How are thread ring gages made?

[DPM]

I've searched for this but seems like no one wants to let the cat out of the bag. Are they made by ID grinding or are they simply tapped and calibrated with a set plug? Does it vary for small and large sizes?
Is there a supplier that sells the gage blanks in unhardened condition and then it's made to final size by the Gage Mfr?

 

[DDoug]

Thread grinder with internal attachment.

 

[Ray Behner]

Thread grinder with internal attachment.

Yep, you're right Doug, BUT! how in the hell do they do the itty bitty 2-56 or even smaller?

 

[DDoug]

Yep, you're right Doug, BUT! how in the hell do they do the itty bitty 2-56 or even smaller?

Itty Bitty grinding wheels on Itty Bitty spindles running on 100k rpm air motors.....

 

[DPM]

Thread grinder with internal attachment.

I can see it on bigger thread gages, but what about 6-32 and smaller. Seems like such a mystery for what should be a simple thing. Maybe it's just a big secret that they use a nice tap and calibrate for PD only. Which means just about anyone can take on this business. But shrouding it in mystery will surely keep competition away.

 

[DPM]

Thermite:
We do work similar to Vallorbs. Here's a little article on a miniature screw we make.

"The Smallest Screw" - Crystal Mark Micro Abrasive Technology, Products, Customer Process Development