Tag Archives: Calibration

What is A2LA and Why is it Important

If people were asked to guess what A2LA was an acronym for, most of them probably wouldn’t guess American Association for Laboratory Accreditations (well, at least not on their first try). Here at Grand Rapids Metrology, we not only know the acronym but we know who they are, why they are important, and how to obtain their certifications, and we want you to know too!

A2LA is a non-profit, non-governmental, third-party, public service, accreditation body (so, a mouthful). They provide various accreditation programs for organizations in numerous industries, such as testing laboratories, inspection bodies, clinical testing laboratories, and other industry specific programs like air emission testing bodies. Not only that, but they are the largest U.S. based, multi-discipline accreditation body. A2LA themselves are a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). It is probably not entirely clear yet as to why GRM choses A2LA as our sole accreditor, but the benefits of working with A2LA will soon become evident.

Receiving accreditation from A2LA is not an easy task. This organization works in accordance with standards published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and has done so for 30 years. Here at GRM, we are ISO 17025 certified for calibration. Grand Rapids Metrology recognizes that adhering to international standards require more rigorous evaluations and requirements from us, but it can also improve our customer’s competitive advantage, yet still allow for the flexibility needed to evolve. Likewise, working with such strict standards can improve your organization’s ability to make more informed decisions, reduce cost, and helps manage risks.

How does A2LA differentiate GRM from our competitors? First of all, over 90% of our customers seek some type of quality standards, a large portion of that being in the automotive industry. So, by using one of the strictest standards for calibration, our customers’ needs are well met, if not exceeded. There are other accreditation bodies in the business of course- NVLAP, NIST, L.A.B., and PJLA to name a few. A2LA, however, goes beyond the simple routine of checking boxes and distributing ISO 17025 certifications. This organization takes a more in-depth look at the processes and capabilities of their customers (like GRM) to strengthen the standards they are granting. Most of our GRM competitors are A2LA accredited for laboratories, however our scale competitors use a wide variety of accreditation bodies, some not as rigid as A2LA.

Grand Rapids Metrology has been loyal to A2LA for since the year 2000. We find working with A2LA to be an important attribute that contributes to the overall success of Grand Rapids Metrology and our customers. With their large scope of accreditation capabilities and strict international standards, they allow us to be the very best we can for you.

Why CERTLINK Saves Time & Money

In July 2014, Grand Rapids Metrology introduced CERTLINK, a system that assists in providing our customers with the best calibration service in the state. CERTLINK is our online calibration management system that allows our customers to easily access their certifications, calibration due dates, and much more. There are numerous benefits we have found at GRM since implementing CERTLINK, but the two benefits our customers seem to find the valuable are that this system has saved time and money.

This system is much more convenient than our previous system of delivering calibration certificates, for CERTLINK can be accessed any time of any day. With our 24/7/365 connection, you don’t have to wait for our office operation hours of Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to request a calibration certificate or list of measurement equipment. Speaking of requesting a calibration, CERTLINK will send calibration reminders via email one month prior to equipment’s calibration due date. Likewise, if the calibration is overdue, you will be reminded of that as well. This saves you the time and headache it would cost to have to attempt to remember when each piece of equipment is due for calibration or where to search for that information. CERTLINK is also user-friendly, with clearly presented information like a search engine and calibration schedules, you will never have to waste time scanning the screen for data. All the calibration material you will ever need can be found on GRM’s CERTLINK, this will save you the time of searching multiple platforms for information on calibrations.

Not only does this system allow you focus your time and energy elsewhere, it also allows you to use your resources for you core business. This state-of-the-art system is completely free to our customers! More than that, CERTLINK has broadened our scope of capabilities which makes us a better choice as your single source vendor. Using multiple measurement and calibration vendors will without a doubt increase your expenses, that is why GRM strives to service you in as many ways as possible. In a similar sense, CERTLINK is one of the most contemporary options when it comes to calibration management, thus you do not need to spend money trying to acquire a better system because with GRM you will already have one of the best. Another money-saving attribute is not only economically good sense but is also environmentally practical, for CERTLINK eliminates a need for paper because everything can be done electronically. Although you can print any certifications from CERTLINK at any time, if you are looking to reduce office supply cost, this system will certainly help get you there.

They say that time is money, so whether you’re looking to save time or money, or let’s be honest, most likely both, CERTLINK is a win-win for you. Grand Rapids Metrology has had great success with this program as have our customers. For a CERTLINK demo, you may contact your account manager or visit our Asset Management page.

Torque’s Impact on You

What Is Torque?

Torque is rotational or turning force and is calculated by multiplying length (measured from “center of drive” to “center of handle) and force.

Why Is Torque Important?

If torque is not properly applied, it can lead to safety hazards such as stripped threads and premature loosening, or broken fasteners. Any of these outcomes could lead to product failure resulting in damages to other equipment or workers. However, if it is applied accurately, it is used to fasten specified components to precise values. There are three basic measures that influence torque application. They are:

  1. Condition of the components – if the fastener has rusted or stripped threads, it could result in poor performance and lead to failure.
  2. Accuracy of the instrument – if the torque wrench is not accurately calibrated, the fastener may be too loose or tight which can also result in product failure.
  3. Properly applied torque values – once the torque wrench is calibrated, it is important to apply the correct amount of torque to the fastener to ensure high performance.

For more information, click here.

 

How Can We Help?

GRM offers the full line of CDI/Snap-On and TorcUp products, including hydraulic wrenches, impact sockets, pneumatic wrenches, and hydraulic pumps. We are A2LA certified in torque wrenches and measuring devices.

 

Please, contact a Grand Rapids Metrology representative with additional questions.

 

For a full list of TorcUp products, click here.

 

For a full list of Snap-On products, click here.

 

Importance of Calibration Intervals

When you buy your measurement equipment from a reputable supplier, that device should be calibrated per the manufacturer’s recommendations and the standards set by your State law. At the time the equipment is set up for your use, you should be provided with proof, usually in the form of a Certificate of Calibration,  which insures that the device is measuring accurately. Typically, the device should be tested and calibrated before usage. That is the only way you will know for sure that the measurement results are accurate.

Measurement devices are used in almost all manufacturing, testing and processing applications. The integrity of your final product is dependent upon the accuracy of your measuring device, be it a scale, balance, gage block, temperature probe, flow meter, etc. Deviations from the specifications for product weight, size, thickness, etc. could be very costly, resulting in waste and potential liability. Even though your device is professionally calibrated when you start to use it, we all know that it won’t stay that way!

Measurement devices are tools, some mechanical, some electronic, some static. They are subject to wear and tear and too many adverse environmental factors. As devices are used, they wear. Most devices have moving parts which, with usage, will shift or bend or move out of place. From the smallest caliper to a 140’ truck scale, usage will impact the accuracy of your measurement results. Exposure to different environmental factors will also affect results.  Cold, heat, operator misuse, bumps, accidents or simply moving the device will often challenge calibration.  Rest assured that the higher the usage of the device or the more hostile the environment, the more likely the calibration will change. Those changes will directly impact the integrity of the product or test result you are providing to your customer.

Similar to your car or your home furnace, your measurement devices should be on a regular calibration/ maintenance schedule. Your supplier should be able to recommend the interval schedule which you most likely also see discussed in the users’ manual for the device.  While manufacturer’s recommendations are important, you should discuss the specific use of the device to insure that it stays in calibration.  Another factor which must be considered is the requirements of your quality system and those of your customers.  Lastly, check the manufacturer’s warranty. Often, the validity of the warranty requires regularly scheduled calibration and maintenance.  This information should be described by your vendor.

How do you choose a calibration services vendor? There are several very important factors such as:

  • Accreditation to ISO 17025 Standards. Such accreditation, by an organization such as A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation), insures that the vendor has proven their competency on the devices within the scope of their accreditation. For many quality systems, this is essential.
  • For many devices, such as scales in the State of Michigan, the State requires that the vendor company and their technicians be registered with the State and that the technicians have passed competency tests.
  • Your vendor should also have a solid relationship with the device manufacturer so that parts or replacements can be obtained easily, so that they are familiar with and have been trained on the equipment and in order to keep the warranty valid.
  • Your vendor should also be able to provide you documents that outline their processes so that you are comfortable that the testing and calibration is being done as promised.
  • You should also have timely delivery of and easy access to Certificates of Calibration.  If you have special requirements for your certificates, your vendor should be able to meet those requirements.
  • You should not have to worry about the scheduling of calibration services. Your vendor should have a system that automatically advises you when the services are due by phone, text or email. Timing compliance should be the vendor’s responsibility. Your concern should be with your core competency, not with quality system compliance issues.

In summary, buy from a reputable supplier, obtain proof of initial calibration, read the manufacturer’s recommendations, clearly describe the intended usage to the vendor and hire a vendor on whom you can rely to meet the requirements of your quality system and the expectations of your customer.

GRAND RAPIDS METROLOGY is such a supplier. With offices and calibration facilities in Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Bay City, Benton Harbor and Metro Detroit, we cover the entire State.  Our current scope of accreditation can be viewed HERE.

Who We Are and What We Do – Calibration Services

This is the first blog posted on the Grand Rapids Metrology website and my first personal blog ever.  Being 61 years old and not very tech savvy, I did a little research about blogging before I started.  Blogging is essentially the art and science of sharing one’s opinions, experiences, observations, knowledge, etc. on a web site.  That’s what we will be doing here!

I am Richard Spruit, CEO of Grand Rapids Metrology, a supplier of measurement products/systems and calibration services with offices in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Benton Harbor, Bay City and Battle Creek.  We have been in business since 1922, operating under the name Grand Rapids Scale Company.  We have 55 employees and are the largest provider of measuring products/services in the State of Michigan.

In the business, we are what is known as a TSP, third party calibration service provider.

I thought I’d spend my first blog explaining what we mean by calibration services.  Calibration is a comparison between measurements—one device of known magnitude or correctness with another device and another measurement made in as similar a way as possible.  The known device is called the standard.  The second device is the one being tested.  When testing or calibrating a scale, the standard is a known test weight.  When the standard is placed on the scale, the indication should be of the weight of the standard.  If not, it is out of tolerance.

Why is calibration important?  It’s important because you tell your customers that the products you produce or sell are of the highest quality, built, designed and sold to the stated specifications and that those products will fit the stated need without adjustment, rebuild or recall.  We are in the business of precision.  Your product will not be precise unless all the dimensions/specifications are accurate and the product is sold in the stated size/amount.  You will only be able to do that if all your measuring devices are and stay accurate.  That is why we recommend regular calibration intervals.

The list of items we calibrate includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Scales
  • Balances
  • Analytical Balances
  • Test Weights
  • Calipers
  • Dial Gages
  • Micrometers
  • Angle Blocks
  • Cylindrical Pins
  • Cylindrical Ring Gages
  • Feeler Gages
  • Gage Balls
  • Gage Blocks
  • Height Gages
  • Snap Gages
  • Bore Gage
  • Optical Comparators
  • Rules
  • Thread Plugs
  • Thread Wires
  • Protractors
  • Surface Plates
  • Thread Rings
  • Torque Devices (up to 1,000 lbs.)
  • Torque Wrenches
  • Pressure
  • Force
  • Hardiness Testers
  • Ovens
  • Temperature (RTD)
  • Thermal Couplers

If you have devices not on our list, call us.  If we can’t handle a specific item, we can get it done at one of our sources.

My next series of blogs will be on specific devices.  Next — Torque!

Feel free to comment on e-mail at Richard.spruit@grmetrology.com or call me at my desk at (616) 249-1206.  Thanks.