Introduction
There was a time when only the mechanical industry made use of the calibration services industry. But now the scene has changed and this industry has expanded to include many industries such as petrochemical, automotive, aerospace, electronic equipment, and power generation. In this article, let’s focus on the A to Z guide on calibration services.
What is calibration?
Simple definition is the process to verify the drift and accuracy of an instrument. In case there is a deviation from normal or dimensional standards in an instrument, the values are adjusted to become “normal” (as necessary).
Why is calibration important?
There is a possibility that due to weather conditions (humidity / temperature), or human error, the measurement of a new instrument may vary by some values. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the measuring instrument provides accurate values. There are also chances that the measuring instrument has been damaged and thus the reason for the wrong values. The calibration process can bring the instrument to normal conditions and accurate values.
Processes followed in calibration
Electronics manufacturers and other businesses typically enlist the services of a trusted calibration service provider to ensure that their instruments meet the requirements of their industry. The chosen company must have the latest machines and devices to ensure error-free calibration. Verification is usually done on site or in the laboratory. There are service organizations that provide pickup, correction, and home delivery services. Some labs offer equipment for rent. You can even see professionals offering freelance services.
If there are changes, the calibration service company will rectify the instrument and then issue a certificate. The certificate will contain the measurement data, uncertainties, signatures and calibration number. The details will be recorded in an official document. This will aid in the maintenance of the instrument.
If you are an entrepreneur interested in becoming a brand and a force to be reckoned with with your products, this certificate has great value. Demonstrates to clients / audit agency that the instrument has been verified at critical points. It also complies with local, national, national and international codes of practice.
Duration:
The time required to modify an instrument will vary depending on the purpose and need to complete the process. If the instrument is sensitive (eg thermometer), the process may take longer. If the instrument requires frequent calibration, such as manufacturing equipment, it may require less time. Let’s focus on the other factors, such as:
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Severity of use
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Manufacturer or governing body recommendation
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Climatic conditions (humidity, summer)
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Maintenance service
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Wear percentage
Calibration benefits
Accurate measurement of an instrument can bring many benefits not only to the customer, but also to the manufacturer. Some are mentioned below:
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Cost savings: by avoiding rejection from customers and governing bodies, there will be an improvement in sales.
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Worn Equipment – A periodic calibration check can point to worn equipment. Imagine the situation, when a customer finds out about a faulty device and complains on social media. Your company will suffer a backlash.
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Quality Compliance – As an entrepreneur, you should maintain quality audit sheets for your instruments after verification. This will ensure that your instruments are in tip-top condition.
conclusion
In any industry, it is vital to verify the accuracy of an instrument through calibration. The reason, it could make all the difference by turning a set of processes into complete waste or being correct. There are many products and services that we use in our daily life with 100% efficiency, the reason why they have passed the calibration test. In addition, new technologies have come to the fore (AI, ML and IoT). Therefore, there is a need for accurate measurements, and the calibration industry will grow by leaps and bounds in the future.