First Draft Micrometer Calibration Procedure

[wesatwork]

In Reply to Parent Post by wesatwork

8.2 doesn't address the disposition of parts that were measured with the out-of-cal device, only the micrometer itself. The standard asks that you also take appropriate action on any product affected as well.

It's fine if you want to have a separate procedure for outside micrometers only, but you're setting precedence. An individual procedure for each device (which will include repeating redundant info if you want to preserve the "look and feel" from procedure to procedure) is going to very time consuming and unnecessary work, especially for someone who seems to be pinched for documentation time.

At our work place, we have ONE procedure for calibration but we have many WI's, one for each type of device. If, for whatever reason, you need to make a change to the upper (general) areas of the procedure that are common to each, you're looking at having to revise each and every one of them to ensure consistency.

On another note, you can depend on engrained behavior, but in my experience, documenting it just once can save you future headaches. The prcedure doesn't specifically say that cal is required after a drop, so if it isn't carried out, the fault only lies with the procedure.

In order to meet a deadline I am submitting some procedures in this current format. I do see value in what you are saying, in regards to having a higher level calibration document and numerous/individual calibration process steps. Moving forward I may write some more device procedures in the same format and begin a draft (I am green and still working out the big picture ideas) for the higher level calibration document.

[wesatwork]

In Reply to Parent Post by AndyN

Can you help me with this one? I've not heard how this is carried out. I've heard of using optical flats, but never a gauge ball. I'm willing to learn another method! Thanks!

I have never done it myself, but I think you measure your gage ball standard at several places between the anvil faces. Four corner points and center?

[AndyN]

In Reply to Parent Post by wesatwork

I have never done it myself, but I think you measure your gage ball standard at several places between the anvil faces. Four corner points and center?

Hmmm...I'd go with the tried and trusted method using an optical flat!

[Mikishots]

Upon review of the thread, I've been thinking that some of the confusion lies with the definition of a procedure and a work instruction. A procedure defines what needs to be done at what time and under what conditions. A work instruction defines how to do something.

So according to these definitions, one procedure can be drafted that describes the calibration process - controls, identification, schedule, recall method, reference standards, lab conditions etc. The multiple work instructions would be specific to a type of equipment; one for slide calipers, one for pressure gauges, one for micrometers, one for pin gauges etc.

Hope that helps.