How Often Should You Calibrate Your Measuring Instruments?

Are you a lab owner or a manufacturing entity where you need measuring instruments for accurate operations? In both cases, you need to get your measuring instruments calibrated occasionally. But most laboratories have the same question, “how often do we need weight scale calibration?”

If you are also pondering over the same question, this guide is for you where you will learn when you need to hire a calibration service provider.

8 Times When You Need to Calibrate Your Measuring Instruments

There are several factors that you must consider before scheduling weight scale calibration. Below are some occasions when you should hire a calibration laboratory.

Periodically

If the measuring instruments in your lab are not heavily used and their measurements are not crucial for operations, you can fix a schedule for their calibration. Many companies opt for this option, where they schedule a quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly calibration. Again, the extent of instrument usage is critical here. Performing a bi-annual calibration is also acceptable if you hardly use your instruments.

As Per the Manufacturer’s Recommendation

Every lab equipment is accompanied by a user manual that specifies vital information, including when you should calibrate your measuring instruments. If you are unaware of the calibration frequency, follow manufacturer guidelines. But the recommendations are subject to usage guidelines. If you are not following them, then consult a calibration service provider.

After An Unwanted Event

Modern measuring instruments are fragile and must be kept safely. But you cannot avoid incidences such as electrical or mechanical shock. These shocks are detrimental to the instrument and may render it inaccurate. If your instrument undergoes any shock, check whether the measurements are falling within the tolerance level or not. If not, then calibration is required.

The scale may get damaged if your instrument undergoes a physical hit, such as something falling on it. You might not see physical damage, but the functions may be impacted. Contact a weight calibration laboratory immediately if you see a dent or part broken.

 After A Certain Number of Uses

Some weights require calibration after a certain number of uses; say, a weighing scale requires calibration after 1000 uses. Modern technology allows instrument usage tracking. Thus, as soon as the instrument is used at the specified times, you can get it calibrated. It can be in a month or more than two years. Thus, you need not spend money on periodic calibration if you have limited usage of your instruments. You can also assess whether the instrument’s accuracy suffers after the specified uses.

Aging Instruments

As your measuring instrument gets old, the need for regular and frequent calibration elevates. You must check how often it starts crossing the tolerance level and the need for calibration arises. Feasibility is also an important factor. If calibration costs exceed the benefits derived from the instrument, it’s time for disposal.

Before A Major Project

If you are undertaking a significant project, you must want to finish it with the utmost accuracy. To ensure that, calibrate your instrument before you start it. Ensure that the measuring instruments are not used after calibration for any project other than the assigned one. It will ensure the accuracy of the project.

Also, after the completion, calibrate the instruments to ensure accuracy for ongoing projects too.

Due To Job Requirements

Some companies may require you to get a calibration certificate before handing you the project. The probable reasons may be their quality assurance, industry regulations, or project requirement. If your calibration is done recently, you can use the report or get your equipment calibrated again.

What Are the Factors That Affect Instrument Accuracy?

Several methods impact an instrument’s accuracy, making weight scale calibration inevitable.

• Calibration methods prescribe how an instrument should be used. There are different methods of using an instrument, but your operator’s method may cause measurement deviation.
• The way of using the instruments also impacts the accuracy. For example, if your instrument is used heavily, frequent calibration is required
• The lab’s environment, humidity, and temperature also take a toll on the instruments.
• Whether your instruments are calibrated accurately or not is also important. Hire only affiliated and certified calibration laboratories for the service.

Endnote

Be it a scientific lab or an industry, measuring instruments are trusted to offer accurate results. However, even the slightest fluctuation can cause a difference of a mile apart in the results. Thus, you must take good care of these and calibrate them on time.

The frequency of calibration differs based on certain factors. So, analyze your needs and usage, read the tentative weight scale calibration frequencies and choose what’s best for you.