Conclusion

The gauge block is still the most commonly used length standard, mainly for calibrating conventional measuring instruments or other length standards.

The aim of this document is not only to inform, but also to guide the user towards a better choice of shim set or calibration method, with an awareness of their limitations and pitfalls.

Users of gauge blocks wishing to improve their knowledge of this basic dimensional metrology standard will have to pay particular attention to calibration methods and their limitations, but the key word is to define requirements in order to avoid making mistakes that can prove costly. There's no point in buying class 0 blocks to calibrate calipers.