“With great power comes great responsibility.” I’m guessing 4 out of 5 people would attribute this quote to Ben Parker, uncle of Peter Parker, from the Spider-Man movies and comic books.

Establishing calibration intervals for gages and instruments is a tricky business, particularly if you’re starting from scratch. Calibration data, knowledge of metrology and experience come into play in this game so before we begin, let’s look at the goal we hope to achieve.

A number of measurement devices come equipped with internal or user calibration functions. Allowing the user to calibrate their measurement equipment on a more frequent basis gives greater control over the quality process; however, with great control comes great responsibility. 

Despite best efforts, auditors find things. It is their job. Why wait until audit day to uncover problems? In the words of Walt Disney, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” 

I offered some comments that relate to gaging problems in the last column but thought it would be worth giving measuring instruments the same treatment.

Creaform has launched the R-Series Productivity Station and the R-Series Autocalibration Kit. Both are key upgrades to its robotic metrology dimensional measurement solution, which offers an efficient alternative to traditional shop-floor CMMs.

Nothing could be simpler than fixed limit gages which explains why they remain so popular. But nothing so simple can remain so when humans are involved. 

This is the fifth acquisition in Spain and it expands Trescal’s geographical footprint to Catalonia.

MTC is a Nadcap accredited special processor, providing a complete range of NDT testing services and related chemical processing, primarily servicing the aerospace industry, with a unique niche service focused on titanium critical rotating parts.