Choosing The Right Calibration Service And Becoming A Calibration Technician

Calibration can be a really complicated job. It involves a lot of adjustments and monitoring, not to mention tinkering of machine parts that you cannot identify. For some machines especially those that are already digitalized calibration may involves something as simple as installing the software and running it in your computer.

This however can be quite tricky and if you really don't know what you are about, then it is best to leave the tinkering and adjusting to the experts who know their stuff.

But before launching into getting the right technical service and the right technician, let us define first what a calibration is. Calibration is the process of adjusting the values of a machine so that it will correspond to the standard values. This is an important process especially to those who rely on the measurements and values that they machine give for their jobs and work.

Examples of these are laboratories, markets, business, processing plants and factories. Calibration is even done at home with our personal computers. When we adjust the color in our screen to suit the color that comes out from our printers, we are also doing calibration, color calibration to be exact.

But while calibration such as the can be done at home, there are some that cannot be accomplished without a technician. This is especially true with machines that are big and complicated.

Remember that whatever values you will get when you calibrate your machines, will be the standard value for you whether or not it is the right value or not. Problem is the wrong calibration values may affect your business or your work. This is frequently what happens with people who calibrate their machines themselves or those who choose to avail cheaper services.

Of course, it is not a requirement to avail of the most expensive calibration service that you can find. In looking for calibration services, make sure that you go for the company that has a proven track record. Research on the company before you hire them. Ask people you know for referrals. Chances are they might know a company that offers quality service at lower prices compared to others.

Another way for you to ensure that you are getting the best service is to also choose the calibration technician. Of course, being your first time to hire in the company, you might not know that many people. What you can do in this instance is to ask for people who have already hired people from the company. They will surely know a person who you can put your trust into.

Becoming A Calibration Technician ?

Today, in order to minimize possible existence of errors and greater cost of manufacturing, flaw detection equipment or methods are greatly needed. In fact, more and more companies and laboratories used reference standards such calibration to assure that minimum flaw or error can be detected.

As defined, calibration refers to the process of checking and adjusting the accuracy of a certain unit by comparing its end results with a known significant value. But, aside from minimizing the possible error in a certain endeavor, calibration is important because it can avoid the further degradation of any measurement due to prolonged use, intended abuse, drifts, or even aging.

OVERSEEING THE CALIBRATION PROCESS

In fact, ISO9000 and other standards state that the maximum period between calibration and re-calibration should at least be once every two years or more regularly if instrument degradation is becoming more and more noticeable during specified period. But, in order to ensure the quality of the measurement, many companies and users opt to implement annual calibrations.

Since calibration is required by national and international standards usually agencies that require a specific system of periodic calibration and maintenance to avoid destructive testing companies must hire a person that would oversee the calibration process the calibration technician.

Expected to calibrate, adjust, and repair test measurement and diagnostic equipment, calibration technicians are also required to follow all 17025 and/or standard metrology, procedures, polices and practices. Calibration technicians are also expected to calibrate mechanical, electrical, and optical measuring instruments while preparing written calibration procedures and ensure their proper implementation as well as oversee calibration activities within the department. Aside from these, calibration technicians are expected to:

- Suggest and create changes to the usual calibration procedures
- Able to provide calibration certificate data to Metrology Manager
- Know when to notify the Calibration manager if an out of tolerance condition is discovered
- Give an off site support for the customers
- Able to meet the statutory and regulatory requirements like having the ability to lift 50lbs unassisted and the like.
- Aware when to stop working and inform proper management upon observing a non-conformance in the procedure
- Have calibration certification or equivalent experience
- Understand and comply with management policy and adhere to its quality policy.

To be able to become a calibration technician, a university degree in a related technical discipline complemented with a background in Mathematics and Physics is a must. Usually, those who have excellent written and verbal communication skills have more advantage over those who don't.

Aside from that, most companies also require their calibration technician to gain advanced understanding of related, complex concepts and procedures.