Making sure your equipment remains properly calibrated is essential to achieving reliable results, no matter what your application. It is not always easy to figure out when your equipment needs calibration. Here are a few guidelines to help you make that determination:
Check your warranties
Most equipment that is under warranty will have specific requirements for calibration in order for the warranty to remain valid. Even when there are no such requirements specified, keeping your machine calibrated on a regular basis and maintaining records provides clear documentation in the event a major repair is needed.
Check your standards requirements
If your business is certified under specific industry standards agencies like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), you may have guidelines you need to follow with regard to how often your equipment is calibrated. Failing to adhere to these requirements could result in having certification revoked, so be sure to include those requirements in your quality control program and on your calendar.
Check your in-house quality control program
Many businesses maintain their own calendar for systems maintenance including equipment calibration. Be sure to check with your Quality Control Department to see if any regular schedule exists so you do not inadvertently void warranties or cause other problems within your department or company.
Check your results
Often, poor performance or poor output is the first sign that a machine requires calibration: A product that does not meet specifications or a machine that fails to operate as intended are two of the most common indicators. Getting unexpected results and unusual readings are other indications that calibration is required – especially when these results occur more than once, since that is nearly always a clear indication that more than operator error is in play.
Your quality control program likely has initiatives in place to check and then recheck instrument readings and final products. Many instruments have standards in place specifically to measure for performance and the need for calibration. The bottom line: If your equipment is producing results that are even slightly out of the “norm,” especially over a period of time, having your machine calibrated is a wise step. Even tiny differences in measurement can add up over time, and by addressing minor issues in their earliest stages, you prevent more significant – and much more costly – problems in the future.
In addition, calibration may be required in these situations:
- When an instrument has been repaired
- When an instrument has been altered, modified or updated
- After a specific number of use hours
- If damage is suspected
- Following an electrical surge
- As the result of customer request
Ensuring your equipment is properly calibrated means you can be certain the results you are getting are as ideal as possible. If you’re unsure about whether your equipment needs calibration, err on the side of caution and schedule an appointment to have your equipment evaluated. Make sure the company you choose to perform the calibration has the experience and skills required to provide quick, expert service with reliable results. If you have an instrument that might need servicing, contact us now.