauge block surfaces are extremely clean. For steel blocks, a trace amount of light lubricant can be applied and then wiped dry, leaving only an ultra-thin oil film.
● Cross Placement: Place the two blocks in contact at a 90° cross orientation.
● Slide and Rotate: Apply light pressure and slide/rotate the blocks against each other until they are aligned.
● Sensing Resistance: Successful wringing is indicated by strong adsorption resistance. Due to their high hardness and superior surface precision, Ceramic and Tungsten Carbide gauge blocks typically exhibit better wringing characteristics than steel blocks.
III. Daily Maintenance SOP
Maintenance procedures vary significantly depending on the material of the gauge block:
1.Steel Gauge Blocks (Anti-rust is Central):
● Immediate Cleaning: Wipe off fingerprints immediately after use, as the acidity in sweat can cause steel corrosion.
● Oil Protection: A layer of anti-rust oil or dedicated protective grease must be applied.
● Separate Storage: Before long-term storage, ensure that gauge blocks are not wrung together to prevent electrochemical corrosion and surface bonding.
2.Tungsten Carbide Gauge Blocks (Drop Prevention is Key):
● High Wear Resistance: Due to extreme hardness, they do not require oiling as frequently as steel blocks, but they must still be kept dry.
● Brittleness Warning: Although hard, tungsten carbide is brittle and prone to chipping if dropped.
3.Ceramic Gauge Blocks (Ultimate Maintenance-Free):
● Corrosion Resistance: They are immune to sweat and cutting fluids. Simply wipe clean with alcohol after use.
● No Rust Prevention Required: This is a major selling point of Mihe Precision Ceramic Gauge Blocks, eliminating the cost of anti-rust oil and the complexity of the oiling process.
● Non-magnetic: They will not attract metal debris in magnetic environments, reducing the risk of scratches.
IV. Storage and Calibration Management
1.Original Packaging: Gauge blocks must be stored in their original protective wooden or dedicated plastic cases, returned to their corresponding slots according to size.
2.Avoid “Long Kisses”: Never leave two wrung gauge blocks together for more than 8 hours. Long-term adsorption can damage contact surfaces or make them difficult to separate.
3.Calibration Cycle:
● High-frequency use (Production lines): Recommended calibration every 6 months.
● Low-frequency use (Laboratories): Recommended calibration every 12 months.
● Mihe Advantage: All Mihe products are shipped with an Inspection Report traceable to national standards, ensuring the reliability of your measurement source.
