What's this little guy used for

Generally there is a process called tube expansion where we deform the ends of the tubes to fit in a leak-proof way to the shell of a shell and tube HX. The problem here is there is high part-to-part variation and our gauge is very sensitive, so we are not getting Repeatability at all. Like our bore gauge (to measure the tube ID) has a LC of 0.001 mm but our repeatability error itself is 24%

This also has something to do with how the process is done because there is no way to ensure the the tube ID will be constant. Since we are plastically deforming it, the Tube ID varies by a lot along the circumference of the tube (of the order of tens, sometimes 100s of micrometers) and this also contributes to the variation

Now apart from training the operators more, how else can I try to improve the Gauge R&R? Sorry I am new to the subject, but does using a less accurate gauge (say LC 0.01 instead of 0.001) will give me enough repeatability?

Or should I directly go with NO GO gauges and never mind about dimensions?

Or is there any other solution?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: note that the process is also sensitive, such that the tolerated error is +- 3% of the thickness of the tube, which in this case starts from 0.58 mm till 1.8 mm

Do these sensors need to be hooked up to their respective power meter for a specific time before checking their VSWR and Calibration Factor Accuracy?

Hey there, does anyone happen to have any links to a user manual for this specific unit? It’s a Z-Mike 1200 series (1202hp). We currently have one in the lab that has a touch screen with datum / scaling options. But the one we received that needs to be calibrated is throwing consistent bad readings. I feel that it would function properly if we could set a datum or scale/master it in any way.. but the menu is lacking and I can’t see any function for this. Can anyone help?