Calibration is the documented comparison of a measurement device to be calibrated against a traceable reference device in the world of measurement technology. The reference standard is also known as a “calibrator.” Logically, the reference is more accurate than the calibrated device. The reference device should also be traceably calibrated.
Calibration of your measuring instruments serves two purposes.
- It verifies the instrument's accuracy.
- It determines the measurement's traceability.
Calibration in practice also includes repairing the device if it is out of calibration. The calibration expert provides a report that shows the error in measurements with the measuring device before and after calibration. When you calibrate and compare two devices, you may discover that they differ in some way. So it stands to reason that you might want to adjust the device under test to measure correctly. This is commonly referred to as adjustment or trimming. Calibration is a separate process that does not include adjustment.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD A MESSENGER BE CALIBRATED?
Some of the factors to consider when determining the calibration interval include, but are not limited to:
- The measurement in question's criticality
- Manufacturer's suggestion
- Following any mechanical or electrical shock
- Instrument stability history
- Regulatory requirements and quality management systems
- The ramifications and costs of a failed calibration
- Additional considerations
The calibration frequency for most industries is once a year.
As the results of calibration tests become available, you will be able to adjust the frequency of calibrations and/or upgrade to more robust measuring instruments as needed. Most calibration laboratories provide the customer with a printed calibration certificate to keep as proof of quality standards. A calibration certificate includes the comparison result as well as all other relevant calibration information, such as equipment used, environmental conditions, signatories, calibration date, certificate number, calibration uncertainty, and so on. Danway keeps track of all instruments and their calibration requirements for each customer. Our systems are capable of automatically reminding customers about the expiration dates of all their instruments.
Calibration is an investment, and the potential result of not making the investment would be an incorrect reading. The hidden costs and risks associated with an uncalibrated measuring device could be significantly greater than the cost of calibration. As a result, it is recommended that measuring instruments be calibrated on a regular basis by a reputable company to ensure that measurement errors are within acceptable limits.
WHY IS CALIBRATION IMPORTANT?
All measuring devices lose accuracy over time. This is usually due to normal wear and tear. Changes in accuracy can, however, be caused by electric or mechanical shock, as well as a hazardous manufacturing environment (oils, metal chips, etc.) Calibration's goal is to reduce measurement uncertainty by ensuring the accuracy of test equipment. Calibration quantifies and controls measurement errors or uncertainties to an acceptable level. The bottom line is that calibration improves measuring device accuracy. Accurate measuring devices improve product quality and your company's bottom line.
ISO/IEC 17025 is the International Standard for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation. It includes both quality management systems and technical requirements. UKAS provides ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation in the United Kingdom. Calibration performed by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory is frequently referred to as ‘UKAS Calibration.'
Danway has the most comprehensive EIAC-accredited 17025 scope in the UAE. You do not need to send your instruments to multiple laboratories for 17025 calibrations; only one laboratory equipment calibration service is required.
In summary, calibration is critical wherever measurements are critical; it allows users and businesses to have confidence in the results that they monitor, record, and control. Measurement validity is critical for a variety of reasons, including safety and quality. Make sure the calibration uncertainty is small enough for the best results and reliability. Alternatively, use a calibrator with accuracy specifications several times greater than the device under test. Finally, several factors, including instrument criticality, should be considered when determining calibration tolerances and frequency. Danway can meet the calibration, testing, measurement, and repair needs of all industries and businesses. We provide onsite calibration services throughout the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Mitutoyo, Gagemaker, WIKA DH Budenberg, Snap-on Torque tools, and Mark 10 are all authorized service and calibration centers at Danway. Our skilled technicians take the utmost care of your instruments in order to achieve the best calibration and repair results in a short period of time. We also pick up and drop off instruments.
