There are usually two types of threads, the square threads, and the trapezoidal threads. We refer to the geometric shape of the threads and not the category. The trapezoidal threads are powerful. Therefore they have utility in heavy applications as lead screws or power screws. One of the best examples that come to mind is the aircraft door. The trapezoidal screws are the ones that hold these doors in place. When you have such vital uses, they have to be perfect in every way. You need appropriate thread gauges to measure the pitch of these trapezoidal threaded screws.
The most commonly used trapezoidal thread form is the Acme thread form. Developed way back in 1894 as a suited profile to power screws, the Acme thread form has a lot of advantages over the square thread form. The most significant advantage of the trapezoidal shape is that it is easy to cut these threads via a single point threading or die.
The American industry uses the Acme thread form whereas the British and other industries use the trapezoidal metric thread form. What is the difference between the two? It might look very trivial if you say that the difference is just 1 degree. The Acme thread has a 29-degree angle whereas the angle in a trapezoidal metric thread is 30 degrees. This 1 degree can make a huge difference.
How do you measure the accuracy of the threads and determine its compatibility? You need special tools known as gauges to do so. Each type of thread has its particular gauge. Similarly, the Acme threads have the Acme thread gauges to measure the pitch of these screws.
Like all thread gauges, the ACME thread gauges come in two types, the plug gauge, and the ring gauge. The plug gauge is useful for checking out the interior threads. Similarly, the ring gauges have utility in checking the tolerance of the exteriorly threaded implements.
The thread gauges work on the Go and No-Go principle where the implements have to pass through the Go side of the ring gauge while not doing so on the No-Go side.
Where do you get these ACME thread gauges? Gaugestools is the primary supplier of high-quality thread gauges. They manufacture both the ring gauges as well as the plug gauges. The best part of purchasing the gauges from this company is that you can use them directly without having to go through the process of setting the plug gauges.
You get all types of ACME thread gauges at this company. The specialty of this company is that they have strict quality checks. This company provides long-form calibration certificates. You get outstanding thread taps and dies as well from this company. This company exports these thread taps and gauges all over the world. They manufacture these thread gauges to suit both the US and the British industries. Hence, if high-quality taps and dies are what you are looking for, Gaugestools should be the right place.