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In manufacturing and other industries, dimensional tools are used to take precise measurements of objects and materials. These tools are crucial for ensuring that products meet required specifications and quality standards. However, for these tools to provide accurate measurements, they need to be calibrated regularly.

Calibration is the process of comparing the measurements of a tool to a standard of known accuracy. Calibration ensures that the tool is functioning correctly and that its measurements are precise and accurate. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why dimensional tool calibration is important, how it’s done, and some common methods and tools used in calibration.

What is the significance of calibration?

Calibration is crucial for ensuring that dimensional tools are operating correctly and delivering accurate results. Failure to calibrate a tool can result in significant consequences for manufacturing processes, safety, and costs. Here are some reasons why calibration is important:

• Accurate measurements are essential

When dimensional tools are not calibrated, their measurements can be inaccurate. Inaccurate measurements can lead to the production of defective products or components, which can have serious consequences. For example, a poorly calibrated dimensional tool can cause the production of parts that are too small, leading to malfunctions and possible safety issues.

• Manufacturing processes can be impacted

Inaccurate measurements can lead to costly delays in manufacturing processes. If a dimensional tool is not calibrated, the production process may have to be stopped, and the tool recalibrated. This can lead to lost time and production costs. Regular calibration of dimensional tools ensures that they are functioning correctly and that the manufacturing process is efficient.

• Safety concerns can arise

Inaccurate measurements can also pose safety concerns. For example, if a dimensional tool is not calibrated, it can lead to the production of parts that do not fit correctly or are too small. This can result in malfunctions or accidents that can cause injuries or fatalities.

How to Perform Dimensional Tool Calibration

Calibration of dimensional tools is a process that involves comparing the measurements of the tool to a standard of known accuracy. The process involves the use of calibration equipment, such as calibration blocks, gauge blocks, and micrometers. Here’s how it’s done:

• Preparing for calibration:
  Before calibration, the dimensional tool must be cleaned and inspected for any damage. It’s also important to ensure that the calibration equipment is clean and in good condition.

• Performing calibration:
  The calibration process involves comparing the measurements of the dimensional tool to a standard of known accuracy. The process typically involves the following steps:
  * Choose a calibration standard that is appropriate for the tool being calibrated.
  * Compare the tool’s measurements to the standard’s measurements, and record the differences.
  * Make any necessary adjustments to the tool to ensure that its measurements are accurate.
  * Repeat the process until the tool’s measurements match the standard’s measurements.

• Testing the calibrated tool:
  Once the tool has been calibrated, it’s essential to test its accuracy. Testing involves taking measurements using the calibrated tool and comparing them to the measurements of the calibration standard. If the measurements are within the acceptable range, the tool is considered calibrated.

Common Methods and Tools Used in Calibration

There are several common methods and tools used in dimensional tool calibration. Here are a few:

• Gauge Blocks:
  Gauge blocks are precision blocks of steel, ceramic, or carbide that have been machined to a specific length with very high accuracy. These blocks are used as a reference standard for the calibration of dimensional tools, such as micrometers and calipers. Gauge blocks come in different sizes and shapes and can be used in a variety of configurations to calibrate different types of dimensional tools.

  Gauge blocks are used in the process of direct measurement, where the tool being calibrated is placed in direct contact with the gauge block. The accuracy of the gauge block is determined by its manufacturing process, which uses sophisticated machining equipment and techniques.

• Micrometers:
  Micrometers are commonly used for the measurement of small distances, with an accuracy of up to a thousandth of an inch. Micrometers are used to measure the thickness of materials, the depth of holes, and the diameter of objects.

  Micrometers work by using a calibrated screw mechanism to move a spindle towards a measuring surface. The movement of the spindle is proportional to the distance being measured. Micrometers can be used in a variety of configurations, including inside micrometers, outside micrometers, and depth micrometers.

  Micrometers require careful handling and are susceptible to damage from shock, vibration, and environmental factors. Regular calibration of micrometers is essential to ensure their accuracy and to prevent damage to the tool.

• Calipers:
  Calipers are used to measure the distance between two points on an object. They are commonly used in manufacturing, engineering, and construction. Calipers come in two types: inside calipers and outside calipers.

  Inside calipers are used to measure the diameter of holes, while outside calipers are used to measure the diameter of objects. Calipers work by using two jaws that are adjusted to fit around the object being measured. The distance between the jaws is then measured on a scale.

  Calipers can be used in different configurations, including dial calipers, digital calipers, and vernier calipers. The accuracy of calipers is determined by their manufacturing process and the calibration of their measuring scale.

• Optical Comparators:
  Optical comparators are used to measure the dimensions of objects by projecting an image of the object onto a screen. The image is magnified, and measurements are taken using a calibrated scale.

  Optical comparators are often used for measuring complex parts that cannot be measured using conventional dimensional tools. The accuracy of optical comparators depends on the resolution of the measuring scale and the magnification of the image.

• CMMs:
  Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are computer-controlled machines used for high-precision dimensional measurements. CMMs work by using a probe to take measurements of an object in three dimensions.

  CMMs can be used to measure the dimensions of complex objects with high accuracy and repeatability. CMMs are often used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.

Conclusion

Calibration is an essential process for ensuring that dimensional tools are providing accurate and precise measurements. There are several common methods and tools used in calibration, including gauge blocks, micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, and CMMs. The selection of the appropriate method and tool depends on the type of tool being calibrated and the level of accuracy required. Regular calibration of dimensional tools is crucial to ensure their accuracy and reliability.

Call us to discuss your calibration and repair needs at:
713.944.3139.

Request for Calibration Quote

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Infrared thermometers, also known as IR thermometers, are widely used to measure the temperature of objects and surfaces. These devices are known for their speed, accuracy, and convenience, but it is important to periodically verify the accuracy of your IR thermometer to ensure that it is providing reliable temperature readings. In this blog post, we will discuss how to verify the accuracy of your IR thermometer using an ice bath and the IR thermometer calibration procedure.

Why Calibrate Your IR Thermometer?

Calibrating your IR thermometer is important to ensure that you are getting accurate temperature readings. IR thermometers use a lens to focus the infrared energy emitted by an object onto a temperature sensor. Over time, the lens may become dirty, scratched, or damaged, which can affect the accuracy of the temperature readings. In addition, the temperature sensor may drift due to changes in ambient temperature or humidity, which can also impact the accuracy of the readings.

By regularly calibrating your IR thermometer, you can ensure that it is providing accurate temperature readings. This is particularly important for applications that require precise temperature measurements, such as cooking, HVAC, and industrial processes.

The Ice Bath Calibration Procedure

The ice bath calibration procedure is a simple and effective way to verify the accuracy of your IR thermometer. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Fill a container with ice and water. Stir the water until it reaches a homogeneous temperature, which is typically close to 32°F (0°C).
2. Immerse the temperature sensor of your IR thermometer into the ice bath, making sure that it is fully submerged.
3. Turn on your IR thermometer and aim it at the surface of the ice bath.
4. Take a temperature reading and compare it to the known temperature of the ice bath, which is 32°F (0°C).
5. If the reading is different from the known temperature, adjust the calibration of your IR thermometer to match the ice bath temperature. This can usually be done using the menu settings on the device.
6. Repeat the process a few times to ensure that the IR thermometer is providing accurate and consistent temperature readings.

Tips for Accurate Ice Bath Calibration

Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure accurate ice bath calibration:

1. Use a large enough container of ice and water to ensure that the temperature of the ice bath is homogeneous.
2. Stir the water in the ice bath to help it reach a homogeneous temperature.
3. Immerse the temperature sensor of your IR thermometer fully into the ice bath to ensure that it is getting a representative temperature reading.
4. Avoid touching the lens of your IR thermometer during the calibration procedure, as this can affect the accuracy of the temperature readings.
5. Repeat the calibration procedure a few times to ensure that the IR thermometer is providing accurate and consistent temperature readings.

Conclusion

Verifying the accuracy of your IR thermometer using an ice bath is a simple and effective way to ensure that it is providing reliable temperature readings. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your IR thermometer is providing accurate temperature readings for all your applications. Don’t forget to calibrate your IR thermometer regularly to ensure that it is providing accurate temperature readings over time.

Call us to discuss your calibration and repair needs at:
713.944.3139.

Request for Calibration Quote

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Proper instrument calibration is important to prevent potential error sources from degrading the result. Several factors can occur during and after a calibration that can affect its result. Among these are:

Using The Wrong Calibrator Values

It is important to closely follow the instructions for use during the calibration process. Disregarding the instructions and selecting the wrong calibrator values will “teach” the instrument incorrectly, and produce significant errors over the entire operating range. While many instruments have software diagnostics that alert the operator if the calibrators are tested in the incorrect order (i.e. Calibrator 2 before Calibrator 1), the instrument may accept one or more calibrators of the wrong value without detecting the operator error.

Calibrator Formulation Tolerance

It is important to use calibrators that are formulated to tight tolerance specifications by a reputable manufacturer. There is a tolerance associated with formulating a calibrator/control due to normal variations in the instrumentation and quality control processes. This tolerance can affect the mean value obtained when using the calibrator. For example, if the calibrators have nominal values of 50 and 850 mOsm/kg H₂O, and were manufactured toward the low end of their allowable range, the net effect might be to lower the calibration curve by approximately several mOsm/kg H₂O over the calibrated range.

As an example, Figure 3 illustrates what can happen in a situation where Calibrator 2 is assumed to be at its nominal value, say 850 mOsm/kg H2O, when the true formulated value is 846. The calibration process “teaches” the instrument incorrectly that 846 is actually 850, thus raising the Actual Results curve higher than it would be if the instrument were “taught” that Calibrator 2 was 846 mOsm/kg H₂O, or Calibrator 2 had an actual formulation value of 850 mOsm/kg H₂O.

Sample Preparation Technique

As in the case of normal testing, good sample preparation technique is essential to obtaining the best performance from the calibration process. A similar situation to that depicted in Figure 3 can occur if good sample preparation techniques are not followed when providing the calibrator samples. Conditions such as pipeting different sample volumes, allowing air bubbles in the samples, or preparing the samples too early so that evaporation occurs, can all increase the variation in the results obtained from the calibrators tested in the calibration process.

This increased variation can result in mean values for the calibrators that vary by several mOsm/kg H₂O from what they should be, erroneously shifting the calibration curve, resulting in increased errors for all results.

Ambient Temperature Effects

It is important to periodically calibrate an instrument at a temperature close to that at which it will be operated. Even when a calibration is performed properly, there are other factors that can affect the accuracy of results. Environmental factors, such as the ambient temperature, can introduce errors that may not be readily evident when testing samples with unknown values.

Components, such as electronics, used in an instrument may be affected by changes in operating temperature. If an instrument is calibrated at one temperature and then operated at a significantly different temperature, the temperature-induced error can also degrade the results’ accuracy.

Call us to discuss your calibration and repair needs at:
713.944.3139.

Request for Calibration Quote

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ISO 9001 is a quality management system for manufacturers (product producers) and service providers. Other more specific standards exist for specialized industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and Oil and Natural Gas, but ISO 9001 remains integrated with them.

In order for a calibration process to be properly implemented, we must have in-house calibration management.

What is calibration and why do we need calibration?

Read up on our previous post >> What is Calibration and Reason for Calibration

Calibration management is governed by ISO 9001: 2015 Standards, which include specific clauses outlining the requirements for proper implementation.

ISO 9001 Calibration Requirements

What are the ISO 9001 Calibration requirements? The related clauses where calibration requirements are provided are listed below. These are the clauses with calibration requirements that have a direct impact on the calibration results:

1. Clause 7.1.2 People.
2. Clause 7.1.4 Environment for the operation of processes.
3. Clause 7.1.5.1 General monitoring and measuring requirements
4. Clause 7.1.5.2 Measurement traceability.
5. Clause 7.2 Competence.
6. Clause 9.1.1 General requirements for monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation

For our publication, we highlight only 3 of the clauses listed above.

Clause 7.1.4 Environment for the operation of processes

This clause necessitates the monitoring and control of the environment in order for calibration to be performed correctly. Environmental conditions that influence the final output of calibration results should be monitored and controlled, as per ISO 17025 requirements.

The following are some examples of environmental conditions that we must monitor and control:

Temperature
Humidity
Vibrations
Dust
Proper lighting
Not all of the items listed above must be controlled at the same time in a lab. This is determined by the criticality and the impact it can have on the calibration process.

Temperature and humidity are the two environmental conditions that are always controlled because almost all instruments require them for proper operation, as detailed in their specifications.

Clause 7.1.5. monitoring and measuring requirements

Monitoring and measuring instruments are instruments that we use to perform measurements.
“It is either we perform a measurement to monitor and control a process or we perform measurement for verification of the output of our process.”
Keeping this in mind, all monitoring and measurement instruments should be controlled.

The control provided are:

• The instrument to be used should be suitable. Suitable means it covers the range and accuracy requirement. For every monitoring and measuring instrument we use, we should ensure that the usable range can be covered and as much as possible, it has higher accuracy than the process to be measured. Recommended is to maintain the Test Uncertainty Ratio.
• Every monitoring and measuring instrument should be maintained to ensure confidence while using or within its calibration interval. Maintained means:

a. Properly monitored for its statuses like locations, labels, and calibration due dates.

b. Preventive maintenance is performed

c. Intermediate check is performed.

Records of Implementation of the above requirements should be maintained that can be used as evidence of implementation during audits.

Clause 7.2 Competence

As defined by ISO 19011, competence is: “demonstrated personal attributes and demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills “.

Clause 7.2 and 7.1.2, which is about how people relate to each other. ISO 9001 clause 7.1.2 requires that “The organization shall determine and provide the persons necessary for the effective implementation of its quality management system and for the operation and control of its processes.”

In relation to calibration, the People, which are the personnel involved in performing calibration should be competent or have the necessary competency.

Personnel Competency is one of the main requirements that we must meet. All factors that influence the quality of calibration performed depend on the knowledge, skills, experience, and education of Personnel.

You may have a high-end calibrator, a good calibration procedure, and a well-equipped facility but the person in charge is not suitable for the calibration activity performed, then the calibration results may be invalidated.

To be competent means the technician:

1. Has the necessary competence requirements such as appropriate education, training, or experience;

2. Passed the competency evaluation

3. Is authorized to perform important laboratory activities

4. Has monitored competency and continued education

All the records and recorded information resulted from this process should be maintained and used as evidence of competency.

Call us to discuss your calibration and repair needs at:
713.944.3139.

Request for Calibration Quote
Request for PPE/Glove Testing Quote

What is Calibration?

Calibration refers to the process of standardizing or adapting measurement equipment in order to obtain more accurate results. During calibration, the technician will measure the piece of equipment against the baseline to see if it fits. If the equipment measurements do not meet the acceptable accuracy factor defined by the standard, a trained technician will make adjustments until this is done.
Different instruments will require a different calibration process. For example, a calibration lab will calibrate sensors differently from thermometers. Often, you can hire experts to come to your facility to calibrate the equipment, or you can send the equipment to a lab for calibration.Different instruments will require a different calibration process. For example, a calibration lab will calibrate sensors differently from thermometers. Often times, you can hire experts to come to your facility to calibrate the equipment, or you can send the equipment to a lab for calibration.

Why Do We Need to Calibrate Equipment?

Over time, the accuracy of any measuring device will begin to decline. Typically, this reduction in accuracy is due to normal wear and tear of the various components but may also be due to a harmful environment or mechanical or electrical shock. The attenuation factor of the measurement equipment may vary depending on the environment and type. Due to this decline in measurement accuracy, organizations with measurement equipment prefer to calibrate on a regular basis. By calibrating your equipment, you are giving it the accuracy it needs to do its job properly. The calibration of the measuring devices also ensures that a high level of product quality is maintained. The reason for calibrating the hardware is reliability. When you calibrate your instruments regularly, you know your measuring device is accurate and will read your command according to other measuring devices. Calibration is essential if you care about the accuracy and consistency of your measuring instruments.

4 Reasons for Calibration

When a company calibrates its equipment, there are several benefits to it. Some of these benefits include a longer instrument life span, greater safety assurance, greater savings, and easier certification. At Gulf Coast Calibration, we calibrate our customers’ equipment to deliver these benefits and always have accurate measurement devices.

Find out more about the four main reasons we calibrate your hardware below:

• Ensure Safety:
  When you use calibration equipment for critical processes, safety is paramount. Even minor inaccuracies can cause the device to malfunction or give false information about how safe something is, leading to injury or damage to the equipment. Regular calibration of the equipment enables accurate measurements to be obtained and hazardous situations to be avoided.
  As calibration improves safety, many industries use calibration to protect their assets and personnel. Some industries in which calibration is crucial to safety are manufacturing, medical, and food processing.

• Save Money:
  Calibrating your equipment according to the recommended schedules can save you a lot of money. As hardware calibration prevents accuracy errors, it helps manufacturers reduce manufacturing errors that can lead to product failure. Likewise, inaccurate food temperature measurements can lead to spoilage. In research laboratories, inaccuracy can lead to erroneous readings by workers, rendering any results meaningless. No matter what industry you work in, mistakes will ultimately increase costs.
  Calibrating your equipment saves you money as you don’t waste money throwing away defective products or extra staff costs when they have to repeat tests in the lab. You will also save money and increase your income by reducing the costs of stopping processes and restarting them as soon as your team discovers an inaccuracy. By reducing errors, you optimize your organization better and make the most of your equipment.

• Increased Lifespan of Equipment:
  Every measuring device will wear out over time. Instead of throwing your device away and replacing it with a new one when it ceases to provide accurate measurements, you can calibrate it to restore normal levels. After the old equipment is calibrated, it should perform to the original standards. Thanks to this, you can use the device for much longer.
  Calibration can also help pay attention to how quickly a piece of equipment breaks down, helping you observe factors such as ambient pressure or specific applications that are causing more wear. With this information, you can make adjustments to prevent faster wear and tear and keep your tools in better condition for a longer period.

• Assure Compliance with Certification:
  Many industries require companies to have the appropriate certifications in order to operate legally. You will likely need a regulatory review before proceeding with certain tasks. Often these certifications require confirmation that you are calibrating your equipment and are reliable enough to get accurate results. If you regularly calibrate your equipment, it will be easier for you to get certified by the relevant regulatory bodies.
  Calibration enables your equipment to obtain accurate results by helping you pass certification tests on the accuracy of your devices.

Call us to discuss your calibration needs at:
713.944.3139.

Request for PPE/Glove Testing Quote

What is Calibration?

Calibration refers to the process of standardizing or adapting measurement equipment in order to obtain more accurate results. During calibration, the technician will measure the piece of equipment against the baseline to see if it fits. If the equipment measurements do not meet the acceptable accuracy factor defined by the standard, a trained technician will make adjustments until this is done.
Different instruments will require a different calibration process. For example, a calibration lab will calibrate sensors differently from thermometers. Often, you can hire experts to come to your facility to calibrate the equipment, or you can send the equipment to a lab for calibration.Different instruments will require a different calibration process. For example, a calibration lab will calibrate sensors differently from thermometers. Often times, you can hire experts to come to your facility to calibrate the equipment, or you can send the equipment to a lab for calibration.

Why Do We Need to Calibrate Equipment?

Over time, the accuracy of any measuring device will begin to decline. Typically, this reduction in accuracy is due to normal wear and tear of the various components but may also be due to a harmful environment or mechanical or electrical shock. The attenuation factor of the measurement equipment may vary depending on the environment and type. Due to this decline in measurement accuracy, organizations with measurement equipment prefer to calibrate on a regular basis. By calibrating your equipment, you are giving it the accuracy it needs to do its job properly. The calibration of the measuring devices also ensures that a high level of product quality is maintained. The reason for calibrating the hardware is reliability. When you calibrate your instruments regularly, you know your measuring device is accurate and will read your command according to other measuring devices. Calibration is essential if you care about the accuracy and consistency of your measuring instruments.

4 Reasons for Calibration

When a company calibrates its equipment, there are several benefits to it. Some of these benefits include a longer instrument life span, greater safety assurance, greater savings, and easier certification. At Gulf Coast Calibration, we calibrate our customers’ equipment to deliver these benefits and always have accurate measurement devices.

Find out more about the four main reasons we calibrate your hardware below:

• Ensure Safety:
  When you use calibration equipment for critical processes, safety is paramount. Even minor inaccuracies can cause the device to malfunction or give false information about how safe something is, leading to injury or damage to the equipment. Regular calibration of the equipment enables accurate measurements to be obtained and hazardous situations to be avoided.
  As calibration improves safety, many industries use calibration to protect their assets and personnel. Some industries in which calibration is crucial to safety are manufacturing, medical, and food processing.

• Save Money:
  Calibrating your equipment according to the recommended schedules can save you a lot of money. As hardware calibration prevents accuracy errors, it helps manufacturers reduce manufacturing errors that can lead to product failure. Likewise, inaccurate food temperature measurements can lead to spoilage. In research laboratories, inaccuracy can lead to erroneous readings by workers, rendering any results meaningless. No matter what industry you work in, mistakes will ultimately increase costs.
  Calibrating your equipment saves you money as you don’t waste money throwing away defective products or extra staff costs when they have to repeat tests in the lab. You will also save money and increase your income by reducing the costs of stopping processes and restarting them as soon as your team discovers an inaccuracy. By reducing errors, you optimize your organization better and make the most of your equipment.

• Increased Lifespan of Equipment:
  Every measuring device will wear out over time. Instead of throwing your device away and replacing it with a new one when it ceases to provide accurate measurements, you can calibrate it to restore normal levels. After the old equipment is calibrated, it should perform to the original standards. Thanks to this, you can use the device for much longer.
  Calibration can also help pay attention to how quickly a piece of equipment breaks down, helping you observe factors such as ambient pressure or specific applications that are causing more wear. With this information, you can make adjustments to prevent faster wear and tear and keep your tools in better condition for a longer period.

• Assure Compliance with Certification:
  Many industries require companies to have the appropriate certifications in order to operate legally. You will likely need a regulatory review before proceeding with certain tasks. Often these certifications require confirmation that you are calibrating your equipment and are reliable enough to get accurate results. If you regularly calibrate your equipment, it will be easier for you to get certified by the relevant regulatory bodies.
  Calibration enables your equipment to obtain accurate results by helping you pass certification tests on the accuracy of your devices.

Call us to discuss your calibration needs at:
713.944.3139.

Request for PPE/Glove Testing Quote