When it comes to metalworking, precision is paramount. One of the essential concepts that professionals in the industry must grasp is the GAUGE system. GAUGE, abbreviated as Ga., is a unit of length measurement for diameter that originated in North America and is part of the Brown & Sharpe measurement system. Understanding GAUGE is crucial for anyone involved in the fabrication or manipulation of metal plates and pipes.
The GAUGE system is particularly interesting because it varies between different materials. For instance, when measuring non-ferrous metal plates and steel plates, the thickness represented by the same GAUGE number can differ significantly. This means that a plate labeled as 10 Ga. in steel may not have the same thickness as a 10 Ga. plate made of aluminum or copper. This discrepancy can lead to confusion if not properly understood, making it essential for metalworkers to be aware of the material they are working with.
Moreover, the values of plates and pipes in GAUGE also differ. For example, a 12 Ga. steel pipe will have a different wall thickness compared to a 12 Ga. copper pipe. This variation can impact the materials' strength, weight, and overall performance in various applications. Therefore, when selecting materials for a project, it is vital to consider the specific GAUGE measurements relevant to the material type.
Comparison table
Since the Ga. system and the inch system are different, there is no conversion formula. The unit comparison is as follows：
|
Gauge (Ga.) |
Standard steel thickness (inches) |
Galvanized steel thickness (inches) |
Aluminum thickness (inches) |
Standard steel thickness (mm) |
Galvanized steel thickness (mm) |
Aluminum thickness (mm) |
|
3 |
0.2391 |
|
0.2294 |
6.07314 |
|
5.82676 |
|
4 |
0.2242 |
|
0.2043 |
5.69468 |
|
5.18922 |
|
5 |
0.2092 |
|
0.1819 |
5.31368 |
|
4.62026 |
|
6 |
0.1943 |
|
0.162 |
4.93522 |
|
4.1148 |
|
7 |
0.1793 |
|
0.1443 |
4.55422 |
|
3.66522 |
|
8 |
0.1644 |
|
0.1285 |
4.17576 |
|
3.2639 |
|
9 |
0.1495 |
0.1532 |
0.1144 |
3.7973 |
3.89128 |
2.90576 |
|
10 |
0.1345 |
0.1382 |
0.1019 |
3.4163 |
3.51028 |
2.58826 |
|
11 |
0.1196 |
0.1233 |
0.0907 |
3.03784 |
3.13182 |
2.30378 |
|
12 |
0.1046 |
0.1084 |
0.0808 |
2.65684 |
2.75336 |
2.05232 |
|
13 |
0.0897 |
0.0934 |
0.072 |
2.27838 |
2.37236 |
1.8288 |
|
14 |
0.0747 |
0.0785 |
0.0641 |
1.89738 |
1.9939 |
1.62814 |
|
15 |
0.0673 |
0.071 |
0.0571 |
1.70942 |
1.8034 |
1.45034 |
|
16 |
0.0598 |
0.0635 |
0.0508 |
1.51892 |
1.6129 |
1.29032 |
|
17 |
0.0538 |
0.0575 |
0.0453 |
1.36652 |
1.4605 |
1.15062 |
|
18 |
0.0478 |
0.0516 |
0.0403 |
1.21412 |
1.31064 |
1.02362 |
|
19 |
0.0418 |
0.0456 |
0.0359 |
1.06172 |
1.15824 |
0.91186 |
|
20 |
0.0359 |
0.0396 |
0.032 |
0.91186 |
1.00584 |
0.8128 |
|
21 |
0.0329 |
0.0366 |
0.0285 |
0.83566 |
0.92964 |
0.7239 |
|
22 |
0.0299 |
0.0336 |
0.0253 |
0.75946 |
0.85344 |
0.64262 |
|
23 |
0.0269 |
0.0306 |
0.0226 |
0.68326 |
0.77724 |
0.57404 |
|
24 |
0.0239 |
0.0276 |
0.0201 |
0.60706 |
0.7004 |
0.51054 |
|
25 |
0.0209 |
0.0247 |
0.0179 |
0.53086 |
0.62738 |
0.45466 |
|
26 |
0.0179 |
0.0217 |
0.0159 |
0.45466 |
0.55118 |
0.40386 |
|
27 |
0.0164 |
0.0202 |
0.0142 |
0.41656 |
0.51308 |
0.36068 |
|
28 |
0.0149 |
0.0187 |
0.0126 |
0.37846 |
0.47498 |
0.32004 |
|
29 |
0.0135 |
0.0172 |
0.0113 |
0.3429 |
0.43688 |
0.28702 |
|
30 |
0.012 |
0.0157 |
0.01 |
0.3048 |
0.39878 |
0.254 |
|
31 |
0.0105 |
0.0142 |
0.0089 |
0.2667 |
0.36068 |
0.22606 |
|
32 |
0.0097 |
0.0134 |
0.008 |
0.24638 |
0.34036 |
0.2032 |
|
33 |
0.009 |
|
0.0071 |
0.2286 |
|
0.18034 |
|
34 |
0.0082 |
|
0.0063 |
0.20828 |
|
0.16002 |
|
35 |
0.0075 |
|
0.0056 |
0.1905 |
|
0.14224 |
|
36 |
0.0067 |
|
|
0.17018 |
|
|
In conclusion, GAUGE is more than just a number; it is a critical measurement system that affects the quality and integrity of metalworking projects. By understanding the nuances of GAUGE, professionals can ensure they are making informed decisions that lead to successful outcomes in their work. Whether you are a seasoned metalworker or a novice, mastering the GAUGE system is an invaluable skill that will enhance your craftsmanship.
