How to Schedule Optimal Calibration Intervals

Companies depending on measurement and test equipment for producing high quality products should never undermine the need for regular calibration of that equipment. The use of equipment which is out of calibration can cost you a lot in terms of money, material, time, labor and reputation.

To avoid these risks, regular instrument calibration should be carried out with the help of well-planned calibration intervals. This article guides you in setting up optimal initial calibration intervals and explains a contemporary solution for setting calibration intervals which can optimize the calibration process.

Steps to Set Initial Calibration Interval

Firstly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for calibration of a new piece of measurement and test equipment. This is important in case you don’t have any prior experience with the equipment to be calibrated. You can even consider the recommendations of relevant industry and government organizations. Next, you need to take into account the following points for setting flawless initial calibration intervals:

• Stability of the equipment
• Level of complexity and criticality of the measurements to be made
• Frequency of Usage
• Environmental conditions in which the equipment is to be used
• Risks of misuse or damage
• Capability of technicians handling the equipment
• Automated or manual operation
• Ownership of equipment
• Customer contract or regulatory agency obligations concerning calibration intervals
• Risks associated with usage of improperly calibrated equipment

After setting the calibration intervals maintain impeccable calibration records which comprise:

• Manufacturer details
• Model number
• Identification numbers related to instrument and the location at which it is to be used
• Procedure number related to the procedure to be used for calibrating the equipment
• Frequency of calibration
• Details of calibration including date of calibration, information of concerned technician, characteristics before and after calibration

A Modern Solution

Calibration management software is one of the best solutions to address the problem of optimizing calibration intervals. The benefits of this software are as follows:

• Calibration experts can enter the measurements directly into a computer database using the ready computerized forms provided by the software. Once this data is entered, it can be easily accessed by the concerned technician. The data is useful in determining the measurement uncertainties of the equipment, identifying stability problems and preforming gage R&R studies.
• Certain software packages come with a feature of automatically adjusting the calibration intervals. Most of the methods in such software are recognized by guidelines of international institutions also.
• This software also comes with a feature of analyzing a group of gages when calibration intervals are set. This method allows the user to set calibration interval even for an entire set of gages by using the calibration results of the gages in that set. In this way, the user gets a more statistically significant sample which in turn allows him or her to set calibration intervals more confidently.

Whether you want to keep tabs on the bottom line of your measurement and test equipment or adopt a more comprehensive approach for managing the measurement systems, calibration management software is all you need.

Regular calibration is extremely important. By setting optimal calibration intervals, you can ensure that the equipment is calibrated regularly for accurate outcomes and high quality products. This ensures that your company delivers on customer satisfaction, grows the customer base, enhances reputation and boosts its profits.

Author Bio

Edward Simpson works for RS Calibration Services and has a knack for finding faults in machines and does not rest until they are rectified to perfection. He lives in Pleasanton, CA and loves to write about how machines work and about the importance of proper care and calibration of equipment. When he’s not working or writing, he loves to run to stay fit.