The Control of testing equipment refers to the process of ensuring that test equipment is properly calibrated, maintained, and operated to produce accurate and consistent results. The goal of test equipment control is to ensure that the equipment provides reliable and accurate results. That the manufactured products meet the required quality and safety standards.
All assessment, measurement, and test equipment, which is used as part of all periods of product / process validation, shall be controlled and calibrated against widely traceable standards at specified intervals. The programming used to control the form should also be checked for proper function. This is related to all the instruments in the calibration framework/instrument stickers that indicate the calibration status. Where material, calibration support is maintained, care must be taken.
Overview : Control of testing equipment
It is important to note that the quality manager’s duty is related to the control and calibration exercise. So that all measurements, test equipment and test programming used to control manufacturing/manufacturing processes are maintained at recommended intervals.
The calibration framework similarly extends to manufacturing, installation, tooling, and tooling that can influence product quality or be used to measure defined attributes. For that some special steps have to be taken which are as follows.
This includes steps such as:
- It is very important to compare the results of the test equipment with a known standard and adjust the equipment as necessary to ensure that it provides accurate and consistent results.
- Regular cleaning and inspection of equipment to ensure that equipment continues to function properly if full Control of testing equipment over production area processes is desired. Also, repairs and replacements are required as needed.
- Establish clear and consistent instructions for use of testing equipment to ensure that equipment is used correctly, and results are consistent across operators. These instructions may be in the form of work instructions or standard operating procedures.
- Ensuring that operators using test equipment are properly trained in its use and maintenance.
- Verifying test equipment results for accuracy and consistency by comparing results to known standards. Reviewing test results for patterns or trends that may indicate problems with the equipment or manufacturing process.
- Documenting and recording the test equipment control process for future reference and traceability.
- Auditing the test equipment Control of testing equipment process to ensure that it is properly implemented and followed.
In addition, on the off chance that the device cannot be adjusted ie the measuring tape must be confirmed against a guaranteed standard before it can be used.
All representatives with measuring equipment used to check products must be registered with Quality and ensure that they are subject to all controls of the Calibration Framework. Representatives should not, under any circumstances, use their measuring instruments that are not filled and aligned.
Equipment accuracy & precision review
Accuracy and precision of equipment Ensuring that appropriate inspection, measurement, and test equipment is selected to achieve the required specification accuracy and precision. The quality team is responsible for selecting the appropriate tools to conduct quality measurements, so careful selection is essential. So how should the accuracy and precision of the equipment be reviewed which is as follows:
Equipment accuracy and precision review is the process of evaluating the performance of test equipment, to ensure that it is accurate, and providing complete results. This involves comparing equipment results to known standards and checking for patterns or trends that may indicate a problem with the equipment or manufacturing process.
This process should be carried out on a regular basis, depending on the production area whether it is done annually or semi-annually. It should also be done when there is a change in equipment or manufacturing process, or when there are concerns about the accuracy or precision of the equipment.
Review Process
This can be reviewed in the manufacturing facility or in a dedicated testing laboratory. Because it requires special facilities and services.
It is also worth noting that the review should be conducted by a qualified person. such as a metrology specialist with experience in quality control or test equipment and calibration.
So how to do this review process is also important, usually see the following steps, which show the general process:
- Calibration of equipment to ensure that it provides accurate and consistent results
- Inspection of equipment to ensure that it is in good working order.
- Comparison of instrument results with known standards.
- Reviewing test results for patterns or trends that may indicate a problem with the equipment or manufacturing process.
- Documentation of the review process, including any issues identified and any steps taken to resolve them.
The review process is necessary to maintain the integrity of the manufacturing process, and ensure that the products meet the required quality and safety standards, only when the equipment provides accurate and precise results.
Individual proof and Maintenance
All dynamic instruments are entered on a controlled rundown that demonstrates the calibration interval. All inspection, measurement and test equipment should be calibrate to a widely use or globally traceable benchmark for verification purposes and mark with a calibration sticker.
Where down to earth, equipment has to be secure with carefully design seals to prevent unauthorised repair or alteration. All equipment should be distinguished by a uniquely identifiable proof number, which is either the manufacturer’s serial number, or a number assigned by the organization.
Calibration is done either by external calibration research centers or internally. When outside administration is used, they join the list of approved suppliers and are monitored by the organization’s provider rating framework to maintain compliance with the lab’s use of quality and execution requirements.
All dynamic instruments are entered on a controlled rundown that demonstrates the calibration interval. All inspection, measurement and test equipment should be calibrated to a widely used or globally traceable benchmark for verification purposes and marked with a calibration sticker.
Where down to earth, equipment has to be secured with carefully designed seals to prevent unauthorized repair or alteration. All equipment should be distinguished by a uniquely identifiable proof number. Which is either the manufacturer’s serial number, or a number assigned by the organization.
Calibration is done either by external calibration research centers or internally. When outside administration is used, they join the list of approved suppliers and are monitored by the organization’s provider rating framework to maintain compliance with the lab’s use of quality and execution requirements.
Calibration of testing equipment for Control
All internal calibrations are to be made according to the composed directions, instruments may be balanced or straightened as necessary when out of calibration conditions are found. The same acceptance criteria should be used for association calibration, as they are set by the device manufacturer rules.
We should note that calibration of test equipment provides precise and consistent results. It is the process of adjusting and testing the performance of the equipment to ensure it. This involves comparing the instrument results to known standards and making necessary adjustments to ensure that the instrument is providing accurate results.
Calibration of test equipment should be done on a regular basis, such as annually or semi-annually. It should also be done when there is a change in equipment or manufacturing process, or when there are concerns about the accuracy or precision of the equipment.
Calibration Processing
The Calibration can be performed either on-site, at the manufacturing facility. Where the equipment is being use, or off-site, in a dedicating calibration laboratory.
It is very important that the calibration process should be carrying out by a qualified person such as a meteorologist. The calibration technician who has experience with test equipment and calibration.
The calibration process generally involves:
- Cleaning and inspecting the equipment.
- Comparing the results of the equipment to known standards.
- Adjusting the equipment as necessary to ensure that it provides accurate results.
- Identification of the equipment, calibration Documentation of the calibration process, including the date and results of the calibration, includes steps.
Testimonials of calibration are to be kept on file for all instruments adjust by calibration research centres. Each instrument must be traceable to its own specific calibration history record. Including its identifying proof number, storage area, make or sort, calibration iteration, reference principles use, date of actual calibration search, and should an incident occur. Note the moves include as well as the unacceptable results.
Test programming that is used for evaluation and testing as well as verification of process implementation must be approved before it is used for product confirmation. Standard programming purchased from commercial sources is requested with declarations of approval. Programming that is created in-house is approved and supported according to its documentation, which contains guidelines for proper work approval.
Approval Procedure | Control of testing equipment
Programming is reapproved at an approved interval or at any time a conversion from first discharge is introduced. In the event that it is confirmed that the instrument is out of calibration. The quality manager looks for the validity of the measurements. For which the tool was previously used and surveys the acceptance status of the entire affect product.
At the appropriate opportunity, all non-conforming product is segregate, and non-conforming product is identify as in the process control. In the event a non-conforming product is ship, the client is notified immediately. Any measurement or test equipment that gives erroneous readings is checked and adjust.
The approval process for testing devices in production may typically include the following steps:
Equipment Evaluation
Equipment is thoroughly evaluated to ensure that it meets the specifications and requirements required for the manufacturing process. This includes reviewing the technical specifications of the equipment, evaluating its performance and checking that it meets any relevant industry standards.
Quality Control Review
The instrument is review by the quality control department to ensure that it produces accurate and consistent results. This includes checking the accuracy and precision of the equipment. The calibration checks to ensure the equipment is giving accurate results.
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is carrying out to identify any potential safety hazards associate with the equipment and to ensure that the equipment is safe to operate.
Training
Operators using the equipment are trained, including instructions on how to operate and maintain the equipment.
Documentation
Detailing with documentation is creates for the equipment. Including device identification, date of approval and any relevant specifications and requirements.
Auditing
The approval process is audited to ensure that it is being properly implement and follow.
Final Approval : Control of testing equipment
Once all the above steps are complete and the equipment is deem satisfactory. Final approval is given for the equipment to be used in the manufacturing process.
The approval process for testing equipment in manufacturing is a critical step in ensuring that the equipment is safe to operate. It can provide accurate and consistent results, and that the integrity of the manufacturing process is maintained.