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Faces of Interface Featuring Michael Cobb

Michael Cobb has always been a technologist and engineer at heart from his earliest memories. He was exposed to electronics technology at a young age through his father, who worked as an Electrician and owned a small television repair business. Michael was always around while his father tinkered with TV components, which sparked his interest in discovering how things worked.

At age 9, Michael was fortunate to have access to a computer system located at the medical facility where his mother was a nurse. To keep him out of trouble, Michael’s mother would give him technology magazines to read, some of which contained code for computer programs and challenge games that he could enter. Soon Michael began creating his own programs, and at age 11 produced a small program that the office staff began to use for some of their recordkeeping.  As payment, the medical office staff bought Michael a computer kit from one of the magazines. It was the first, but not last computer he built.

Michael attended high school in the 80s where he continued working with computer programming and technology. At a time when experience with computers was hard to find, Michael founded a small lawnmower and computer repair business while still in high school. These interests led Michael to the Devry Institute of Technology, where he would go on to receive an Associates Degree in electronics.

Michael’s first job allowed him to apply his background in technology while working for a small office products company where he became the lead computer technician and began working heavily with computer networking. During this time, Michael joined a group of individuals who were developing some of the very first speech recognition software for use in a digital office dictation system. This technology and the speech recognition algorithms helped to lay the groundwork for the advanced speech-recognition services we have today like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa.

Later, Michael was hired by Circuit City Services division as the company’s very first computer technician.  Michael’s technical knowledge and experience allowed him to quickly become a leader within the company where, as National Technical Advisor, he was able to participate in the creation of service and repair programs that were implemented nationwide. After leaving Circuit City and traveling the country for a time with his wife, Michael enrolled at Ohio State University to study Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. During his time, Michael went to work at a small load cell and pressure transducer manufacturing company called SensorWerks. Over the course of several years, Michael learned a great deal about sensor technology, machining, robotics, welding and many other skills involved in the manufacture and calibration of force measurement devices.

In 2016, Michael joined Interface as an Application Engineer, and eventually found his way into the Services Department.  Michael was later promoted to Director of Services, the position he holds today, to oversee Interface’s outstanding Services Calibration Team. In this role, Michael has introduced a number of innovative methods involving process improvement, increased visibility of the calibration process, and a software application that he created himself to allow better communication, customer asset management, and proves visibility. His streamlined methods have significantly sped up Interface’s Calibration and Repair Services, retaining Interface’s signature accuracy and quality, while also putting the recalibrated products back into the hands of customers faster.

In 2019, Michael Cobb created Interface’s Tiered Calibration Services Program to expedite services and provide customer-centric solutions that match the exact requirements of our valued clients.

Michael has been able to accomplish improved efficiency in calibration services because of his leadership style. He leads by example and is always willing to work directly on the factory floor with his team. He sets the example for teamwork.  Michael also insists on an environment of mutual respect and equality among his employees in order to create a culture of openness and humility, with a “Find a Way to Say Yes” approach to customer requests and new services opportunities. This approach has allowed Cobb to bring out the best in those he leads, as well as gain their respect while adding value to the Interface brand.

This hands-on approach to work and leadership persists in Cobb’s free time. He loves to work on various machines, cars and anything else with wires and components he can tinker with and improve. He is also passing along the same traits he learned from his father to his 11-year old daughter, who is now getting into programming like her dad. The family tree is strong in the area of technical brilliance!

 

Calibration for Crane Scale and Dynamometer Applications

Interface is well-known for excelling at calibration services for load cells. Did you know this service excellence extends to dynamometers and crane scales?

Interface can calibrate dynamometers and crane scales with capacities of 100,000 pounds of force or more. This family of devices is often found in industrial, commercial, energy, military, and aerospace industry applications.

Crane scales are used as overhead weighing solutions ranging from light to heavy capacities and are normally placed in the load string of a crane. The devices provide crane overload protection, as well as information about the handling of bulk material.  Some models are equipped with wireless communications to allow monitoring from safe distances at multiple locations.

Dynamometers, which are sometimes referred to as tension links or dyna-links, are also used in many overhead weighing applications. These devices are usually smaller and lighter than crane scales allowing them to be used in vertical and horizontal positions.  In addition to weighing and crane overload protection applications, dynamometers are often used for crane certification, elevator certification, and several other inline test and measurement applications.

What really makes Interface different when it comes to our calibration services for crane scales and dynamometers?

First, our calibration equipment is custom-made for this exact purpose. That means we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to your specific calibration needs, giving you the peace of mind that your calibrations are done correctly.

Second, we have decades of experience providing industry-leading service and putting our customers first. We are sought out for this service for a reason—because we get it done right.

Additionally, Interface does not use hybrid systems for its calibrations. We use direct force application and NIST traceable force standards with customized fixture assemblies for each type of equipment. These important distinctions allow us to focus on providing the best-accredited calibrations for crane scales and dynamometers available in the industry.

Not only are we recognized experts in calibration services, but Interface is also known globally for reliability, accuracy, and longevity of its products. Interface manufactures force products which are used worldwide in test and measurement applications, as well as our own renowned metrology lab. Our specialized engineering and metrology teams pay close attention to the performance data of these standards. With proper maintenance and regular calibrations by Interface, we provide assurance that load cells are operating at the highest standard.

Interface understands that aerospace and military engineering professionals cannot wait long periods of time to receive their load cells after calibration service. We are known for our quick turnaround time. We make sure load cells, crane scales, dynamometers, and other force measurement equipment is calibrated to perfection expeditiously, to prevent significant disruption to any operations.

“Interface’s 51 years of experience in manufacturing and calibrating force measurement devices makes us one of the largest and most sought-after calibration service providers in the world. Our team follows strict standards and protocols to make sure our customers are receiving the best calibrations possible.”  Mike Cobb, Director of Services.

This year, Interface introduced a new Tiered Calibration Services Program to offer customized and expedited services.  No matter the tier of service, Interface services receive a warranty and all our service is ISO 17025 accredited calibration service. To schedule a service, visit here.

 

Introducing Interface Tiered Calibration Services Program

Interface understands our customers have thousands of applications for more than 16,000 Interface force measurement products. We also know many customers have specific needs for calibration and repair services.

How do we know? We are the preferred provider for calibration services in the market, performing more than 100,000 in-house calibrations every year for thousands of customers. Interface even calibrates load cells manufactured by others.

Choosing Interface for calibration and repair ensures that industry certified experts perform the work, guarantee and certify the calibration service, and provide a detailed report with a warranty on all our work. Basically, we design it, build it and service it. It is the true meaning of one-stop-shop.

We are now taking it to the next level. Today, we are introducing the new Interface Tiered Calibration Services Program. 

Our Tiered Calibration Services Program is designed with the customer in mind. It allows customers to pick and choose their exact calibration requirements, fast and easy. This means that if a customer needs a basic service, a fully-customized service solution, or anything in between, Interface is capable to fulfill and exceed expectations.

We are excited to announce that we have found additional ways to extend our services through tailored programs that are designed to meet the exact needs of our valued customers.” Michael Cobb, Director, Interface Service

Quality matters—and we excel at this. However, we know what matters just as much as quality to our customers is the speed of services. Speed isn’t just shipping, it’s the actual time from leaving the customer’s location to returning a fully calibrated or repaired product to them. To meet the “local” needs for expedited services, while offering the highest quality and largest range of service options, our new Tiered Calibration Services Program provides in-house turnaround times ranging from 7-10 days, and as fast as 24-hours for urgent requests. We can even build a program tailored the exact requirements of the customer.

The Interface Tiered Calibration Services Program is now available for all our customers, providing four distinct service tiers: Standard, Gold, Platinum, and Custom.

Standard Calibration Service

  • Expert Calibration Services Performed at In-House at Interface Headquarters
  • Accredited and ISO 376 and ISO 17025 Certified Calibration
  • Detailed Performance Evaluation
  • Easy Online RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) Creation with Interface’s IPerform Service software
  • IPerform Service Data Archive
  • Real-Time Tracking Online through IPerform Service for All Requests
  • Interface Guarantee and Warranty
  • 7-10 Business Day In-House Calibration Time

Gold Calibration Service

  • Everything Standard PLUS priority service turnaround and free return 2-day shipping
  • Maximum of 5 Business Days In-House Calibration Time
  • IPerform Service Software for RMA, Archive plus Asset Management
  • Return Shipping in Interface Specialized Packaging for Safety and Storage
  • Free 2-Day Express Return Shipping for Non-Freight Weights (US Only)

Platinum Calibration Service

  • Everything Standard and Gold PLUS expedited​ ‘front of the line’ service for fastest turnaround and free 2-day shipping in both directions
  • Maximum 3 Business Days In-House Calibration Time, Able to Request 24-Hour Rush Turnaround
  • IPerform Services RMA, Asset Management, Data History, Scheduling, and Tracking
  • Return Shipping in Interface Specialized Packaging for Safety and Storage
  • Free 2-Day Express Bi-Directional Shipping for Non-Freight Weights (US Only)
  • Concierge Pick-Up and Delivery Options for Non-Freight Weights

Custom Calibration Services

  • All Standard, Gold and Platinum Services PLUS 
  • Managed Inventory
  • Expedited Repair
  • Automated Service Requests
  • IPerform Software
  • Maintenance Programs
  • Discounts

Note, all turnaround times are calculated by time in-house at Interface headquarters.

To learn more about how Interface’s NEW Calibration Tiered Services Program can help your company, visit /calibration-repair/tiered-calibration-services-program/.  To schedule a calibration or repair from Interface, submit a request here.