Dimensional Inspection of Parts Using Go and No Go Gages

Go and No Go Gages are typically simple devices like Go and No Go plug gages, Go and No Go ring gages or Go and No Go Snap Gages that contain no moving parts and are easy to use. As such, their use is very common. Go and No Go gages are also easily portable, do not suffer breakdowns in service, and  typically do not require power.

Because Go and No Go gages are available in an extensive range of sizes and tolerances and offer increased assurance of a fit between mating parts, it is easy to see why these types of gages are the most widely used in inspection.

The gaging practice known as "Go and No Go Gaging," is often used with ring, plug, and snap gages. They are utilized as a full form or three dimensional simulation of the mating part.

In this gaging practice, a Go Gage is used, serving as the equivalent to one of the part's specified features. If the Go Gage fits into the part, then it stands to reason that the mating part does not have excessive material and will also fit, ensuring proper assembly. Likewise, if the No Go Gage does not fit into the part, it shows that the feature under inspection is not lacking material or is not too large and consequently too loose.

The Go, No Go Gaging practice is a quick, efficient, and cost-effective verification that part dimensions meet drawing requirements and will assemble and function properly.

Plain plug gages are available in many different types and are utilized for a variety of inspections. Reversible wire plug gages are held in a collet-type handle that forms either a single-end or double-end Go, No Go Gage Assembly. Reversible wire plug gages are available in a range from .004"-1.000", and in a tolerance range from class Z-XXX. Go and No go gauges are utilized for checking hole sizes. Wire type reversible plug gages also referred to as pin gageshave become very popular, due to their low cost and availability in thousands of sizes.

To inspect hole size of a part, the Go gage is inserted into the hole. If the gage can be entered into the hole, then the hole is considered to be above its low limit. Following that, the No Go gage is used: if it enters the hole, than the hole is too big.

Using a series of plugs in various diameter steps will result in a high repeatability rate. Gaging should be performed under optimal conditions so as to have little effect upon the inspection, such as cleanliness of the part and proper temperature control. Work tolerance might also be a factor to consider, in which a gage wear allowance may be used. In this case, a wear allowance is added to the Go Gage diameter. A tolerance should be specified so that the total gage tolerance does not exceed 10% of the part tolerance.

For very fine tolerances, a carbide plus gage is often the most effective and practical gage to be utilized. Additionally, many gage users also elect to use Go and No Go plugs in addition to air gaging or electronic inspections, in order to ensure that the parts will mate.

Go and No Go ring gages are commonly used limit measurements on cylindrical outside diameters. Go and No Go ring gages are typically made from hardened tool steel. They can also be made with a chrome coat or with a carbide insert for greater wear resistance. Go and No Go ring gages are made to exacting gagemaker tolerances. The Go and No Go gaging principles that are used for plug gages are applied to ring gages as well.