CALIBRATION FEATURE
ppropriate calibration of a torque wrench tool is the key to reliable results. But most of the people handling this tool are either unaware or confused when it comes to various aspects of its calibration. This guide will help address the
TORQUE WRENCH CALIBRATION A
Edward Simpson, calibration and technical engineer at RS Calibration Services, provides a simple yet precise guide for the appropriate calibration of torque wrench tools
Besides this, there are other
factors which play an important role in the frequency of calibration of your torque wrench.
many questions which people may have regarding torque wrench calibration and also help them approach the process in a more effective way.
THE NEED FOR CALIBRATION A torque wrench which is not calibrated as per its requirement can have a lot of negative effects on your business. Firstly, you can put the safety of your workers at risk without a properly calibrated tool. Secondly, it can compromise the integrity of the equipment. These negative impacts finally lead to unsatisfied customers and costly problems such as reduced instrument life. To avoid such setbacks or failures in your business operations, suitable calibration is a prerequisite for your torque wrench tool.
THE FREQUENCY OF CALIBRATION The most widely accepted standard practice when it comes to the frequency of calibrating your torque wrench is that it should be calibrated every 5,000 cycles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. But it is subject to change with the nature of industry. For instance, in the aviation industry given the importance of safety, there is a set calibration schedule which needs to be followed as is. Users should also keep in mind that a five per cent calibration error window is generally permissible and any error beyond this may affect the tool’s performance.
FACTORS IMPACTING CALIBRATION How is the user treating the torque wrench? Has it been dropped or used in a field where there are increased possibilities for damage? Is it subjected to intensive application equal to or more than 25 per cent of the maximum capacity? If your answer to all of these questions is a yes, then your tool should be calibrated with higher frequency, with fewer gaps between two simultaneous calibrations. The user also needs to consider the
temperature in which the torque wrench is used. Unusually hot, cold, humid or wet conditions can affect the frequency of calibration. It is also advisable to calibrate the tool in temperature conditions similar to which it is used in. Moreover, storage conditions also matter considerably. Apart from all of these, you also need to pay close attention to the readings and look for any discrepancies. For example, if they develop a tendency to jump at a certain repetition point your tool needs to be calibrated.
CALIBRATION SERVICES This is another major confusion faced by many torque wrench tool owners. While many prefer the DIY method to calibrate
their tools, there are numerous others who rely on professional calibration services for their precision. There is a specific and valid
Edward Simpson, calibration and technical engineer at RS Calibration Services
procedure which the users can follow to calibrate their torque wrench tool themselves. At the same time, there are many organisations which offer professional calibration services. Depending on the usage and application of the tool, people can choose either of these two options. To put things in perspective, if
“You need to pay close
attention to the readings and look for any discrepancies. For
example, if they develop a tendency to jump at a certain repetition point your tool needs to be calibrated."
the tool is used for applications which rank on small to medium level intensity, the user can go for a DIY procedure to calibrate the tool. Whereas, industrial giants where high intensity operations are routine, or even numerous mid-sized organisations mostly prefer professional instrument calibration services to achieve accurate and reliable results. To conclude, a torque wrench tool should be calibrated regularly as per its requirement. At the same time, it would be wise to remember that your torque wrench tool should not be over-calibrated. This increases the downtime of the
instrument and generates unnecessary expenses as
well. So factor in all of these aspects and choose the calibration options best
suited to achieve dependable and accurate results.
RS Calibration Services
www.rscal.com
INSTRUMENTATION | SEPTEMBER 2017 23
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