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Recap of Accurate Report on Calibration

Interface recently hosted an in-depth discussion on the topic of calibration.  As one of the largest calibration labs in the world for force and torque sensors, our team shared insider tips, frequently asked questions, set up techniques and best practices in the lab during this extensive calibration webinar.

The ForceLeaders seminar also covered details about various calibration grade equipment like our 1800 Platinum Standard® Calibration LowProfile® Load Cell, 1600 Gold Standard® Calibration LowProfile® Load Cell, fixtures, load frames, and calibration systems.  We also delved into topics that include instrumentation, verification frames and software.

During the event, we covered a diverse set of subjects due to the range of experiences of our attendees including the top five reasons why calibration matters, the measurement of uncertainty, identifying errors and the parameters of calibration.

You will find the recorded event Accurate Report on Calibration is available to review the technical details related to each of these important calibration subjects.

Elliot Speidell, Brian Peters and Chris Brandenburg covered a wide range of topics, including:

  • The Metrology Perspective
  • Interface Calibration Methodology: What, Why & How
  • Top 5 Reasons Why Calibration Matters
  • Calibration and Measurement Uncertainty
  • What Errors are Characterized in the Calibration Process?
  • System Calibration Considerations
  • Calibration Lab Set Up Best Practices + Tips
  • Optimization + Calibration Applications
  • Fixtures + Standard Equipment
  • Interface Calibration Services
  • Do & Don’t Tips + FAQ

To get things started, we began the event with a quick conversation about metrology, the science of measurement, which embraces both experimental and theoretical determinations at any level of uncertainty in any field of science and technology.

Metrology is the global network standardizing measurement units. Calibration is the action taken at each step in the metrology network.

Metrology is important to Interface because it provides the standards for controlled processes, systems, reliability, accuracy, quality and science. Calibration is the set of operations that compares the accuracy of a measuring instrument of any type, such as a load cell or torque transducer, against a recognized standard. The process of calibration includes adjusting the measuring instrument to bring it in alignment with the standard.

Why is calibration of load cells and torque transducers important?

  • All load cells are subject to performance degradation due mistreatment, drift, or aging
  • You need traceability and quality system requirements
  • Pre and post-test verification is critical for data validity
  • Even load cells manufactured to the highest standards require regular calibration

Interface calibrates every load cell and torque transducer to spec before it leaves our facility. We also provide recalibration services for all types of devices, even those we don’t manufacturer. This results in more than 100,000 calibrations every year by our trained technicians. During this event we shared valuable tips for setting up and operating a world-class calibration lab.

Best practices for calibration labs:

  • Define workspace requirements
  • Qualify measurement types and models
  • Identify suppliers
  • Select calibration grade equipment
  • Assemble lab
  • Train lab techs
  • Create certification and testing protocols
  • Define workflows
  • Utilize software for tracking assets and certificates
  • Know maintenance and recalibration schedules

The Accurate Report on Calibration recorded event is available online to watch at your convenience.

If you need help in defining the best calibration grade systems or equipment for your specific test environment, contact our application engineers.  If you need a calibration service, you can submit your request online.

Calibrate with the Force Measurement Experts

Calibration of your force measurement products is critical to continued performance, safety, and compliance.  This is why Interface invests significant dedicated resources to calibration and repair services for tension, compression, system calibrations, ISO 376, and ASTM E74 to ensure our customer’s load cells are always performing at premium accuracy levels.

We complete more than 100,000 NMI traceable calibrations annually including our Certified Gold and Platinum Standard reference load cells. In addition to servicing our quality products, we can provide calibration services for other manufacturer’s load cells, as well as custom calibration services when needed.

The Interface Technical Services team follow strict standards and protocols as defined by our best practices and industry standards.  We are fully ISO 17025 accredited and in combination with more than 50 years of calibration expertise, we are one of the largest and most experienced calibration service providers in the world.

“Interface recommends recalibrations at 12-month intervals. The frequency of your calibration services should ultimately be determined by your accuracy and quality assurance protocols.”  – Michael Cobb, Technical Services at Interface

In our full-service Interface Metrology Lab, we can measure even the smallest shifts in response using any of our 15 dedicated hydraulic standards and five deadweight standards.

Most engineers that work with us are surprised to learn that Interface’s load cells often increase in accuracy over time with standard use. In fact, historical data of our products in the market that are serviced through Interface demonstrate improvements in accuracy the longer our customers have them in use. This does not mean you should not provide regular calibration maintenance to ensure you’re achieving the highest levels of accuracy.

A primary differentiator between Interface Calibration Services and others are our Interface manufactured load cell standards which have a well-established performance curve that allows for consistent calibration data. Using our Interface Gold Standard Calibration Software for data collection and analysis, our engineering and metrology teams pay close attention to the performance data of these standards, which we use to compare other load cells to ours. All data is gathered regularly in a permanent archive of testing data and results are subject to strict monitoring to prevent performance issues.

Because of our processes and consistency, we can provide quick calibration turnaround times within seven days and optional expedited services within three days. Interface is constantly improving processes and procedures to ensure customers can receive calibration services as quickly as possible without significant disruption to their operations.

Scheduling services with Interface are easy at Interface.  The first step is to complete the form located at /calibration-repair/calibration-repair-request-form/.  Upon submission, Interface will promptly contact you with a formal quote and shipping instructions.