On 7 September, Lourens van Niekerk from WIKA presented a very interesting topic: ‘Calibration – necessary evil or quality driver’.
Calibration either confirms the measured value of an instrument or gives an indication of change/drift over a period of time. This provides a history on devices to take into consideration when planning for calibration or replacement of these devices.
Johan Maritz (left) thanks Lourens van Niekerk after the presentation.
The following definitions are important to understand when referring to the calibration process:
• The displayed value of the measuring instrument is compared with the measuring result of a different measuring device which is known to function correctly and accurately.
• One talks about verification when the calibration has been carried out or supervised by an official body.
• With adjustment, it is understood that there is an intervention to the measuring device in order to minimise a detected measuring deviation.
The most common question by customers is: “What is the recommended period of validity?”
This is not a single straightforward answer, as the period of validity can be determined by any of the following:
• Quality assurance standard.
• Manufacturer’s instructions.
• Standard or in-house and customer specific regulations.
Calibration is important to:
• Prevent loss of revenue.
• Save raw materials during production.
• Decrease emissions and pollution.
• Prevent incorrect process control situations from arising (safety).
Levon van Wieren (right) receives the prize from Johan Maritz.
The evening ended with a lucky draw, won by Levon van Wieren, and then snacks and networking.
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