FAQ

Calibration is essential to maintain measurement accuracy and reliability. Over time, instruments can drift due to environmental factors, usage, or aging, leading to inaccurate readings that affect quality, safety, and compliance. Australian Calibration Group ensures that instruments perform within their specified tolerances, enabling businesses to meet industry regulations, prevent costly errors, and maintain customer trust.

Calibration frequency varies widely based on factors such as:

• Instrument Type: High-precision instruments may need more frequent calibration.
• Usage Frequency: Instruments used daily or in demanding environments often require more frequent calibration than those used sparingly.
• Environmental Conditions: Harsh conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, humidity, or dust) can accelerate drift, necessitating more regular calibration.
• Regulatory Standards: Some industries have strict guidelines for calibration intervals. For example, equipment used in pharmaceuticals or laboratories may require annual or biannual calibration as per regulatory bodies.
• Manufacturer Recommendations: Many manufacturers provide a recommended calibration schedule for specific devices.

Australian Calibration Group adheres to national and international standards to ensure consistency, traceability, and accuracy. Common standards include:

• ISO/IEC 17025: A general requirement for lab competence, it ensures calibration is performed by trained professionals with validated processes.
• Australian Standards (e.g., AS/NZS 2243.8-2014): Local standards specific to Australia, such as those for safety in laboratory fume cupboards.
• NIST or National Standards: Labs may also use traceability to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or other national bodies, depending on the country, to maintain measurement consistency.

The calibration process involves several key steps:

• Initial Inspection: The instrument is visually inspected for any physical damage or signs of wear that might affect performance.
• Testing: The instrument’s measurements are compared to those of a traceable standard (e.g., a reference gauge, meter, or solution with known accuracy).
• Adjustments: If readings deviate beyond acceptable tolerances, the instrument is adjusted or fine-tuned to bring it back within specification.
• Documentation: Results are recorded in a calibration certificate, which details the measurements, adjustments made, and traceability to standards.
• Final Verification: After adjustments, the instrument is re-tested to confirm accuracy and performance.

Turnaround time can vary based on:

• Instrument Complexity: Complex or highly precise instruments may take longer.
• Current Lab Workload: Busy periods may extend the turnaround, while Australian Calibration Group can offer priority services for urgent calibrations.
• Scope of Calibration: If an instrument needs repairs or adjustments, this can add time.
• On-site vs. Off-site: On-site calibrations can sometimes be quicker, though they may be subject to scheduling availability. We will provide clients with an estimated completion date at the time of booking.

Australian Calibration Group’s calibration certificate is a formal document that serves as proof of calibration and includes:

• Instrument Details: Type, make, model, and serial number.
• Date of Calibration: The date when calibration was completed, often used to schedule the next calibration.
• Measurement Data: Recorded measurements before and after calibration, with any adjustments noted.
• Uncertainty of Measurement: This indicates a degree of confidence in the measurement results, factoring in variables like environmental conditions and standard accuracy.
• Traceability: Shows the calibration is linked to recognized standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025 or national standards).
• Technician Details: Name and signature of the technician or authorized personnel who performed the calibration.

The cost of calibration varies depending on:

• Instrument Type: Complex instruments or those requiring special standards generally cost more to calibrate.
• Scope of Work: Full calibration versus verification checks, adjustments, or repairs.
• Urgency: Expedited services can be offered at an additional cost.
• Travel for On-Site Services: If on-site calibration is required, travel and setup costs may be included.

ACG will always provide you with a detailed and transparent quotation prior to any calibration to assist with budgeting accordingly.

If an instrument is found to be out of specification:

• Notification: The client is informed, and any options for repair, adjustment, or recalibration are discussed.
• Repair and Adjustment: Some labs offer in-house repair services to bring instruments back within acceptable limits.
• Recommendation: If the instrument cannot be calibrated within specification, labs may recommend replacement options or alternative solutions.
• Out-of-Tolerance Reporting: If an instrument fails calibration, labs may provide a report on the level of deviation to help clients assess its impact on previous measurements.

Clients can take a few steps to prepare their instruments for calibration, which helps ensure accuracy and efficiency:

• Clean the Instrument: Dust and debris can affect readings, especially for sensitive devices.
• Remove Accessories: Unnecessary attachments or accessories that are not part of the calibration process should be removed.
• Notify of Any Issues: If the instrument has shown irregularities or issues, inform the lab, so they can inspect these areas more closely.

Australian Calibration Group offers on-site services for instruments that are too large, sensitive, or complex to transport. Common factors regarding on-site services include:

• Availability: Some labs provide on-site calibration only for specific equipment types or industries.
• Cost: On-site services may include travel and setup fees.
• Environmental Conditions: For some instruments, on-site calibration is beneficial as it allows testing under real operational conditions.
• Scheduling: Clients need to schedule on-site visits in advance to ensure availability and coordinate with lab personnel.

Get in touch with our team today to book in your on-site calibration visit.