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BRITISH STANDARD BS 4311-3:1993

Incorporating
Amendment No. 1

Specification for

Gauge blocks and


accessories —
Part 3: Gauge blocks in use
BS 4311-3:1993

Committees responsible for this


British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Machine,


Engineers and Hand Tools Standards Policy Committee (MTE/-) to Technical
Committee MTE/26, upon which the following bodies were represented:

City of Birmingham Polytechnic


Department of Trade and Industry (National Physical Laboratory)
Department of Trade and Industry (National Engineering Laboratory)
Gauge and Toolmakers’ Association
Ministry of Defence

This British Standard, having


been prepared under the
direction of the Machine,
Engineers and Hand Tools
Standards Policy Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Standards
Board and comes
into effect on Amendments issued since publication
15 April 1993
Amd. No. Date Comments
© BSI 12-1998
8695 July 1995 Indicated by a sideline in the margin
The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference MTE/26
Draft for comment 88/74195 DC

ISBN 0 580 21579 2


BS 4311-3:1993

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 References 1
3 Definitions and nomenclature 1
4 Verification 1
4.1 Frequency of recalibration 1
4.2 Measuring faces 1
4.3 Calibration 1
4.4 Grading 2
5 Case 2
5.1 Maintenance 2
5.2 Marking 2
6 Documentation 2
7 Accuracy 2
7.1 Requirements 2
7.2 Excluded border zone 2
7.3 Flatness 2
7.4 Length tolerances for used gauge blocks 2
8 Gauge blocks in inch units 2
Annex A (informative) Care of gauge blocks 5
A.1 General care 5
A.2 Preparation before use 5
A.3 Care in use 5
A.4 Wringing 5
A.5 Damaged gauge blocks 5
A.6 Care after use 5
Annex B (informative) Wear in use and maintenance of gauge blocks 6
B.1 Wear in use 6
B.2 Restoration of wringing property 6
B.3 Designated grade after servicing 6
Annex C (informative) Selecting grade of gauge blocks 6
Table 1 — Length tolerances for used metric gauge blocks 3
Table 2 — Length tolerances for used inch gauge blocks 4
List of references Inside back cover

© BSI 12-1998 i
BS 4311-3:1993

Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Machine,
Engineer and Hand Tools Standards Policy Committee.
All standards previously published for gauge blocks, by the British Standards
Institution or by any other national or international body, have provided
specifications to which gauge blocks are required to conform only when new.
As BS 4311-1:1968 has recently been revised and reissued bringing the
verification practice for new gauge blocks up to date, it is opportune to provide a
specification for used gauge blocks. Hence after new gauge blocks have been
provided in conformity with BS 4311-1:1993, this Part provides a specification to
which they should be controlled throughout their useful life.
NOTE The revision to BS 4311-2:1977 Accessories, which is currently in progress will
supersede BS 888:1950 section 3 – Accessories, enabling BS 888 to be withdrawn.
Gauge blocks wear during use. The amount of wear inevitably results in a gauge
block wearing beyond its original specification when new. This standard provides
requirements and recommendations which cover the initial service of a gauge
block in its original grade followed by a controlled programme of downgrading,
when the gauge block has worn, to provide further periods of service in lower
grades.
This standard also specifies methods to be used during recalibration to ensure
traceability to national standards and to provide the necessary control over
uncertainty of measurement.
This Part of BS 4311 also contains recommendations on the care and
maintenance of gauge blocks in use and the reconditioning of measuring faces.
Furthermore, guidance is provided on the suitability of use of the various grades
in relation to the work-piece tolerance in a specific measuring application. This is
necessary to ensure that the grade of gauge blocks being used is of sufficient
accuracy to achieve the required measuring result, but, from an economic view
point, not of an unnecessarily higher grade which should be retained for
appropriately higher grade measuring purposes.
Clauses 4 to 7 of this standard apply specifically to metric gauge blocks with
clause 8 defining its application to inch gauge blocks.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 8, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

ii © BSI 12-1998
BS 4311-3:1993

1 Scope 3 Definitions and nomenclature


This Part of BS 4311 specifies the requirements for For the purposes of this standard the definitions
continued service of used gauge blocks, originally and nomenclature of BS 4311-1:1993 apply together
manufactured to BS 4311-1:1993 and should be with the following.
used in conjunction with BS 4311-1:1993. minimal lapping
The tolerances given in this standard for grades 0, 1 the lightest possible flat lapping operation
and 2 are identical to those in Part 1, but the
consistent with the restoration of wringing (see B.2)
tolerances for each grade may be applied to any used
gauge block which when new was accepted either to 4 Verification
the same grade or to a higher grade.
NOTE 1 Confidence in the measurement of gauge blocks is so
Two lower grades, 3 and 4, have been added for important that it should be entrusted only to specialists
gauge blocks which have worn beyond the limit of accredited or recognized by the National Measurement
grade 2, but which nevertheless have sufficiently Accreditation Service (NAMAS).
flat, wringing surfaces for further service at a lower NOTE 2 Organizations accredited by NAMAS provide
grade. calibration satisfying the dual requirements of authentic
certification and traceability.
This standard also specifies the requirements for
4.1 Frequency of recalibration
the continued service of used gauge blocks originally
manufactured to earlier standards, providing a Provided the use of a particular set does not change,
consistent system for grading all used gauge blocks. then it shall normally be recalibrated at intervals
appropriate to the rate of wear as determined
Guidance is given in annexes on essential care of the
initially by the results of two calibrations separated
measuring faces in use, regular servicing and
by a time interval not greater than one year.
calibration to ensure that a gauge block continues
within the requirements for its grade. If there is a change of use and/or the frequency of
use or application of the gauge block, then the
Selection of the grade of gauge blocks for a
recalibration interval shall be reviewed.
particular work-measuring purpose is outlined so
that higher grade gauge blocks may be avoided 4.2 Measuring faces
where a lower grade will suffice. The measuring faces shall wring readily and they
NOTE 1 Grades 3 and 4 are the result of downgrading only and shall be free from surface defects likely to have an
are not available “as new”. adverse effect on the use of the gauge block. Gauge
NOTE 2 Grade K gauge blocks, as specified in Part 1 of this blocks which do not wring readily shall be minimal
standard, have to be re-calibrated in accordance with the
specification of accuracy for grade K given in Tables 4 and 6 and lapped before calibration.
annex A.2 of Part 1 of this standard, which for the sake of brevity 4.3 Calibration
have not been reproduced in this Part.
NOTE 3 Gauge blocks made to earlier standards 4.3.1 Central length
(e.g. BS 888:1950 and BS 4311:1968 which are now superseded The measurement of central length of
by BS 4311:1993) have at their next scheduled calibration to be
re-calibrated and graded to the requirements of this standard. grades 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 shall be by comparison with
grade K gauge blocks (see 3.6, 3.7, 7.4 and A.3 of
2 References BS 4311-1:1993) within an uncertainty of
measurement no greater than the maximum given
2.1 Normative references
in Table 1 and Table 2 of this Part.
This Part of BS 4311 incorporates, by reference,
4.3.2 Variation of measured length
provisions from specific editions of other
publications. These normative references are cited For the practical measurement of variation of
at the appropriate points in the text and the measured length the gauge block to be measured
publications are listed on the inside back cover. may be contacted in the centre and in the
Subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of four corners of the measuring face at points
these publications apply to this Part of BS 4311 only approximately 1.5 mm from the adjoining side faces.
when incorporated in it by updating or revision. The measured lengths at these selected points may
2.2 Informative references be regarded as representative for determining the
variation of measured length of the gauge block.
This Part of BS 4311 refers to other publications
that provide information or guidance. Editions of The variation of length of each gauge block shall be
these publications current at the time of issue of this measured, and the gauge blocks graded accordingly.
standard are listed on the inside back cover, but
reference should be made to the latest editions.

© BSI 12-1998 1
BS 4311-3:1993

4.4 Grading 7.2 Excluded border zone


If one or more of the gauge blocks in a set falls to Tolerances on variation of measured length shall
comply with its stated grade, then either these apply to an area of the measuring face omitting a
gauge blocks shall be replaced with gauge blocks of border zone 1.5 mm wide when measured from the
the appropriate grade, or the whole set downgraded projected planes of the side faces of used gauge
to the grade of the worst gauge block. If the worst blocks. The surface in the excluded zone shall not
gauge block falls outside grade 4, then the set no project above the surface of the area of the
longer complies with BS 4311-3:1993. measuring face to which the tolerances shall apply.
7.3 Flatness
5 Case
No tolerances are specified for the flatness of gauge
5.1 Maintenance blocks in use. In general, control of variation of
The case shall be maintained in a condition that measured length gives adequate control of gauge
ensures that the gauges are fully protected block flatness, but where minimal lapping shows
(see 5.1 of BS 4311-1:1993), or be replaced. that the central area of the gauge block is worn
below the effective wringing surface of the gauge,
5.2 Marking
then that gauge block shall be replaced.
The case shall be marked with the complete
7.4 Length tolerances for used gauge blocks
designation and grade in compliance with this
standard and shall be identifiable and consistent To conform to the requirements for traceability to
with the calibration document. See clause 6 and B.3. national standards and to uncertainty of
measurement specified in Table 1 and Table 2,
6 Documentation grades 0 to 4 shall be measured by comparison with
grade K gauge blocks.
After calibration and grading a document shall be
supplied containing the following information. The variation of measured length and the deviation
of measured central length from nominal shall not
a) Set type.
exceed the tolerances given in Table 1 or Table 2 of
b) Identification number. this Part (see 3.7 and 3.8 of BS 4311-1:1993).
c) An affirmation that the set of gauge blocks has The measurement of central length shall be made
been examined for compliance with this Part of with an estimated uncertainty of measurement
BS 4311 and a statement of the grade to which all which does not exceed the values given in
gauge blocks conform. columns 8, 9 and 10. The uncertainties are for a
d) The deviation from nominal of the measured confidence probability of not less than 95 %.
central length of each gauge block, at 20 °C,
(expressed in units of 0.01 mm) and the estimated 8 Gauge blocks in inch units
uncertainty of measurement. Measured length shall be expressed in inches
e) A statement that the length measurements are where 1 in. is 25.4 mm exactly.
traceable to national standards. The specifications and requirements of clauses 4
f) A statement that all gauge blocks have been to 7 and the tolerances in Table 2 shall apply to
measured for variation of length. gauge blocks in inch units having a nominal length
g) A signature authorizing the document. less than or equal to 4 in. except for clause 6.
h) The date of completion of calibration. In clause 6 the deviation from nominal of the
i) The date of issue. measured central length of each gauge block shall
be expressed in units of 1 µin.
7 Accuracy
7.1 Requirements
Each gauge block shall comply with the
requirements for measured central length and
variation of measured length given in 7.2 to 7.4.

2 © BSI 12-1998
Table 1 — Length tolerances for used metric gauge blocks
© BSI 12-1998

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Nominal length Tolerances on deviation of measured central length Maximum associated Tolerances on variation of measured length
from nominal at 20 °C uncertainty of measurement
Greater Less than Grade
than or equal 0 1 2 3 4 0, 1 & 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4
to
Unit (mm) Unit 0.001 mm (1 µm)
0 10 ± 0.12 ± 0.25 ± 0.50 + 0.50 + 0.50 ± 0.08 ± 0.10 ± 0.15 0.10 0.16 0.30 0.40 0.50
– 1.0 – 2.00
10 25 ± 0.15 ± 0.30 ± 0.60 + 0.60 + 0.60 ± 0.10 ± 0.13 ± 0.20 0.10 0.16 0.30 0.40 0.50
– 1.20 – 2.40
25 50 ± 0.20 ± 0.40 ± 0.80 + 0.80 + 0.80 ± 0.12 ± 0.17 ± 0.25 0.10 0.18 0.30 0.40 0.50
– 1.60 – 3.20
50 75 ± 0.25 ± 0.50 ± 1.00 + 1.00 + 1.00 ± 0.15 ± 0.21 ± 0.30 0.12 0.18 0.35 0.40 0.50
– 2.00 – 4.00
75 100 ± 0.30 ± 0.60 ± 1.20 + 1.20 + 1.20 ± 0.18 ± 0.25 ± 0.35 0.12 0.20 0.35 0.40 0.50
– 2.40 – 4.80

BS 4311-3:1993
3
Table 2 — Length tolerances for used inch gauge blocks
4

BS 4311-3:1993
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Nominal length Tolerances on deviation of measured central length Maximum associated Tolerances on variation of measured length
from nominal at 20 °C uncertainty of measurement
Greater Less than Grade
than or equal 0 1 2 3 4 0, 1 & 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4
to
Unit (in) Unit 0.000 001 in (1 µin)
0 0.4 ±5 ± 10 ± 20 + 20 + 20 ±3 ±4 ±6 4 6 12 16 20
– 40 – 80
0.4 1 ±6 ± 12 ± 25 + 25 + 25 ±4 ±5 ±8 4 6 12 16 20
– 50 – 100
1 2 ±8 ± 15 ± 30 + 30 + 30 ±5 ±7 ± 10 4 7 12 16 20
– 60 – 120
2 3 ± 10 ± 20 ± 40 + 40 + 40 ±6 ±8 ± 12 5 7 14 16 20
– 80 – 160
3 4 ± 12 ± 25 ± 50 + 50 + 50 ±7 ± 10 ± 14 5 8 14 16 20
– 100 – 200
© BSI 12-1998
BS 4311-3:1993

Annex A (informative) A.4 Wringing


Care of gauge blocks Gauge blocks should not be held above the open case
NOTE A.1 to A.6 relate in detail to steel gauge blocks, when being wrung together. The gauge blocks
nevertheless all gauge blocks manufactured from any material required should be selected and the case should then
require care to protect the measuring faces from damage, to be closed.
ensure cleanliness, freedom from dust, and temperature
acclimatization. Before wringing gauge blocks together, their faces
should be wiped free from dust and examined for
A.1 General care burrs. If, when attempting wringing the slightest
The greatest care should be exercised in protecting obstruction or grittiness is felt, the attempt should
the gauge blocks and their cases from dust, dirt and be stopped, the faces wiped clean, and the wringing
moisture. re-attempted. If the reluctance to wring persists the
cause should be traced and removed.
When not in use, the gauge blocks should always be
kept in their case and it should be kept closed. A.5 Damaged gauge blocks
The gauge blocks should be used as far as possible Damage to the gauge blocks is most likely to occur
in an atmosphere free from dust. Care should be on the edges, resulting from the gauge block being
taken that the gauge blocks do not become knocked or dropped. Such slight burrs may be
magnetized as this may cause them to attract removed with care by drawing an Arkansas type
ferrous dust. stone lightly across the damaged edge in a direction
away from the measuring face of the gauge block.
A.2 Preparation before use
Any gauge blocks so treated should be thoroughly
If the gauge blocks are new or have been covered cleaned before wringing.
with a protective coating (see A.6) after being used, A gauge block with a damaged measuring face
most of this coating may be removed with an should preferably be returned to the manufacturer
appropriate solvent1). Gauge blocks should finally for the surface to be restored.
be wiped with a clean chamois leather or soft linen
cloth. This wiping should be carried out in every A.6 Care after use
instance before a gauge block is used.
Gauge blocks should not be left wrung together for
A.3 Care in use any length of time after use, or overnight.
Immediately after use, each gauge block should be
Fingering of the lapped faces should be avoided to wiped clean and replaced in its designated
preclude the risk of tarnishing, and unnecessary compartment in the case. It is particularly
handling of gauge blocks in use should be avoided to important to remove any finger marks from the
prevent transfer of heat from the hand. measuring faces.
When a high degree of accuracy is required, a test If the gauge blocks are used infrequently they
room thermostatically controlled at the reference should be coated with a suitable corrosion
temperature of 20 °C becomes necessary, but for preventative1) before being put away.
ordinary purposes a sufficient degree of accuracy
can be obtained if the work to be tested and the
gauge blocks which have to be used are both allowed
to assume the prevailing temperature of the room.
Thus, a workpiece should not be tested directly after
cutting, grinding or other temperature disturbing
operation has just been completed nor should large
combinations of gauge blocks be used immediately
after they have been wrung together.

1)
See BS 1133: Packaging code
Section 6: Temporary protection of metal surfaces against corrosion (during transport and storage).
Subsection 6.1: Cleaning and drying of metal surfaces.
Subsection 6.2: Temporary protectives and their application.

© BSI 12-1998 5
BS 4311-3:1993

Annex B (informative) Minimal lapping, properly implemented, will not


Wear in use and maintenance of gauge normally alter the flatness or variation in length of
the gauge block. The particular technique used has
blocks to be appropriate to the type of material from which
the gauge block is made, with strict control of the
B.1 Wear in use
process to ensure that all the criteria of B.2 are met.
Annex A describes how care should be taken of
gauge blocks. However in due course burrs may be B.3 Designated grade after servicing
raised at the edges and on the measuring faces and Where calibration shows that a gauge block forming
also many fine scratches in the surfaces gradually part of a set is outside the limits of tolerance for its
impair the wringing property, and deeper scratches grade, it is the owner’s responsibility to authorize
may throw up proud metal. These defects will affect either replacement with a gauge block within the
the accuracy and performance of the gauge blocks. grade tolerances or cancellation of the grade
To keep a gauge block in use in its grade as long as marking on the case and remarking with the grade
possible, i.e. while it complies with the tolerances for with which all the gauge blocks in the set comply,
the grade, regular inspection, servicing and i.e. the grade of the worst gauge block. This action is
calibration is essential. Ultimately the gauge block essential to ensure that the set is, at all times, fit for
can usually serve for a further period in a grade with the intended purpose of the grade.
larger tolerances. Such a programme of
maintenance is controlled by regular inspection, Annex C (informative)
servicing and by minimal lapping and calibration. Selecting grade of gauge blocks
B.2 Restoration of wringing property Gauge blocks are required for a variety of
measuring purposes such as inspection of
The gauge blocks should be returned regularly to
workpieces, setting comparators, verification of
specializing organizations for removal of burrs, for
measuring tools, precise complements to other
minimal lapping to restore wringing property, and
measuring equipment such as sine bars and test
for measurement.
indicators. The five grades specified in this standard
One essential property of a gauge block is that it can provide a range of accuracies, with different
be combined or wrung to other gauge blocks, the permitted deviations from nominal length, and
length of the combination being equal to the sum of queries often arise as to which grade of set should be
the individual lengths; another essential property is used for a particular application.
that it can be wrung to a similarly finished plane
Gauge blocks of the higher grades, i.e. with
surface, with the result repeatable to
measured length close to nominal, are attractive
within 0.03 µm.
since their deviations encroach minimally on the
During use, accidental damage and gradual workpiece tolerance. However, good practice avoids
deterioration of surface texture cause a reduction or using higher grades on workpieces which have
complete loss of wringing power, thus preventing coarse surface finish and large tolerances so when
accurate combination. The gauge block then ceases several grades are available it can be economical to
to fulfil its intended function. use the lowest grade suitable and thus avoid using
Minimal lapping or surface conditioning is more refined grades unnecessarily. Some users
employed to remove all the surface and edge burrs prefer to include a protector gauge block at each end
which project above the level of the gauging plane, of a combination thus concentrating contact wear on
and to improve surface texture. This restores the a supplementary pair of blocks.
wringing ability of the gauge block.
It is not necessary to return the surfaces to their
original unblemished condition. Normally, minimal
lapping should reduce the length of the gauge block
by not more than 0.03 µm and this will not
significantly reduce service life.
Occasionally when gauge blocks are heavily used it
may be necessary to reduce the length by more than
this amount. However the length reduction due to
this minimal lapping will still be small compared to
the reduction due to wear.

6 © BSI 12-1998
BS 4311-3:1993

Gauge blocks are often used assuming them to be


correct to their nominal length and neglecting any
actual deviations from nominal length. While this
could be appropriate under certain circumstances,
greater accuracy can be achieved by referring to the
most recent calibration chart and taking into
account the known deviation from nominal length of
each gauge block used.
It will be seen that the matching of grade of gauge
blocks to measuring purpose is desirable and
requires responsible assessment according to the
conditions of each application. Guidance in general
terms can be given that workpieces which are not
accepted by inspection when neglecting the
deviations from nominal length of the gauge blocks
used, should be re-checked more precisely by
applying measured lengths of the gauge blocks.
Also, in all cases of dispute, reference measurement,
and border line cases, it is essential that the precise
measured lengths of gauge blocks is taken into
account.
For further guidance on the selection of grade of
gauge blocks for a specific measuring application,
the manufacturer of the gauge blocks should be
consulted.

© BSI 12-1998 7
8 blank
BS 4311-3:1993

List of references (see clause 2)

Normative references

BSI standards publications


BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London

BS 4311, Specification for gauge blocks and accessories.


BS 4311-1:1993, New gauge blocks.

Informative references

BSI standards publications


BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London

BS 1133, Packaging code.


BS 1133-6, Protection of metal surfaces against corrosion during transport and storage.
BS 1133-6.1:1991, Cleaning and drying of metal surfaces.
BS 1133-6.2:1991, Temporary protectives and their application.

© BSI 12-1998
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