Metric Set Plug Gages

Thread Check, Inc. offers a complete line of AGD ‐ American Gage Design metric truncated set plugs. Metric set plug gages are used to calibrate and set metric thread ring gages. Adjustable Thread rings can only be calibrated by this method. Truncated thread setting plugs have a thread with both a truncated and a full form thread for both the go and the no go member. The full form section inspects and sets the correct clearance and forms at the major diameter of the ring gage. The truncated section controls pitch diameter. A thread ring gage should be set on the full form portion of the setplug - the back portion. The ring is then turned onto the truncated portion and should have the same drag and fit as when turned through the full form. A ring gage which spins quickly through the truncated section or "shakes" usually indicates wear. The ring gage should be repaired by relapping if possible or replaced. See Technical Info Document - Calibration Procedures for Thread Ring Gages. Truncated thread setting plugs should never be used to inspect internal product threads.

Metric truncated plug gages are manufactured per ANSI/ASME B1.16M. Thread set plugs are made to a class X tolerance on pitch diameter and class W tolerance on lead and angle. Thread Check can supply class W tolerance setplugs for an additional cost. Thread Check can also supply hi lo thread setting plugs. Thread ring gages and set plugs are available in coarse, fine, and special pitch sizes. Thread Check manufactures many types of special gages including pre‐plates, multiple starts, special leads, acme threads, buttress threads, square threads, extra length thread gages, and custom gages to print. All thread ring gages and thread setting plugs are traceable to N.I.S.T..

While a new AGD - American Gage Design adjustable thread ring gage is initially calibrated to a master setting plug gage, the setting can be slightly altered during the transport from manufacturer to end user. This can result from a variety of factors, ranging from a dropped adjustable ring gage to exposure to radical changes in temperature during the shipping process. The end result of these factors is that the locking assembly can shift, and if the adjustable ring gage is not shipped with a setting plug, the end user might never even know that the setting is no longer valid. A gage arriving with an invalid calibration setting is not uncommon, and can be easily remedied if the setting plug is included or the end user has an existing setting plug. However, all too often, this is simply not the case. The absence of a set plug means that not only is there any way to check if the setting has shifted; it also means the end user will be unable to monitor the ring gage during its use or check after an accidental dropping or for intentional tampering. The end result may be a production run of bad parts. Many manufacturers avoid the potential for liability by specifying that calibration settings only apply at the time and place of initial calibration. European manufacturers eliminate the potential problems associated with adjustable thread ring gages by using non-adjustable or solid style thread ring gages. Additionally, calibration of AGD adjustable style thread ring gages by direct measurement is not authorized by ANSI B1.2 1983; Gages and Gaging for Unified Inch Screw Threads; Reaffirmed in 2007. Some calibration laboratories utilize the direct measurement method with ULMs or CMMs when a matching threaded master set plug gage is not available despite the above fact. This method fails to account for the helix offset alignment effect of adjustable style thread ring gages. The only prescribed method of calibrating AGD - adjustable style thread ring gages is by means of a master thread setting plug gage. Per ANSI B1.2-1983; Reaffirmed 2007; page 40; paragraph 5.1.1: "Adjustable Go thread ring gages must be set to the applicable W tolerance setting plugs". Also reference table 5 page 17 for further evidence. Even more evidence can be found in Table 12 page 151. Also refer to Note 6 in the table as well. When a thread master setting plug has not been purchased or is not available, the end user may opt to have thread ring gages calibrated by means of direct measurement so that they have a record for their files. This common practice by both accredited and non accredited labs may create more issues by improperly adjusting the thread ring gage out of tolerance and causing the end user to have a false sense of confidence in the gage based on a calibration cert. Whenever an AGD - adjustable style thread plug gage is purchased it is always advisable to purchase or have access to the matching master thread setting plug gage. This practice will help to eliminate the possibility of using an out of tolerance thread ring gage. It will also reduce any costly downtime of having to send out a thread ring gage or order one in the event that the gage is dropped or mishandled.