Tool Talk - Calibration

Tool Talk - Calibration - June 2019TOOLTALK Calibration JUNE 2019 Calibration compares an ‘INSTRUMENT UNDER TESTS’ (IUT) accuracy to a known standard. The ‘AS FOUND’ readings provide the user feedback on the accuracy of the IUT, and whether or not it is acceptable for use or needs to be adjusted. When to Calibrate • When there appears to be inconsistencies in measuring results while in service • When there appears to be accuracy issues with a measuring device • Any time a measuring device has been dropped or possibly damaged Calibration schedules can and should be adjusted to fit the use of the measuring device… • If it consistently fails during normal calibration cycles – shorten the cycle • If it consistently passes during normal calibration cycles – lengthen the cycle Best Calibration Practices ISO 9000 Standard – Registering with ISO 9000 includes the ISO 9001:2008 which tells companies how to improve their quality system to meet the needs of their customers. ISO 9000 states that the company measuring devices must be calibrated and adjusted periodically. While registering, auditors visit the facility to ensure calibration is occurring. Traceability – Traceability refers to tracing the measurements from a series of standards to the national/international standard. If you wait too long between comparisons, you will lost traceability and be forced to start over in order to get traceability reestablished. Reading a Calibration Certificate 1. T he details about the Instrument Under Test a. IUT has to be identified so that it cannot be confused with another instrument 2. T esting laboratory’s reference equipment details a. Equipment and test method is required to be on the certificate 3. T est Method used 4. R esults and Corrections a. Results contain the instruments reading and the correction 5. Uncertainty a. Uncertainty statement gives you a level of confidence about the result you’ve received Looking for Metalworking Tools? Contact Fastenal at 844.365.8665 or cuttingtoolsupport@fastenal.com Go to www.fastenal.com/metalworking for previous Tool TalksPage 2