WIRE NEWS March 2017 | Page 7

representation must be compared with the masters in one or more stages . On each of these stages a calibration is carried out with a master which has been previously calibrated with a higher-level master . According to the ranking of the master – of consumption or factory standards via reference masters up to national standards – there is a calibration hierarchy of points to be carried out . This extends from the inhouse calibrating laboratory through accredited calibrating laboratories up to the national metrological institute .
Professional Calibration
Different standards , regulations and guidelines are valid for the expert carrying out of calibrations . A unit must fulfil basic requirements before a unit can be calibrated . One must also be aware of the physical conditions required in order to carry out a calibration and observe them . Rules for the calibration of instruments are essential when a company decides on adhering to a specific norm or guideline or if it produces a product whose production is subjected to legal regulations .
Standards for Quality Control – Statutory Regulations
Standards and regulations , such as the ISO 9000 series , are becoming more important for quality assurance in all industrial nations . Then it may be explicitly required to calibrate all test equipment that directly or indirectly influence the quality of the product . This includes , for example , test equipment that are used as references during the production process .
The Zumbach Electronic AG adheres to different standards and guidelines of quality assurance . The regulations of the FDA ( American Food and Drug Administration ), for example , are important worldwide in respect of international trading relations . The CFR ( Code of Federal Regulation ) demands that « devices , apparatus , measuring instruments and recording devices be calibrated at suitable intervals in agreement with an in writing created program which contains specific guidelines , schedules , limits and accuracy and precautions for remedial actions if accuracy and / or limits are not fulfilled ». European legislation has similar requirements .
Calibration and Selfcalibration Functions of ODAC ® Measuring Heads
Our measuring units are calibrated using reference standards which were certified by the federal office for metrology ( www . metas . ch ) or by accredited laboratories . Each unit is supplied with a detailed calibration protocol .
A regular check for measuring errors along with the corresponding protocol can be carried out according to the customer requirements . The regularity of these calibrations is dependent on the customer specific requirements ( internal regulations ). We recommend a check of accuracy every 12 to 24 months .
All the measuring heads of the ODAC ® series have a selfcalibration function ( Patent DE3111356 ) which makes a subsequent , regular calibration superfluous , except when exchanging components .
All the relevant parameters for accuracy are continuously monitored by the measuring system and automatically compensated when required . This is particularly important for possible ageing effects of the scanner motor or the possible longterm drift of the measuring electronics .
Documentation
A calibration protocol shows the results of the calibration and documents the traceability to a national master for the representation of the physical units in agreement with the International system of units ( SI ).
Contact Us
ZUMBACH Electronic AG Tel .: + 41 ( 0 ) 32 356 04 00 E-Mail : sales @ zumbach . ch www . zumbach . com
7 WN MARCH 2017