We're introducing a new column to share important metrology and quality news, interesting dates, and unique facts in a brief format. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.

The title of this column may lead many to believe this rant is all about politicians but it is not.

The American Measuring Tool Manufacturers Association (AMTMA) is an organization whose members manufacture, supply, and/or calibrate precision gages and measuring instruments. If you use this type of equipment, the odds are it came from one or more AMTMA member companies.

Buehler is introducing a Quick Ship program for the popular Wilson certified Rockwell hardness test blocks.  For ultimate accuracy and performance in tester verification, Buehler has calibration sets available for most Rockwell scales.  

We are frequently asked to quote on gage blocks made to non-standard dimensions. Requests like this leads to a number of questions, the first question being why they are needed in the first place. 

I mention this term upfront to save irate letters from purists who decry the use of slang terminology due to problems it can create.

Every industry has a jargon of its own and dimensional metrology is no different. The reason is ease of verbal communication, but that communication can be confusing at times for the uninitiated.

In the dimensional metrology field, gage blocks are the universally used physical standards to which most linear dimensions are compared directly or indirectly. 

Gage blocks are the most used physical representation of length available to companies requiring the highest order of precision for their work.