Abstract
Gauge blocks are one of the most widespread measurement standards (etalons) in dimensional metrology laboratories. Among all its properties, it is worth highlighting the importance of dimensional stability. This property allows to classify these measuring instruments in quality grades. Although the gauge blocks should be dimensionally stable, it can be observed that there is a drift that can be observed when the calibration history is revised. In this document, authors present a statistical method for the estimation of the dimensional stability of gauge blocks using the calibration history of samples from the main manufacturers. In addition, all the samples have been subjected to metallographic analysis to evaluate the structure.
Statistical biases and very-long-term time stability analysis
