Application note: Improving productivity in a temperature calibration laboratory
September 2009Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Web exclusive – read the full paper online
Abstract
Many calibration laboratories and instrument shops face the problem of delivering more accurate calibrations in less time and at lower cost. Although improving quality and performance while reducing cost is a difficult problem, it is also an old problem that manufacturers have been facing for years. Lean manufacturing, a concept pioneered by Toyota, offers an approach that may benefit service as much as it does manufacturing. This paper describes how lean manufacturing principles were used to improve quality and productivity in a temperature calibration laboratory.
Introduction
Fluke’s Hart Scientific Division maintains a temperature calibration laboratory in American Fork Utah, providing NVLAP accredited calibration services (lab code 200348) from approximately –200°C to 1000°C. Lab associates take pride in the fact that their calibration uncertainties are among the best commercially available in the world. In spite of the laboratory’s technical successes, Platinum Resistance Thermometer (PRT) calibrations still took too long and occasionally had to be repeated.
The calibration process used by the Hart Scientific team is accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) sponsored by the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST). Accreditation is a result of a high level of competence and a lot of effort by the team and management. However, there were still some issues that the team wanted to resolve.
Good calibrations just seemed to take a long time. With all of the procedures and quality checks necessary to ensure good work, it became difficult to keep the output level high. The team decided to investigate whether anything could be done to improve the efficiency of their processes without damaging the quality.
To find out how Fluke improved its process capacity through better process flow, process layout and adding automation, visit: http://instrumentation.co.za/+C13025
Automated test and measurement Comtest
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Comtest, in partnership with global brands, provides customised solutions with integrated hardware and software for efficient testing and data collection.
Read more...Three ways to conduct thermal inspections Comtest
Temperature Measurement
There’s no universal solution for all infrared inspections with a Fluke thermal camera, also known as a thermal imager. You need to match your method to the type of equipment you’re inspecting and the level of detail you require.
Read more...Multimeters: the perfect entry-level choice Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Experience the precision, durability and safety of professional-grade test tools with the entry level Fluke 15B+ and 17B+ digital multimeters.
Read more...Inline particle measurement Mecosa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Part of the SOPAT family, Parsum has for more than 20 years stood for the measurement of particles in a running process - without sampling and without a laboratory.
Read more...Inline analysis measurement technology Mecosa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
SOPAT develops and sells a photo-optical and image-based inline analysis measurement technology that quantitatively characterises particulate multi-phase systems. The software provides real-time analysis of particle size distribution.
Read more...Comtest celebrates 20 years Comtest
News
It is said that time flies when you’re having fun, and so it seems to be for the Comtest Group of Companies, established in 2005, which is proudly celebrating 20 years of successful trading in the southern African test and measurement, communications, equipment, solutions and specialised systems markets.
Read more...Measuring and analysing PV circuit performance Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Regardless of the test method, you must know the plane of array irradiance and cell temperature to evaluate PV circuit performance. Proper sensor types and test methods like the Fluke Solmetric PVA 15i-V curve tracer should be used for reliable results.
Read more...UV water treatment system
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
bestUV is an innovative manufacturer of professional ultraviolet (UV) water treatment systems for industrial markets.
Read more...Prioritising arc flash safety Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.
Read more...RS PRO a key partner for planned maintenance RS South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
RS PRO, the own-brand of RS, offers a comprehensive selection of over 80 000 products spanning all industries and technologies.
printer friendly version