Many industrial operations rely on thread gages for accuracy and precision when it comes to the pitch and placement of threaded screws. Thread gages may seem like small tools, but they can have a big impact on the effectiveness of your manufacturing processes.
Proper maintenance is essential if you want to be able to rely on your thread gages in the future. Be sure that you are implementing these three maintenance musts to better care for your company's thread gages.
1. Maintain Constant Storage Temperatures
You need to ensure that your thread gages are safe while they are in storage. Not all gages are used on a regular basis, so some instruments might sit in storage for several days, weeks, or months. Temperature fluctuations within your storage area could compromise the accuracy of any thread gage.
Most gages are made from metal materials that can expand and contract as environmental temperatures fluctuate. You should store all gages in an area with constant temperatures and humidity levels to avoid precision problems from plaguing the accuracy of your thread gages over time.
2. Keep Thread Gages Clean
Another important maintenance task that you must prioritize if you want to preserve the accuracy of your thread gages is the regular cleaning of these instruments. Dirt and debris can become lodged in the teeth of a thread gage and begin to harden. This hardened debris can affect the readings of the gage, leading to costly production errors.
Instruct your workers to wash their hands before handling thread gages to eliminate oils and other contaminants from being transferred to the instrument. Schedule routine cleanings for all thread gages to avoid the complications caused by dirt buildup in the future.
3. Recalibrate Gages Often
Thread gages need to be calibrated regularly to ensure they maintain their ability to accurately measure pitch. Manufacturers usually provide a recommended recalibration schedule, and you should stick closely to that schedule when caring for your own gages.
Record the date of each recalibration, and track performance to determine which gages are starting to fail and may need to be replaced. Regular recalibration allows you to inspect your gages and keep them as accurate as possible.
Maintenance plays an essential role in the performance and longevity of any instrument. Set up a maintenance plan for your thread gages to ensure they are able to provide you with accurate and useful readings during manufacturing. Contact thread gage vendors like WESTport for more information.
