Navigation to load cell calibration and repair service

Deciding whether your load cell needs calibration or repair is a critical decision that directly impacts the accuracy, reliability, and overall performance of your measurement systems. This decision isn't always easy, but making the right decision can help ensure your operations remain accurate and avoid unnecessary downtime or costs.

Interface guides you through the key considerations for differentiating between these critical services. We offer practical tips to help you evaluate service options, address key considerations and common issues, and explain exactly how to initiate the process so you can reliably maintain the accuracy and operational readiness of your load cells.

Calibration vs. Repair: Understanding the Difference

Calibration services: Calibration verifies the load cell's performance against a known standard. It assesses whether the load cell is measuring accurately and identifies any deviations. Calibration does not repair a faulty load cell; rather, it quantifies its current condition. A calibration certificate displays the error and uncertainty of the load cell's measurements. Interface offers Calibration services for load cells we manufacture ourselves and for others. Our fully accredited calibration laboratory performs hundreds of calibration services each month. Interface maintains one of the largest calibration laboratories in the world at its headquarters.

TIP: When you choose Interface Calibration Services, you benefit from comprehensive traceability and excellent service processes, equipment, and procedures. We maintain a history of your requests, service data, performance data, and Certifications.

Repair services: All inquiries regarding Repair of load cells begin with a thorough investigation and documentation of the results. Then a decision is made whether to perform an approved repair or replace the device. A repair addresses a physical or electrical problem in the load cell that is causing malfunction or inaccurate readings. This problem may be due to damage, component failure, or environmental factors. It may also be necessary to replace a damaged connector or cable. All interface products are shipped with a Original guarantee delivered. If the repair is covered by the warranty, we will offer a solution. Read the Warranty and repair conditions from Interface.

TIP: Interface warrants that its products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under regular and proper use and installation for the entire warranty period. The warranty period for most load cells is two years; for other products, it is one year from the date of shipment from Interface.

Do you need calibration, repair, or both for your interface load cell?

Below are the five most important factors to consider when deciding whether it's time for a calibration service or repair assessment.

#1 – Symptoms and performance problems

Do your measurements consistently deviate by a certain percentage or exhibit a time drift? This often indicates that calibration is necessary. If the readings are very inconsistent or jump, it could indicate internal damage that requires repair. If the load cell produces no output, or the output is completely flat regardless of the applied load, there is likely a significant internal problem that needs to be addressed as a priority. Read also How do you know if your load cell needs calibration or repair?

TIP: Visible damage to the load cell form factor (housing), cable, or connectors almost certainly requires repair. Even minor damage can affect accuracy and long-term reliability. Readings that appear and disappear, or are only present under certain conditions, may indicate a loose connection or internal electrical fault, suggesting repair.

#No. 2 – Use and environmental factors

Has the load cell ever been subjected to a load that exceeds its rated capacity? Overload is a common cause of internal damage that can lead to permanent inaccuracies and require repair. Has the load cell been exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, corrosive chemicals, or excessive vibration? These factors can damage the internal components, which may require repair. Load cells with interfaces that are used frequently or in harsh environments may require more frequent calibration checks and are more susceptible to wear and tear, which may require repair.

#No. 3 – Regulatory and quality requirements

Many industries have strict regulations regarding the accuracy and calibration of measuring instruments. Regular calibration is often a mandatory requirement for compliance with these regulations. As with Interface, calibration procedures and records are essential for any calibration laboratory if your company operates a quality management system. An uncalibrated or malfunctioning Interface load cell can lead to nonconformities. For critical applications, traceability of your measurements to national or international standards is paramount. Calibration is the mechanism for achieving this. Validation is documented in detailed and up-to-date calibration certificates. Read: Calibration Certificates 101

#No. 4 – Cost-benefit analysis

If you inquire about costs, Interface will provide you with estimates for repair and a new Interface load cell. Sometimes, replacement can be more cost-effective than repair, especially for older or less expensive sensors, especially if the repair is complex or involves multiple issues. Consider the impact of load cell downtime on your operations. Replacement might be preferable if extended downtime is costly. What is the cost of making decisions based on inaccurate data? This can be significant, especially in applications involving safety, product quality, or financial transactions.

#No. 5 – Experienced service providers

When calibrating, make sure the service provider is accredited according to a relevant standard by a recognized accreditation body. This guarantees that the calibration is carried out competently and traceably. Choose a provider with proven experience with your load cell type and industry. Review their certifications and training. You can view Interface's current certifications here.

Tips for starting the calibration or repair process

Once you've considered the above factors, you can begin the repair process as follows. If you're requesting a standard calibration, you can start with the device's serial number and the type of calibration service you require. Calibration certificates should indicate the cell's expected performance.

Review installation guidelines and troubleshooting information

Before deciding whether you need repairs, you can use the installation manuals, calibration certificates, and specification documents to determine whether it is a simple problem or whether professional intervention is required. Interface's product and installation manuals can be found here.

Document your requirements and performance issues

Specific error messages or unusual behavior
When the problems occurred
All events that preceded the performance problems (e.g. overload, drop)
Model number, serial number and capacity of the load cell (on the device)
Application and operating environment

Request a quote and schedule a service appointment

The services to be performed: Calibration or repair
Desired lead time
Details of repair or calibration requirements

Online application made easy

The interface provides a simple 1-2-3 online process for requesting a calibration service or repair.

Go to Calibration and repair service
Fill this Online form for service requests from
Click Submit and our calibration service technicians will inform you of the next steps.

If it's a repair request, we'll provide you with the information and an RMA for returning the load cell to Interface for evaluation. If you're requesting a calibration, we'll provide you with a calibration service estimate, which you'll need to approve, as well as information you'll need to send to your device for service.

Find out about the 10 best reasons to contract calibration services with Interface.

Best prevention is maintenance with regular calibration service

Calibration is important for many reasons, including continued performance, safety, and compliance with ISO or industry standards. Interface's standard recommended calibration interval is 12 months. When determining calibration frequency, consider the following factors that can affect measurement accuracy:

Measurement quality and permissible tolerance range
Stress on the equipment
Stability of previous calibrations
Required measurement accuracy
Requirements for quality assurance

By carefully assessing symptoms, considering environmental factors, adhering to measurement capacity requirements, and providing regular calibration services, you can make an informed decision that will extend the life and accuracy of your load cell equipment.