Interface Calibration 101
Calibration of force and torque sensors is critical to receiving accurate data from measurement testing. Calibration is comparing the instrument output against the known measurement standard. For a load cell, it is the comparison of the load cell output against the standard test loads.
The calibration ensures the sensor is performing accurately and set for ideal output based on the capacity and configuration of the design. A standard calibration tests repeatability and linearity, which are used to determine the accuracy. Calibration tests are run to identify potential measurement errors caused by zero offsets, non-linearity, hysteresis, non-repeatability, and shifts from zero.
The team of calibration experts at Interface is specifically trained to provide this specialized service as part of our quality and lab standard operations requirements. Interface is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and A2LA Accredited for Torque and Force Calibration following the recognized International Standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Interface certifies all load cells with accredited calibration before releasing the product for shipment. Certificate information includes tabulated measurement variables data, zero balance, computed nonlinearity and hysteresis, and traceability statements. We are often recognized as the most complete calibration certification in the industry.
In a recent customer survey, we found that one of the most important roles that Interface force measurement solutions play is for our calibration services. This is due to the accuracy, reliability, and dependability of the load cells we manufacture and service over long periods.
Why Calibrate?
Calibration is important based on many factors, including continued performance, safety, and compliance with ISO or industry-specific standards. Interface’s standard recommended calibration interval is to recalibrate every 12 months. The frequency of calibrations should be determined by the following use case factors that may affect measurement accuracy:
- Measurement quality and allowable tolerance range
- Level of stress to which the equipment is subjected
- Stability of past calibrations
- Required measuring accuracy
- Quality assurance requirements
Interface Calibration Services
Interface provides calibration and repair services on load cells and torque transducers, including devices made by other sensor manufacturers. Interface performs more than 100,000 calibrations every year. This includes new products as well as devices sent to Interface for recalibration and repair. Repairs include a complete evaluation of the device prior to repair and calibration upon completion.
In addition, here are some other benefits for choosing Interface as your calibration services partner:
- ISO 17025 Accredited
- Scheduled Repairs for Ongoing Inventory Management
- Custom Calibration Services
- RMA Tracking and Permanent Archive of Test Data
- NMI Certified Gold and Platinum Standard Reference Load Cells
- Interface Gold Standard Calibration Software Used for Data Collection and Analysis
- Full-Service Machine Shop for any Mechanical Requirements
Calibration Services Process
The Interface calibration team consists of professionals dedicated to an optimized calibration and repair process for the timely management of our customer’s requests. We begin the calibration service process with our technical services group who manage the request and RMA process, in addition to evaluation and troubleshooting.
We evaluate all products at our headquarters with our team of experts. The sensor goes through a thorough inspection process to identify any necessary repairs and to ensure the device is in working condition in preparation for calibration. This includes an electrical test. Based on the extensive evaluation, there is no charge if the device is unrepairable. We also will work to find a replacement unit. All work beyond the evaluation is sent to the customer for approval.
The final step in our calibration services process is the actual calibration. Our calibration team is considered the most experienced in the industry due to the sheer volume of work products they calibrate daily. Interface is also heavily invested in conducting all our calibrations with the most advanced equipment, including our proprietary Gold Standard® and Platinum Standard® systems. These machines ensure that the transducers are calibrated to the most accurate ability possible before returning to the customer.
Even the most high-end manufactured load cells and finely tuned components endure accuracy degradation over continued use. To ensure your sensors are always ready for peak performance, check out our calibration services request form. We also provide a full range of calibration-grade products for metrology and testing labs. You can also call us at 480-948-5555 to discuss your specific calibration needs.
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