Automated Gage Block Calibration

This document describes the development of automated gage block calibration at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), formerly the National Bureau of Standards. The Gage Block Calibration System is one of enumerable calibration and related measurement services performed at NIST which include the calibration of standards, test of instruments, and certain interlaboratory testing programs. This system is an outcome of continuing program efforts to develop a measurement assurance process for calibrating gage blocks where test sets of gage blocks are measured against two NIST reference standard sets with control based upon the differences between the reference base and the transfer standard. Measurement sequences for executing the transfer with NIST and procedures for maintaining statistical control are presented with emphasis on characterizing parameters of the measurement process through use of a check standard.