What is Calibration?

Calibration is a precision-driven process in which a comparison of the measurement values generated by an instrument or equipment is done relative to a reference standard of known accuracy. This process serves two purposes: to check the accuracy of the instrument and identify any measurement differences that may exist, eventually filling in the gaps between “verified accuracy” and “assumed accuracy”. Calibration also includes device repairing if it is out of calibration, and sets the stage for precise, dependable measurements for a wide range of applications.

Calibration in Manufacturing

Calibration is central in manufacturing as the measuring equipment used in manufacturing ultimately loses their precision. Calibration makes sure that those tools meet stringent global and national standards, so that the manufacturing machines produce high-quality finished product according to the ISO quality requirements or the customer’s required specifications.

If any manufacturing product is not produced according to the set standards, there can be negative consequences. For instance, risk of manufacturing components that do not fit well together or not fulfill quality standards. That is why calibration is so important in manufacturing as it helps ensure whatever is produced by the machinery, it fits seamlessly.

Why Accuracy Matters in Manufacturing?

There are several reasons that make accuracy a crucial standard in manufacturing. Let’s take a look at some of the important reasons:

Cost & Time Efficiency: The higher the rate of the rejected parts, the more additional production or finishing processes will have to be done to replace them or meet standard requirements. Such requirements will only extend production time and disturb deadlines. The process costs will also add up that products cannot be delivered to the customer. Only manufacturers will have to pay the price.
Quality Matters: Generating a high-quality product with the same measurements requires consistency on the part of the manufacturing machines. For this to happen, manufacturers need calibrated machines to prevent generating parts with inconsistent measurements that later have to be rejected.
Market Repute: Poor online reviews are a great threat to any business, and with unhappy customers who have received inaccurate parts, any manufacturer can expect the outcome. Their poor online reviews can put your brand and your pipeline of potential clientele in danger.
Client Satisfaction: In case the manufacturer delivers inaccurate parts, the customer may demand additional production at zero cost or, worse, may decide to take their business elsewhere.

The Importance of Calibration in Manufacturing

Calibration for manufacturing machines benefits manufacturers in numerous ways, which shows their importance for any sort of industry:

It ensures that your quality control processes are precise and up to the mark. One of the major signs is when you do not accept parts that should be rejected.
Properly calibrated equipment ensures consistent performance, leading to reduced amount of waste, fewer delays in production, and lower reworking rates.
Precise measurements are vital in product quality, decision-making, and safety. By frequently calibrating equipment, organizations can rely on their data, generating consistent and dependable outcomes.
Frequent calibration ensures that the equipment is operating as expected, i.e., measuring as closely as possible to the standard value, enhancing the precision and reliability, which is crucial for applications in various fields, including engineering, medical diagnostics, and scientific research where accuracy is central.
Sectors that need to keep safety at the core, such as healthcare, chemical production, aviation, etc., require calibration to help differentiate between potentially dangerous and safe operations. Calibration makes sure that the safety-critical equipment functions properly, protecting clients, employees, and the environment from threats that can stem from inaccurate measurements.
Preventive maintenance of any manufacturing equipment requires calibration as it’s vital to have instrument readings you can trust when carrying out this task. Accuracy in precision maintenance ensures predictable, consistent results for large or small scale activities.

Types of Equipment Calibration

There are several types of calibration for accuracy, dealing with the diverse factors influencing the performance of manufacturing equipment. The most common types are:

Electrical Calibration: Electrical activity measurement tools like current testers, multimeters, etc., are calibrated to keep the machinery in good condition.
Dimensional Calibration: Length, width, and angle measuring tools like calipers, micrometers are checked to ensure they meet the highest standards.
Pressure Calibration: Sensors and pressure gauges require calibration for ensuring the delivery of the most precise readings and avoiding overloading or lack of effectiveness.
Flow Calibration: Flowmeter's accuracy is verified against a reference standard and attuned to ensure its readings align with a known standard to provide exact flow measurement.
Temperature Calibration: The temperature measurement devices are verified and adjusted by comparing their readings with a known reference standard to certify accurate and reliable temperature readings.
Mechanical Calibration: Instruments measuring mechanical properties, such as volume, mass, density, vibration, torque, flatness, and force, are accurately calibrated to help technicians make decisions about required maintenance.
Force Calibration: Force measuring devices like torque wrenches, dynamometers, force gauges, or load cells are measured against the reference standard to precisely measure forces to determine how rigorously equipment is being used.

Types of Machine Calibration

Absolute Calibration: In this technique, the equipment is calibrated based on a known reference value, for instance, calibrating a scale with a weight known to weigh an exact quantity.
Relative Calibration: This method involves matching the equipment values to another instrument, considered to be the accuracy standard.

Step-by-Step Process of Calibration

1. Selecting a Standard: In the first step, the technicians determine the reference standard against which the equipment is to be checked. The reference standard needs to be at a higher level of precision than the instrument undergoing calibration.

2. Comparing Measurements: The equipment being calibrated is analyzed against the reference standard, under a controlled environment. The reason for testing under strictly controlled conditions is to prevent any outside factors from distorting the results. Measurements are recorded, and any differences from the standard are noted.

3. Adjusting the Equipment: Depending on the variations found in the equipment, the machine is adjusted or recalibrated for matching the precision of the reference standard.

4. Record-Keeping & Certification: The last step of the process is recording the results and issuing the calibration certificate that certifies the equipment calibration and fulfillment of all the relevant standards.

Providing Equipment Testing Services for Manufacturers!

To create high-quality products that meet the required standards, optimal performance and reliable equipment capacity are deemed necessary for manufacturers, belonging to any industry. That’s why we, at RILDOV LLC, are dedicated to empowering manufacturers by increasing productivity through our wide-ranging maintenance solutions and machine health monitoring. We offer equipment testing services for manufacturing equipment to keep your factories up and running efficiently. Just call us at +1 (‪516) 218-1454 or email info@rildov.com to acquire our services today.

Why Calibration Matters for Manufacturers?