In the precision driven landscape of many of our industries, the calibration of tooling is a critical practice that underpins operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety. This blog from CoMech’s experts delves into the technical imperatives of regular calibration, focusing on tools such as torque wrenches, torque screwdrivers, crimp tools, retention tools, and binding tools. We will highlight how calibration can help to mitigate maintenance costs, ensure measurement accuracy, and help to instil confidence in safety-critical operations. CoMech provide both traceable and UKAS calibration services however in this blog we will provide information from UKAS for tooling calibrations.
The importance of calibration for tooling
Calibration is the process of configuring an instrument to provide results within an acceptable range by comparing it against a known standard. Over time, factors such as mechanical wear, environmental conditions, and frequency of use can cause tools to drift from their specified tolerances. Regular calibration identifies and corrects these deviations, ensuring tools perform to their designed specifications.
Save on maintenance
Uncalibrated tools can lead to improper assembly, resulting in product failures, rework, and increased downtime. For instance, a torque wrench that applies incorrect force may cause over-tightening or under-tightening, leading to component damage or failure. By adhering to a stringent calibration schedule, companies can detect tool inaccuracies early, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs and extending the lifespan of both the tools and the components they interact with.
Ensure measurement accuracy
Precision is paramount in industries where exact measurements are critical, the rail sector for instance relies on absolute accuracy. Tools such as torque screwdrivers and crimp tools must deliver precise force to ensure the integrity. Regular calibration aligns these tools with national and international standards, minimising measurement uncertainties and ensuring consistent product quality. This is particularly vital in sectors like aerospace and automotive manufacturing, where even minor deviations can have significant repercussions.
Confidence for safety critical operations
In safety critical industries, the margin for error is minimal. Retention and binding tools used in sectors like rail transport and aviation are essential for securing components that, if failed, could lead to catastrophic outcomes. Regular calibration of these tools ensures they function correctly, providing assurance that safety critical tasks are performed reliably. This practice not only safeguards human lives but also protects companies from legal liabilities and reputational damage.
UKAS Tooling calibration requirements
In the UK, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the national body responsible for accrediting calibration services. UKAS accreditation ensures that calibration laboratories meet rigorous standards, providing confidence in the accuracy and reliability of calibration services.
ISO Standard for Torque Tools
The calibration of torque tools, including wrenches and screwdrivers, is governed by the ISO 6789 standard. The latest iteration, ISO 6789-2:2017, outlines comprehensive procedures for the calibration and determination of measurement uncertainties for hand operated torque tools. This standard mandates specific test points, environmental conditions, and calibration intervals to ensure tools maintain their accuracy over time. Adherence to this standard is crucial for industries where torque precision is essential. Calibration laboratories, like CoMech, that are accredited by UKAS are qualified to perform calibrations in accordance with ISO 6789-2:2017, ensuring compliance with international benchmarks.
Application across industries
The necessity for calibrated tooling spans various industries, each with unique requirements:
Aerospace:
Utilise torque wrenches and screwdrivers for assembling aircraft components, where precision is critical to ensure safety and performance.
Automotive Manufacturing:
Use crimp tools and torque tools in the assembly of vehicles, requiring exact specifications to maintain quality and safety standards.
Rail transport:
Rail relies on retention and binding tools for track maintenance and carriage assembly, where tool accuracy is vital to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety.
In these sectors, regular calibration not only ensures compliance with industry standards but also enhances operational efficiency and safety.
For companies, particularly those engaged in precision dependent and safety critical industries, the regular calibration of tools is a technical necessity. It ensures measurement accuracy, reduces maintenance costs, and provides confidence in the execution of safety critical tasks. Engaging UKAS-accredited calibration services guarantees adherence to recognised standards, fostering trust in the tools that underpin your operations.
By selecting the right calibration provider, companies not only comply with regulatory requirements but also enhance their operational resilience and commitment to quality especially if turnaround times and traceability are excellent like CoMech provides.
Get in touch with CoMech today to talk about speedy turnaround tooling calibration: sales@comech.co.uk or 01332 867700
