Calibration 101
Calibration of force and torque sensors is critical to obtaining accurate data from measurement tests. Calibration is the comparison of the device output with a known measurement standard. For a load cell, it is the comparison of the output of the load cell to the standard test loads. Through the Calibration This ensures that the sensor is functioning accurately and is set to an ideal output based on the capacity and configuration of the design. A standard calibration tests repeatability and linearity, both of which are used to determine accuracy. The calibration tests identify potential measurement errors caused by zero offset, non-linearity, hysteresis, non-repeatability and zero offsets.
Interface's team of calibration experts is specifically trained to provide this specialist service within our quality and laboratory standard requirements. Interface is accredited to the recognized international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and A2LA for torque and force calibration. Interface certifies all of our Load cells with accredited calibration before the product is released for shipment. The certificate information includes tabular data on the measured variables, the zero adjustment, the calculated nonlinearity and hysteresis as well as information on traceability. We are often recognized as the most complete calibration certification in the industry.
In a recent customer survey, we discovered that one of the most important roles Interface's force measurement solutions play is our Calibration service is. This is due to the accuracy, reliability and longevity of the load cells we manufacture and service.
Why calibrate?
Calibration is important because of many different factors, including continued performance, safety, and compliance with ISO or industry standards. Interface's standard recommended calibration interval is recalibration every 12 months. The frequency of calibrations should be determined by the following use case factors that may affect measurement accuracy:
- Quality of measurement and permissible tolerance range
- Degree of stress on the device
- Stability of previous calibrations
- Required measurement accuracy
- Quality assurance requirements
- Interface calibration services
Interface offers calibration and repair services for load cells and torque transducers, including devices from other sensor manufacturers. In fact, Interface performs more than 100.000 calibrations every year. This includes both new products and devices sent to Interface for recalibration and repair. Repairs include a full evaluation of the device prior to repair and calibration upon completion of the repair. Read more here.
There are also several other advantages to 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 for data collection and analysis
- Full service machine shop for all mechanical needs
- Calibration services process
Interface's calibration team is a team of professionals committed to a streamlined calibration and repair process to meet our customers' needs in a timely manner. We begin the calibration process with our technical services group who manage the inquiry and RMA process as well as evaluation and troubleshooting. Our team of experts evaluates all products at our headquarters. The sensor undergoes a thorough inspection process to identify necessary repairs and ensure the device is functional in preparation for calibration. This also includes an electrical test. If the device proves to be unrepairable after this comprehensive test, no costs will be incurred. We will also try to find a replacement device. All work beyond the assessment will be submitted to the customer for approval. The final step in our calibration process is the actual calibration. Our calibration team is considered the most experienced in the industry, calibrating a variety of products every day. Interface also invests heavily in performing all of our calibrations using the most advanced equipment, including our proprietary Gold Standard® and Platinum Standard® systems. These devices ensure that the transducers are calibrated as accurately as possible before they are returned to the customer.
Even the highest quality load cells and finely tuned components are subject to degradation in accuracy with continued use. To ensure your sensors are always capable of peak performance, consider taking advantage of our calibration services.