[mikewarot]

Carl Edvard Johansson saw the need for a better way of making precise measurements. He came up with the idea of making a set of gauge blocks that were stepped in regular size increments, so that you could stack them to get any arbitrary size. This replaced the older system of having a set of gauge blocks used to set up equipment, and having to make and transport a set of those gauges anywhere else those sizes were to be used.

He searched for and found just the right steel to use, that would hold its measurement over time. He perfected the manufacturing of his gauge block sets which were sold around the world.

Without this ability to precisely and accurately set standards for length, the mass production systems perfected by Henry Ford would not have been possible. This is reflected in the fact that Henry Ford only allowed 2 people to enter his office without knocking first, his son Edsel, and Edvard Johansson.

Today you can buy a starter set of gauge blocks that are traceable back to NIST (National Institute for Standards and Technology) for less than $200. With those, you can reliably set distances in steps of 0.0001" Sets are available in both Inch and Metric sizes.