A fixture type gauge (20) includes a base (22) and a plurality of segment blocks (1-12) mounted on the base (22) configured and arranged to allow comparison of manufactured parts (46) with a reference standard. Under computer control, reference marks (36, 54, 56, etc.) and data (26) are laser etched on the gauge base and segment blocks to facilitate rapid, accurate assembly of the gauge parts and provide a permanent record on the gauge of part related information. Laser machined alignment holes (30, 32) in the gauge base establish a reference axis on the base which can then be used to physically align the gauge with an independent spatial coordinate system, such as that of a coordinate measuring machine.