Automation In the Calibration Industry
Automation has taken over in recent years, improving efficiency and cost effectiveness in various sectors ranging from the manufacturing industry to healthcare. Calibration is no exception as it demands the highest standards of accuracy and precision. Automation gives us an encouraging path forward, as it helps us retain these high standards while maintaining consistency.
Calibration Isn't Just About Setting a Standard; Its About Maintaining It
In complex industries such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals or manufacturing, there is very little margin for error. Even a single miscalibrated instrument could lead to regulatory non-compliance, faulty productions and safety risks. With the introduction of automation, this process is now more streamlined reducing errors, speeding up workflows and enhancing accuracy.
Lets take a deeper dive into how automation is reshaping the calibration industry along with some real world examples.
The Key Benefits of Automating Calibration
- Saving time and Improving Efficiency: Calibrations that previously would have taken a technician an hour to finish can now be completed in a fraction of the time. With advances in technology, automated systems now allow for simultaneous multi-channel calibration, so that more than one device can be calibrated during a single cycle, further improving efficiency.
- Consistent, High Quality Results: Automated calibration systems follow a strict and repeatable process that is highly precise. This eliminates the potential for human error. Even a miniscule deviation can cause serious consequences which is why consistency is paramount. Automation will allow us to ensure that every calibration is performed exactly to specifications making data more reliable.
- Regulatory Compliance: For companies such as BHD, who operate under strict regulatory standards like ISO 17025, tracking calibration data is crucial in meeting compliance standards. Automated systems can capture, store and organize data in real time, giving us easily accessible digital records of every calibration completed. This digital traceability is valuable for audit and quality assurance purposes.
How Additel is Making Calibration Smarter
Automation in calibration isn't just theoretical, its happening now with some impressive tools especially from Additel, one of the industry leaders in calibration technology.
For instance, the Additel 762 is an automated hydraulic pressure calibrator, that handles complex high-pressure calibrations. It automates pressure generation and controls up to 15,000 psi. Its auto purge system simplifies air removal and optimizes workflow efficiency which ensures uninterrupted calibration cycles. This unit is perfect for complex calibration environments such as oil and gas where consistency and reliability are paramount.
What the Future Holds
The future of automation in calibration looks promising, as it is likely to continue expanding. With the increased prevalence of AI, we could potentially see calibrators that can analyze previous performance data to predict and diagnose issues before they actually appear. AI powered diagnostics could allow calibrators the ability to automatically recognize potential irregularities and adjust them in real time.
Automation is bringing a level of precision and efficiency that is much more than just simply speeding up tasks, it's revolutionizing how calibrations are done, making them safer and far more reliable than ever before. Companies such as Additel are at the forefront of this transition with their innovative technologies that meet the most stringent standards.