QS 4.11 Control of Insp., Meas., & Test Equip.

[Dawn]

Loudred,
Start with compiling a list of every gage you have in-house. Give each gage a unique identification that will stay with it through the life of the gage. Determine what gages need calibrated and whether they can be calibrated in-house or need to be sent out. Look for a good software program and you are well on the way. You will need a work instruction for each type of gage stating how often it is calibrated; who is responsible for calibration, etc. Hope I helped you get started, Dawn

 

[LoudRed]

I've been in the Quality field for more than ten years, but this is the first time I've been tasked to set up a Calibration and Gage Control System.

Is there a "Calibration Systems for Dummies" book out there, or something to that effect. Any assistance on how to set this up from the Level II documentation on down would most definitely be appreciated.

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LoudRed

 

[Jim Evans]

I find it amazing that you were able to go 10 years without knowing if your measuring tools were in calibration. Be that as it may, Dawn covered the most important points of a calibration system. I would only add that when you get to the point of Measurement System Analysis, a good reference source (cheap too, about $10) is the MSA book from AIAG. Good Luck.

Jim

 

[LoudRed]

Dawn and Jim,

Thank you for your responses. I appreciate them.

I do think you misunterstood what I said Jim. I did not say I did not know if my equipment was out of calibration. I did say that it's the first time that I've been tasked to set up a Calibration and Gage Control System. Big difference there.

It's more of not being sure what all I need to set up the whole system, and the steps involved in that.

But again, I do thank you both for you comments.

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LoudRed

 

[Marc]

Look in the qs_proc directory (it's inside the pdf_files directory) and look for the procedure that corresponds with 4.11.

How many instruments/gages do you have in-house?

 

[energy]

We were recently asked to provide gage R & R for our measuring equipment during a Supplier Survey. First, though I gloss through the threads regarding R & R, it's greek to me. Secondly, our main measuring instruments are 25 FT Measuring Tapes and Torpedo (bubble)levels. Our tolerances, because we fabricate custom made large systems, are +/- 1 1/2" on piping systems. For welded structures, they are +/- 1/4". An inspector's dream. I marked it N/A. I would expect some static if they select us, during their site visit. I'm sure that there are some heavy duty R & R experts that visit the forums. Do any of you see a problem with my response? What's the benefit for us and them to have that requirement in our case? Fire away.

energy

[This message has been edited by energy (edited 02 August 2001).]

 

[Jim Evans]

energy, in the Tooling and Equipment Supplement to QS-9000 that we use as the basis for our quality system there is an exemption from MSA for small hand held gages not requiring set-up. About 98% of our measurements are also done with tape rules. We have been ISO and now QS/TE since 1997 and we have never had any problems with customers or auditors on this topic. The tape rules are still calibrated and traceable but no studies are ever done.

I can't imagine you would get too much static on this but if you do, try showing a copy of Element 4.11 in the TE Manual to them. If the automotive people don't have a problem with it, your customer should find it acceptable too. JMO

Jim

 

[energy]

Jim

Thanks for the response. It's one of those areas that I have had no exposure to. The closest thing that came close to R & R was two or three inspectors getting together to measure a specific part to compare who had the best feel of the micrometer. The one closest to the shadow graph was declared the winner with fake admiration and mock bowing from the rest of us. Yup, I inspected for 14 years before making the Quantum leap to Management. Sometimes I wish I had stayed there. But then I wouldn't have the time to play around in the Cove and meet smart people like y'all.

energy

 

[Al Dyer]

Just a thought for all those that use tape measures and rules:

A gage is a gage, do a gage R&R. With these type of gages you will probably find that the human error is the most prevelant. But with some of the specifications being 1-2" I think that the R&R will not be that bad.

MHO

ASD...

 

[Dan Armstrong]

I understand the importance of reducing product variation in performing a gage R&R. With that in mind, how would one go about performing one on gage that does destructive testing?

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TheBigSmellyOgre