Using Customer Unit as Reference Standard

D

Duke Okes

#11
For me an important question is how long you will need to rely on use of this temporary standard, and what the risks are if it introduces additional error into your measurement system.
 
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BradM

Staff member
Admin
#12
I am a bit confused here as to what the levels are we are talking about.

Let's assume there are three levels: Level 1 is a master standard, Level 2 is a standard calibrated by a level 1, and level 3 are the instruments being calibrated by the 2. Level 1 is approximately 4 times more accurate than level 2, and level 2 four times more accurate than level 3.

The same level should not be used on another instrument of the same level. So whichever one you are shipping off (your equipment used for calibration), you need to "borrow" equipment at that same level, or higher level.

So I would recommend against using a level 2 to calibrate a level 2, and so forth.

Now... let's assume you are using a level 1 or 2 to calibrate a level 3; and the level 1 or 2 is your customer's unit. I would say it is OK, as long as you can provide evidence that the customer's unit received some kind of rudimentary check prior to use, that it was OK to use it instead of your regular standard (procedural), and that you have the ability to assure the unit was fit for use while you used it (as found and as left data). So, if the unit was calibrated in June, and you used it for your use until November. Prior to returning it to the customer, you would need to have a calibration performed to assure that it was not out of tolerance while you were using it. You will want to maintain records of the calibration of the unit that you used for calibration.

Assume you have the proper accuracy ratios and that you have the other stuff covered, then the question (possible ethical question) is whether it is appropriate to borrow the customer's equipment. I would ask yourself "how would you feel if someone was using your standards in their shop?" Not saying it is right or wrong, but I would consider that, and let a good, ethical decision guide your actions.:):agree1:
 
E

EMacP

#13
I am a bit confused here as to what the levels are we are talking about.

Let's assume there are three levels: Level 1 is a master standard, Level 2 is a standard calibrated by a level 1, and level 3 are the instruments being calibrated by the 2. Level 1 is approximately 4 times more accurate than level 2, and level 2 four times more accurate than level 3.

The same level should not be used on another instrument of the same level. So whichever one you are shipping off (your equipment used for calibration), you need to "borrow" equipment at that same level, or higher level.

So I would recommend against using a level 2 to calibrate a level 2, and so forth.

Now... let's assume you are using a level 1 or 2 to calibrate a level 3; and the level 1 or 2 is your customer's unit. I would say it is OK, as long as you can provide evidence that the customer's unit received some kind of rudimentary check prior to use, that it was OK to use it instead of your regular standard (procedural), and that you have the ability to assure the unit was fit for use while you used it (as found and as left data). So, if the unit was calibrated in June, and you used it for your use until November. Prior to returning it to the customer, you would need to have a calibration performed to assure that it was not out of tolerance while you were using it. You will want to maintain records of the calibration of the unit that you used for calibration.

Assume you have the proper accuracy ratios and that you have the other stuff covered, then the question (possible ethical question) is whether it is appropriate to borrow the customer's equipment. I would ask yourself "how would you feel if someone was using your standards in their shop?" Not saying it is right or wrong, but I would consider that, and let a good, ethical decision guide your actions.:):agree1:
After reading all, I think it boils down to ethical decision. I decided not to attempt this method. But as a future preventive measure to my current problem is to provide temporary extension to my due standard by a mth or two (as long i sample check my measurement parameters that they did not deviate much from the last calibration) when I have to send the other similar standard for repair and cal. I will add this to my documentation process. To all, thank you for your views. really helpful.
 
I

Inunez

#14
this is simply a question of traceability. say you are using item B (the customer's item) which you calibrated using item A (your standard). Item B is traceable to item A, therefore, as long as item B was calibrated before the cal date on item A became an issue, you can certainly still list your reference as item A because, once again, B is traceable to A. as long as item B can fulfill your needs completely, there shouldnt be a problem using it in the place of your primary standard. this is assuming that it is more accurate than the item you are calibrating using item B. you could use either a dial indicator and a height transfer with gage blocks or a digital height gauge to test for height. either way, its all traceable to the gauge blocks that were used to calibrate the height gage and the dial indicator.
 

Hershal

Metrologist-Auditor
Staff member
Super Moderator
#15
It is possible, though not recommended. Once you receive the customer unit, have it calibrated by an accredited lab with better uncertainty than you can do. Then make sure you calculate the uncertainty to include that unit.

Also, make sure you have a policy to allow this, as your AB will want to see it.
 
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