Why the calibration of (force) measuring instruments is important

Everyone involved with measurement technology knows the somewhat flippant ? but very catchy ? statement: ?In the event that you measure a whole lot, you measure nothing!? What’s meant by this is: You can measure a lot. However diaphragm seal are just useful if you can validate them. In everyday life, for example, you can be surprised when the scales at home show a large deviation from those at the doctor?s or the bicycle speedometer deviates many hundreds of metres from the GPS instrument. The word also often alludes to our tendency to generate an increasing number of data inside our modern world, without considering its evaluation. In order to obtain valid data with which to keep working, it really is worthwhile for industrial measuring instruments to be calibrated regularly.
For the individual, the highest accuracy is probably not important. In industrial applications, however, it is precisely this that may make the key difference between rejects and the best quality ? hence the calibration of the measuring instruments. It serves to complement the measuring device with the national standard ? in short: to check if the values are correct.
Traceability to the national standard
The keyword here’s thus the traceability to the national standard. Realizing that the respective measuring instrument measures the proper value could be of great importance for most applications. For instance, ISO 9000 requires that the deviations of the test equipment used should be monitored. Having an up-to-date calibration, passing the audit is no problem. This avoids the repetition of the audit, production downtime or perhaps a recall ? and therefore reduces stress, time and costs. The expenditure on the calibration has thus quickly covered itself. Everyone is happy.
Besides meeting the audit requirements, traceability can also be required for quality assurance, optimising resource utilisation and reducing energy consumption. Finally, probably the most convincing reason to have one?s own measuring devices checked relative to the current standard may be the feeling of security: The measuring instruments will continue to provide the correct values!
Certification in accordance with the German accreditation body
The illustration shows the way the four calibration sequences relative to DKD-R 3-3 differ.
The highest standard for this is the calibration certificate of the German accreditation body (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle ? DAkkS). WIKA has offered certification for pressure, temperature and electrical measurands (DC current, DC voltage and DC resistance) for some time. Because the beginning of 2022, tecsis has been accredited relative to DIN EN ISO / IEC 17025 for the measurand force.
What a DAkkS-certified calibration of force measuring instruments means is shown by the exemplory case of high-end force transducers, which are employed in calibration machines. In their case, the test sequence follows the EN ISO 376 standard. At least eight measuring stages are approached, with a complete of five preloads, two upward series and two up-down series. In addition, the force transducers are each rotated by 120�, which results in three installation positions. With 65 measured values (eight stages), the effort is correspondingly high. The price for such a calibration goes together with this.
In the case of industrial devices, the question arises concerning whether such a procedure is worthwhile. Alternatively, the DKD-R 3-3 directive could be applied. It describes four test sequences that could be selected in line with the requirements. WIKA and tecsis likewise have DAkkS certification for this.
A further option for regular calibration is the non-standardised 3.1 inspection certificate.
Practical examples
An illustrative example of the usefulness of regular calibration is the checking of hydraulic compression force transducers. These instruments measure the clamping forces of industrial machines such as punches, pneumatic presses, sealing presses, spindle presses, tablet presses and toggle lever presses. Here, calibration provides a contribution to ensuring safe working conditions.
Another example is the instrumentation for checking the contact forces of welding tongs. Ideally, they are monitored continuously by built-in tension/compression force transducers, however they can also be checked at set intervals utilizing a test set for measuring electrode forces (model FSK01). This ensures the quality of the welding points and reduces wear on the electrodes.
For the tension/compression force transducers mentioned, calibration is also worthwhile, should they be utilized for monitoring very precise production steps. When pressing in cellular phone displays, for example, both measuring instruments and their calibration can easily pay back: If one in that process isn’t noticed immediately (for instance, if only the travel is controlled), thousands of euros in material value could be destroyed within minutes.
Adjustment before calibration can be handy
With regards to the instrument, application and regulation, it may be worthwhile to have an adjustment carried out before calibration. In this manner, the user means that their measuring instrument achieves the corresponding accuracy during calibration. For the calibration itself, an individual has the option of choosing the sort and procedure, both for our own and for third-party products.
Note
On the WIKA website you will find further information on the average person calibration services as well as on WIKA force measuring instruments (offers may also be available in the online shop). In case you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
Also read our post
Calibration or adjustment ? Where?s the difference?