Plastigauge

In this article, we will be exploring the impact of Plastigauge on our lives and the world around us. Since its emergence until today, Plastigauge has played a fundamental role in various areas, influencing our decisions, ways of thinking and acting. Over the next few pages, we will take an in-depth look at how Plastigauge has shaped our society, transforming industries, promoting social change, and challenging our pre-established perceptions. Through different perspectives and concrete examples, we will discover how Plastigauge has left an indelible mark on history and how it continues to shape the future.

Plastigauge is a measuring tool used for measuring plain bearing clearances, such as in engines. Other uses include marine drive shaft bearings, turbine housing bearings, pump and pressure system bearings, shaft end-float, flatness and clearance in pipe-flanges and cylinder heads. Wherever it is required to determine the separation between hidden surfaces. Plastigauge is a registered trademark of Plastigauge Ltd., West Sussex, United Kingdom. Plastigauge was introduced to US retail sales in 1948.[1]

Plastigauge consists of a strip of soft material with precise known dimensions and deformation characteristics. This is sandwiched between a clean bearing surface on a shaft and the bearing shell itself. The plastigauge flattens after the bearing cap is tightened. The dimensional clearance is then determined by comparing the amount that the gauge material has flattened using a template. Letter designation describes the range of measurement use for each gauge.

Table of Plastigauge types[2]
Type Range (metric) Range (imperial)
PL-A 0.025mm - 0.175mm 0.001" - 0.007"
PL-B 0.100mm - 0.250mm 0.004" - 0.010"
PL-C 0.175mm - 0.500mm 0.007" - 0.020"
PL-D 0.500mm - 1.000mm 0.020" - 0.040"
PL-E 0.750mm - 1.750mm 0.030" - 0.070"
PL-X 0.018mm - 0.045mm -

References

  1. ^ "Plastic Rod Checks Bearings". Popular Mechanics: 113. March 1948.
  2. ^ Gardiner, Bill (September 24, 1988). "Owner believes1 '84 Horizon a lost cause after 'repair'". Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2010.


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