Automotive

In the high-stakes world of automotive manufacturing, precision isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s building powertrains, assembling body panels, or fine-tuning electronic systems, every component and process must meet exacting standards.

Why Calibration Matters

Calibration ensures that measurement instruments and equipment provide accurate results within specified tolerances. For automotive manufacturers, this means:

• Reducing defects
• Ensuring vehicle safety and compliance
• Minimising downtime
• Meeting regulatory and customer requirements

A slight misalignment or inaccurate reading in a production line tool can lead to massive financial and reputational loss—especially when it results in recalls or safety issues.

UKAS Torque Calibration

Torque wrenches are essential tools for automotive manufacturers, used extensively for applying precise torque to fasteners during engine assembly, chassis construction, and bodywork. Regular verification to avoid under or over tightening, which can affect vehicle safety is essential.

Because of the safety critical nature of these tasks, torque wrenches must be calibrated regularly to ensure they provide accurate and consistent readings. Over time and through repeated use, all torque tools can drift from their original settings due to mechanical wear, environmental conditions, or accidental misuse. This deviation can lead to incorrect torque application, even if the operator is following correct procedures.

Pressure Calibration

Pressure gauges play a vital role in vehicle manufacturing by monitoring and controlling pressure in critical systems such as brakes, fuel injection, air conditioning, and hydraulic lines. Inaccurate pressure readings can lead to improper system function, potentially causing safety hazards, poor engine performance, or failed emissions tests.

Over time, pressure gauges can drift due to mechanical wear, temperature changes, or exposure to vibration and harsh environments typical on production lines. Regular calibration ensures these gauges remain accurate and within specified tolerances, helping manufacturers maintain compliance with safety standards, avoid costly rework, and ensure the reliable performance of every vehicle that leaves the factory.

Dimensional Calibration

Dimensional measurement equipment is fundamental in automotive manufacturing for verifying the physical geometry of components; ensuring parts like engine blocks, gears, chassis elements, and body panels meet tight tolerance specifications.

Due to frequent use of tooling, environmental factors, and potential handling errors, these instruments can gradually lose accuracy. Regular UKAS calibration ensures these tools maintain precision, supports traceability to national standards, and helps manufacturers comply with quality systems like IATF 16949.

Without reliable dimensional data, even minor deviations can lead to assembly issues, increased scrap rates, or safety concerns in the final product.

Electrical test instruments

Electrical measuring instruments are essential in modern automotive manufacturing. These instruments must deliver highly accurate readings to ensure electrical safety, functionality, and compliance with stringent industry standards.

Over time, factors like electrical overloads, environmental conditions, and general wear can cause these tools to drift out of specification. Routine calibration ensures they remain accurate, traceable, and reliable helping to prevent costly errors, avoid product recalls, and support regulatory compliance with standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 and IATF 16949.

UKAS Calibration for Force and Mass

Mass and force measurement equipment is crucial in vehicle  manufacturing for applications ranging from verifying component weight for fuel efficiency targets to testing the strength and durability of materials and assemblies.

Instruments such as load cells, force gauges, tensile testers, and precision balances are used throughout production and R&D to ensure that parts meet structural and performance criteria. Even slight inaccuracies in force or mass readings can compromise vehicle safety, especially in crash components, suspension systems, or braking assemblies.

Calibration of these instruments ensures that measurements remain accurate, consistent, and traceable to national standards helping manufacturers comply with safety regulations, maintain product quality, and avoid the risks associated with undetected measurement drift.

UKAS Calibration 

CoMech are a calibration and inventory asset management company who provide a range of industries with UKAS calibration services. Our industry leading turnaround time and asset management system which provides a full calibration audit trail make us a preferred supply with some of the UK’s largest organisations.

Our turnaround times for asset calibration within our UKAS laboratories is industry leading, helping to ensure you have less downtime.