Torque equipment is vital in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, solar power, construction and general manufacturing. These industries rely on accurate measurements that can be trusted to ensure each component and bolt is tightened to the correct tolerances.
When it comes to torque measurement, there is no compromise. Accuracy and precision are essential, which is why it is imperative that torque equipment is regularly calibrated. However, knowing when to calibrate can be a challenge. The intervals at which you should calibrate your torque equipment will largely depend on their use and how they are stored.
That said, there are three signs that your torque equipment needs to be calibrated. These are inconsistent measurements, equipment wear and tear and exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended calibration period. Let’s take a closer look at each of these signs and what the torque calibration procedure involves.
Why is torque calibration important?
If you do not regularly calibrate your torque equipment, you are increasing the risk of errors that can occur due to inaccurate measurements. These errors can lead to:
- Safety risks that could make operating conditions dangerous
- Component failure that can potentially lead to harm or downtime
- Higher costs due to product defects, recalls and non-compliance with regulatory standards
Spotting the early signs that your equipment requires calibration can prevent these errors from occurring. It can also prevent costly downtime, reduced efficiency and ensure your operations are safe.
What are the early signs that your torque equipment needs calibration?
Having a regular calibration schedule is vital for maintaining accuracy and performance, but sometimes, your equipment may need calibrating sooner than planned. Here are three of the early warning signs to be aware of so you can quickly recognise the need for calibration and address potential issues.
1. Inconsistent measurements
If you are experiencing inconsistent measurements, then this can be a clear indication that your equipment isn’t accurate and needs calibration. Inconsistent results can be caused when components become worn with regular use.
They can also be caused by environmental changes, such as being stored in cold conditions or when an internal drift occurs in the equipment. If repeated measurement discrepancies are noticed, it’s vital to act quickly and recalibrate your equipment.
2. Equipment wear and tear
Over time and with regular use, torque equipment will begin to show signs of wear and tear. While this is to be expected, it’s important to regularly check springs, gear and calibration mechanisms to ensure they are in good working order.
Visible signs such as loose fittings, your equipment making unusual sounds, or not being as responsive are markers that your tools may need recalibrating. Addressing any wear and tear issues helps extend the lifespan of your torque equipment and ensures precision in your operations.
3. Exceeding the manufacturer’s calibration period
Every manufacturer of torque equipment will include a recommended calibration interval for their equipment. This acts as a guideline for when their equipment needs recalibrating but does not factor in things such as high usage, poor storage, damage to the equipment or excessive wear and tear.
If you exceed the manufacturer’s recommended calibration period, your tools are more likely to experience measurement drift. This can lead to inaccurate or inconsistent readings, which may pose safety risks or cause non-compliance with regulations. Even if your equipment seems to be working fine, it’s crucial to stick to the manufacturer’s calibration schedule.
The benefits of regular torque calibration
Torque calibration is an essential process for any operation that relies on accurate and consistent fastening. Beyond compliance, regular calibration enhances your team’s confidence in the tools they rely on daily. Regular torque calibration ensures your equipment operates accurately, efficiently and safely.
The key benefits of including regular torque calibration in your maintenance schedule include:
- Enhanced safety and security of the end-user
- Less downtime
- Extended life of equipment
- Confidence in measurements
- Cost savings
- Compliance with regulatory standards
- Traceability of tool history
- Boosted operational efficiency
Where can you get torque wrench calibration?
If you are looking for calibration of your Crane torque wrenches, look no further. We are global experts in torque measurement and offer high-quality support for our products and solutions from our accredited service and calibration centres. We are on hand to provide you with the technical advice and guidance you need to help ensure your Crane torque wrenches and torque equipment stay accurate and reliable.
Offering full traceability, we can provide reference or calibration for torque ranges from 0.1 Nm to 28,000 Nm. Need higher calibrations? At our external facilities, we can provide calibration for torque ranges up to 165,000 Nm.
We’re proud to offer first-class inhouse calibrations as well as 3rd party accredited calibration services such as UKAS and NIST. We are also ISO 17025 accredited and ISO 9001 and 14001 registered, giving our customers peace of mind that they are in safe hands when it comes to torque wrench calibration.
Contact the calibration experts at Crane
Find your nearest service centre or contact us to discuss your requirements. Our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Our calibration services can extend the life of your torque measurement equipment and ensure it delivers accurate readings every time.