Q&A on Calibration.
1) How often do I need to calibrate my force gauge or torque tester?
Although the included Nextech calibration certification is valid for one year, under normal use it is recommended that you calibrate the gauge at least every 2 years. However, some organizations have required quality standards that governs the level of calibration assurance as well as the time period between calibrations. This is usually an annual process.
Important note: If, within the diagnostics menu page, an increased Current Offset is observed compared to the “original offset”, normally between 2-5% variance. Or if the force gauge has sustained an Overload while powered on or off, the gauge should be considered to be out of tolerance and should be inspected before re-use.
2) Where can I send the gauge for calibration?
In many cases our Nextech Service Center can assist with this depending on the gauge capacity and level of calibration required. We can also assist a third party lab of your choosing by supplying them with the required calibration manual, etc.
As mentioned previously, some organizations are required to have a certificate of calibration with accepted traceable standards that is recognized within their country. In these cases, you will need to send the gauge to a lab that is nationally certified in carrying out this process. You can find these labs by searching the internet or if you are having difficulty, you can contact us for assistance.
3) The shipping costs involved in sending in a gauge for calibration are very high. Is there any lower cost option?
The need for calibration highly depends on the required levels of accuracy, reliability, documentation and analytical importance of test results. For example, a hobbyist will likely have different needs in these areas than an organization involved in aerospace manufacturing.
If there is no real need, you can delay the calibration. Nextech Global occasionally offers a rebate program to exchange your old gauge with a new one. It will often cost about the same, or in some cases less than sending the gauge in for calibration, and you get a new, calibrated unit with a full one year warranty.
4) I need a NIST Traceable calibration certificate from certified lab, can I send the gauge to Nextech Global service to do it?
Although we use NIST traceable equipment in our calibration process, our service center is not a NIST certified calibration lab and therefore we suggest that you send the gauge directly to the certified calibration lab of your choice. This will reduce your shipping costs and time involved.
5) I need the password to re-calibrate the gauge.
The calibration manual containing the password can be downloaded from the www.forcetorque.com web site.
6) What should I do if my gauge/tester fails calibration?
Re-calibration can be expensive. If your Nextech gauge has sustained damage, if there are overloads to the gauge either while powered-on(recorded) or powered-off(unrecorded), or if the Current and Original offset variance is greater than 2-5%, your gauge should be repaired or replaced to avoid the additional expense of a failed calibration. Otherwise, if the gauge has been properly cared for and is in good working order, it should be easily re-calibrated to meet our manufactured specifications.
To avoid possible “hidden costs” at third party labs, we STRONGLY suggest that you talk with your calibration lab in advance about this process. Ask questions regarding what is included in the quoted price and for what services you will be charged extra.
For Example: Is the quoted price “all inclusive”, and what is the cost if they cannot complete the calibration?
If the gauge is “out of tolerance”, is there an extra charge for adjusting the gauge’s calibration?
We also believe that it is a good idea to replace the battery before the calibration process, so you may want to take this into consideration in advance.
