Do you have a question about our calibration services, well we might just have the answer below. Click on the question to see the answer, or just click the "Expand / Collapse" check box to see all the answers.

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Are labs required to be accredited?

The only standard that requires a lab to be accredited was the QS 9000. Recently, the QS 9000 was superseded by the TS 9000. The TS 9000 7.6.3.2 states:Ÿ Ÿ “External/commercial/independent laboratory facilities used for inspection, test, or calibration services by the organization shall have a defined laboratory scope that includes the capability to perform the required inspection, test or calibration, and eitherŸ - there shall be evidence that the external laboratory is acceptable to the customer, orŸ - the laboratory shall be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025Ÿ Ÿ NOTE 1- Such evidence may be demonstrated by customer assessment, for example, or by customer-approved second-party assessment that the laboratory meets the intent of ISO/IEC 17025 or national equivalent."Ÿ Ÿ The TS 9000 follows the lead of ISO 9000:2000 in not requiring accreditation but maintaining evidence that the external lab in question meets the needs of the customer. Ÿ In short no we do not have to be accredited and if you want to see if we meet your requirements give us a call to schedule an audit, so we can show you that we are ISO 17025 complaint.Ÿ .

Why are some tools done in the lab and not in house?

We try to maintain a 10:1 ratio on our calibrations. Meaning that if we have a mic standard that has a tolerance of .0001 we will use gage blocks to compare them with because the deviations on a gage block will be in the millionths of an inch thus maintaining a 10:1 ratio. This requires that some tools be done in the lab as opposed to them being done onsite. See also the stabilization question..

What is included on certification form?

Every tool receives its own calibration report or certification form. On the report is all the important information such as: what standards were used, traceability, the dates the standards were certified, when those standards are due, when the calibration was done the interval, the temperature conditions (temperature/humidity), the interval the tool was done on, the actual readings found when the calibration was done and if any adjustments were made..

What do the asterisks on the gage block certification mean?

A single asterisk (*) shows that the gage block exceeds the tolerance for that grade. A double asterisks (**) indicates that the gage block exceeds the tolerance and the uncertainty combined for that grade. A triple asterisks (***) exceeds 2 times the tolerance for that grade. It does not mean that the gage block needs to be replaced, because we give you the actual readings, this allows you to compensate in your processes that you use the gage block for..

What kind of turn around can you expect?

Depending on the workload, our calibration turn around is usually about a week. (Unless weekend turn-around is requested.) The repair turn around depends heavily if parts are in stock. If parts are in stock then the repair is about 2 weeks. If parts have to be ordered then it will take longer..

How long should I make calibration intervals?

We cannot dictate what your intervals should be on your tools. Some common intervals are annually, semi-annually, and quarterly. The decision is completely up to you..

Why is stabilization necessary?

To put it simply, temperature. Steel changes at a rate of 6ƒÝin per inch per degree. If gage blocks are sent to us via UPS and the temperature is 74 degrees then it is possible that the 4 in. gage block will actually grow (4*6*(74-68)=) 144ƒÝin or .000144 in. That would put the gage block out of tolerance. Plus the temperature in the lab is 68 +/- .5 degrees. So our gage blocks that we compare with will be smaller if the temperature outside is greater than 68. (The reverse is also true.) Temperature affects all things; it is more apparent when working in millionths of an inch..

How can I get a quote?

We will be happy to give you a calibration quote over the phone, fax, or online. Because it is not cost effective we do not typically issue repair quotes. We keep repair costs of tools to 40% or under the cost to purchase a new tool. If the repair cost goes above that then we call the customer for approval..

Why use optical flats on micrometers?

According to the new ASME B89.1.13-2001, Flatness on the micrometer head and anvil is important. The tolerance for a 0-1 micrometer is 50ƒÝin. The only way to check that is with a monochromatic light and optical flats. Customers can opt out of this if they choose. If it is found that the tolerance for flatness is to tight for what is needed submit in writing (usually on the Purchase Order) that the flatness check is not wanted. Compliance with all standards is maintained unless the customer submits in writing that they wish to deviate from the standard. Those records are kept confidential..