We really don't want to put labels on our gages. We are pursuing QS-9000 at one plant and ISO 9002 at another. We do precision machining of engine and gear parts, and have about 10,000 special gages, air gages, ring, thread, plug, mikes, etc.
Can you give us some advice about this?

No doubt about it, your measurement / test equipment must be identified "...with a suitable indicator..." as to its calibration status. QS9000, 4.11.2.d

Note that the note in 4.11.2.d states a serial number traceable to a calibration record is acceptable.


I saw a system that had only serial numbers on all measurement devices. The gage person stated that ALL gages out on the floor were within their calibration cycle or they would not be there. Try as I could, every gage I sampled was up to date. This worked for them.

Our system is to put the due date on all gages. We have done this for years, and has worked. We have only about 1,000 total controlled gages. Prior to that we tried colored stickers and paint dots. Too complicated, though, so we found stickers that STUCK and just put the due date on it.

It would be difficult to not have some form of serialization in place, particularly when you must demonstrate bias, linearity, adjustment trends, etc., for each gage. If you have 10 similar pressure gages, for instance, is one more or less used than another? Is one wearing out more than another.

the ID number, and a circulated/posted cal report by area works well......Also color coded markings for month due works too.