Calibration
THE STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE OF TREATING CALIBRATION AS A SERVICE
By Joern Migge, head of Market Management and Service, Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection P 56
recision in manufacturing is often measured in grams, not guesses. Small inconsistencies in product weight can lead to higher costs, wasted materials and strained compliance processes. While calibration is a routine requirement for any business using automatic weighing instruments, its real potential lies in how it is used. Calibration is the process of assessing how closely a weighing instrument performs compared to a known reference value. It allows manufacturers to understand the possible variation in readings and determine whether equipment is delivering consistent results. This variation is called measurement uncertainty. When viewed not as a technical obligation but as a tool for improvement, calibration becomes a key driver of performance. It supports better decision-making, improves reliability on the line and helps manufacturers respond more effectively to commercial and regulatory pressures.
Automatic weighing instruments, including checkweighers and catchweighers, are subject to gradual performance drift. Factors such as mechanical wear, conveyor misalignment and ambient conditions can all affect weighing accuracy. Regular calibration identifies these issues and helps teams understand how closely
instruments are performing to expected standards. The brand new EURAMET (European Association of National Metrology Institutes) Calibration Guideline No. 26 provides a structured method for determining this uncertainty. Developed with manufacturers such as Mettler- Toledo, it outlines how calibration should be conducted in production environments using appropriate test loads and process conditions. It also defines how to calculate repeatability, reproducibility and the effects of off-centre loading. For manufacturers, this creates a consistent framework that supports accurate comparison across lines and sites.
However, the value of calibration is not in the measurement alone. It is in how the results are applied. Manufacturers who treat calibration as a core part of their service and maintenance strategy will see far more value than compliance alone would offer.
CONTROLLING COSTS THROUGH PROCESS IMPROVEMENT Many manufacturers operate in environments where even small inefficiencies have a significant financial impact. Consistent overfilling of packs may seem minor on a single unit basis but can result in thousands of pounds in product giveaway over time.
Underfilling, on the other hand, risks non-compliance, customer dissatisfaction and costly recalls. Calibration data helps to pinpoint where these issues are occurring. It can show whether instruments are consistently reading above or below expected levels and whether environmental factors or loading methods are contributing. Acting on this information allows teams to fine- tune processes and reduce unnecessary costs without compromising quality.
IMPROVING MAINTENANCE STRATEGIES AND EXTENDING EQUIPMENT LIFE Treating calibration as part of a broader service strategy also supports better planning. For example, if a checkweigher shows increasing variation across weights or signs of deteriorating repeatability, it may indicate that servicing is needed before a more serious fault develops. Over time, tracking these patterns allows maintenance teams to shift from reactive repairs to proactive interventions. This reduces unplanned downtime, supports higher line availability and extends the life of critical equipment. Where replacement is under consideration, calibration data can also help determine whether performance remains within operational limits or if investment is justified.
June 2026 Instrumentation Monthly
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