All gaging equipment must be calibrated periodically to ensure that it’s capable of performing the job for which it’s intended—measuring parts accurately. Establishing and maintaining a regular program of gage calibration is necessary not only to maintain quality, but also for customer requirements.More and more OEMs demand that suppliers document their quality efforts from start to finish. ISO 9000 is one more manifestation of this trend, and it is forcing companies to examine their calibration programs, identify their weaknesses and improve wherever possible.Some large companies can justify the cost to hire and train specialists in gage calibration methods and to supply them with the equipment and resources they need to perform virtually all calibration duties in-house.
Gauge Calibration – Ensuring Instrument AccuracyGauge calibration helps ensure you have the accurate readings needed to meet quality, safety, and compliance standards and regulations - errors and inaccuracies may have costly consequences. While, modern pressure gauges are remarkably robust, even the sturdiest gauges experience wear and tear and accuracy degradation over time. Conditions such as vibration, spikes, and mechanical and electrical shock can impact the accuracy of the gauge. Other particularly harsh conditions imposed by the process such as aggressive and corrosive media and extreme temperatures may also affect gauge accuracy. Gauge calibration verifies and, if needed, restores the accuracy of a measuring instrument to proper working conditions. Periodic gauge calibration keeps the integrity of the readings and ensures proper, consistent measurements Gauge Calibration – When is it needed?In some industries, best practices call for gauge calibration at least once a year.
OCS offers tailored ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration plans for pressure instruments. All calibrations are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and traceable to the International System of Units (SI) through NIST. OCS offers tailored ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration plans for pressure instruments. All calibrations are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and traceable to the International System of Units (SI) through NIST. Calibration up to 30,000 psi. Calibration and adjustments.
Iso 27893
Instruments used in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical, and food processes may need to be calibrated more often to ensure proper quality control of the product. Many manufacturers determine a specific gauge calibration schedule at fixed intervals or after a certain number of operating hours for each particular type of instrument. Gauge calibration is also warranted after the instrument is subjected to a potentially damaging event, such as exposure to unusual shock or vibration, or to extreme changes in environment conditions. New, repaired, and modified instruments also must be calibrated before being connected to the process. An additional best practice is to calibrate an instrument before a critical measurement. And, of course, any time that a measurement seems questionable, a proper gauge calibration will ensure that the instrument is working within acceptable limits.
Gauge Calibration – Preventing costly errorsA measuring instrument that has lost its accuracy may lead to expensive errors. The safety of the operation may be at risk. Entire batches may have to be thrown away due to inaccurate measurements of process and quality control parameters. Units may be shut down because they do not pass regulatory audits. Fines may be imposed for failing to comply with regulations.With so much on the line, it is imperative that gauge calibration is preformed regularly. However, gauge calibration is useful only if it’s done properly and accurately. It’s important to be sure instrument calibration is performed by a certified service provider who will follow recommended standards.
Gauge Calibration at WIKAWIKA’s Calibration Laboratory is accredited. WIKA offers full calibration services for measuring instruments produced by WIKA and also for other brands and manufacturers. In-house experts can help you determine optimal gauge calibration cycles for your particular application and minimize disruptions, down times, and costs. WIKA’s labs also perform repairs, refitting, and rebuilding of damaged instruments before proceeding with the calibration. To minimize problems and get the best performance from your measuring instruments, entrust their calibration to a professional, certified service. And ask about their calibration services.