ALFA-TECH CALIBRATION LABORATORY PRIVATE LIMITED

1. Metrology Laboratory Calibration Programme Management

Metrology is the backbone of the quality system and plays a vital role for the industry to keep pace with fast-developing technology and high-quality standards.

Measurements are made at several points in the production process. For the measurement to be meaningful, accuracy or uncertainty statements should be specified. The accuracy of measurements determines that production meets the goals of quality, safety, reliability, and productivity.

The process of quantifying the measurement uncertainty of an instrument that is referenced to standards of measurement from a common source is termed calibration. Accurate measurements play a crucial role at each stage in the development and production of quality products. The effectiveness of the quality control steps depends directly on the accuracy and confidence with which the test and measuring instruments yield results.

Systematic periodic checking (i.e., calibration) of instruments is essential for maintaining market competitiveness. Customers expect dependable calibration to guarantee product quality. Calibration program management ensures that instruments are maintained within accuracy limits sufficient for the intended task.

Key Factors in Calibration

• Calibration involves comparing two measurement devices: one of known uncertainty (standard) and one of unknown uncertainty.
• Reference standards must have traceability to national/international standards.
• Calibration done too often wastes time and money; delayed calibration wastes product.
• Calibration should be done under controlled laboratory environmental conditions.
• Onsite calibration requires rugged, transportable, environmentally compensated systems.

Environmental Controls

• Temperature
• Relative humidity
• Cleanliness
• Vibration
• Electromagnetic interference
• Voltage regulation of electric power

ISO Guidelines for Calibration

• Identifying the calibration requirement of instruments
• Selection of standards and measuring devices with accuracy consideration
• Environmental controls
• Establishing calibration traceability
• Calibration procedures
• Personnel requirements and training
• Calibration interval and labeling
• Sealing for integrity and maintaining calibration records

Calibration may be performed in-house or by an external agency. Instruments must be labeled with the calibration date, due date, limitations (if any), and the calibration agency. Records should be maintained to meet regulatory and contractual requirements.

2. Quality Management System for Metrology Laboratories

Laboratories that design and deliver calibration/testing services should adopt the ISO/IEC 17025 standard as their quality system. To further ensure customer satisfaction and demonstrate technical capabilities, ISO/IEC Guide 25 should be followed.

Features of ISO/IEC Guide 25

• Management Responsibility: Organizational requirements, supervision, protection of customers' rights, and independence of judgment.
• Quality System: Procedures for quality system implementation in laboratories.
• Contract Review: Ensuring facilities and resources for new work.
• Design Control: Methods aligned with national/international standards.
• Document & Data Control: Proper maintenance and control procedures.
• Purchasing: Evaluation of subcontractors and verification of purchased products.
• Control of Customer-Supplied Products: Verification, storage, and maintenance.
• Product Identification & Traceability: Unique identification and traceability of resources.
• Process Control: Personnel, equipment, methods, and environment requirements.
• Inspection & Testing: Procedures for inspections and quality of subcontracting.
• Control of Equipment: Calibration, traceability, handling, and identification.
• Non-Conforming Products: Amendments to reports/certificates allowed.
• Corrective & Preventive Action: Complaint handling, audits, corrective actions.
• Handling, Storage, Packaging & Delivery: Proper handling of calibration/test reports.
• Control of Quality Records: Confidentiality and record requirements.
• Internal Quality Audits: Planned and periodic audits required.
• Training: Ensure personnel are up-to-date.
• Statistical Techniques: For quality checks, uncertainty determination, and sampling.

3. Role of Calibration Services

For global trade, units must be disseminated successfully. National Metrology Institutes ensure the reliable realization and maintenance of measurement units.

For industrial progress, strengthening metrological infrastructure through calibration services is crucial for international acceptance of products.

Main Objectives of Calibration Services

• Develop infrastructure for distributed metrological competence linked to national standards.
• Accredit calibration laboratories to issue traceable calibration certificates.
• Maintain traceability via interlaboratory comparison between National Metrology Institutes.
• Ensure long-term compliance with accreditation criteria.
• Maintain traceability of test and measurement equipment to national standards.
• Comply with ISO/IEC Guides and related application documents.
• Promote international recognition of calibration certificates to avoid duplication of work.