Calibration

and testing of
tightening systems
pocket guide
1
 Calibration services from
Atlas Copco
With calibration laboratories accredited by local accreditation bodies in several
locations around the globe, Atlas Copco has a special position among tool
manufacturers. However, the calibration services offered are not limited to torque.
Atlas Copco is also a provider of calibration services of angle, force and electrical
values. Atlas Copco operates calibration laboratories in over 20 countries across
the globe. Of course, most calibration services and machine capability testing
can also be performed at customers’ plants. Customers often request these
on-site services to minimize downtimes. Our accredited laboratories are certified
according to ISO/IEC 17025 and meet all the requirements of quality standards
including ISO 9001, ISO 10012 and IATF 16949.

2 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

Calibration and testing of tightening systems

1. Introduction 4

2. Why are measurements and calibration required? 4

3. Definitions 4

4. Norms and standards 8

5. Measurement and calibration laboratories 10

6. Types of calibrations 11

7. Calibration procedure 13

8. Certificate requirements 15

9. Calibration intervals 16

10. Who is allowed to carry out calibrations? 16

11. Particularities of angle calibration 17

12. Special considerations for calibration work in

connection with tightening systems 18

13. Particularities of force calibration 19

14. Hydraulic wrenches 20

15. What type of calibration makes sense? 22

16. Quality assurance, liability and environmental

protection 22

17. Industry requirements 25

18. Asset management 26

19. Benefits of calibration 27

20. Further information sources 27

21. Your professional calibration service provider 28

22. Our logistics solutions 28

23. Training, seminars and workshops 30

Appendix 31
3
 1 Introduction
Proper measurements are a fundamental and
essential element of industrial quality assurance.
This applies not only to the international
standards for quality management systems (ISO
9001, ISO 10012, QS 9000, IATF 16949 etc.) but
also concerns product liability issues (see page 22)
and environmental protection.
Accuracy is ensured by calibrating and, if
necessary adjusting the measuring equipment.
A number of standards state requirements
concerning equipment calibration; some quality
standards call for regular calibration so that the
deviation between the actual reading and the
correct value is known at all times. Equipment
Tensor electric nutrunner with controller
must be appropriately calibrated to reach the
accuracy required in its field of application.
This pocket guide is intended to help you achieve
reliability, quality and safety in the use of bolted
assembly tools – for example, considering product
liability issues. The guide defines key terms of
measurement and calibration regarding industrial
tools and provides a large number of suggestions,
for example, on the intervals and methods for
testing of electric and pneumatic nutrunners. Also
covered are matters such as who is allowed to
perform calibrations of the measuring equipment
and relevant calibration procedures.

2 Why are
measurements and
calibration required?
Pneumatic and electric tools need to be
measured and verified at regular intervals.
Calibrated measuring equipment is used for this
purpose. This ensures that the tools function
correctly and precisely.
With present quality requirements, this Measuring equipment can only work
procedure is essential due to the ultimate accurately if it is tested and calibrated at
product responsibility of the manufacturers. regular intervals.
Only tools that have been properly serviced

3 Definitions
and adjusted ensure proper production results
and avoid incorrect tightenings which might
be expensive and safety-critical. With regular
measurements and calibration, manufacturers This section explains the definitions of a few key
can avoid production problems and possible terms in order to avoid misunderstandings. In
legal consequences. practice, these terms are often used in incorrect
contexts or are understood incorrectly.

4 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

Calibration Measurement
Calibration is the determination and Measurement means determining whether a
documentation of the deviation between the requirement, such as the correct functionality or
reading of a measuring instrument or a control accuracy of a system or measuring instrument,
unit to the value indicated by a higher-level is met. Normally, the result of a measurement
reference device. This means that two values are is a measured value or a series of measured
compared with each other, one of which is known values. A measurement result always represents
and fixed. an estimation that is more or less precise and
During the calibration of a measuring instrument, includes a measurement uncertainty. The
the correlation between the input and the output objective of measurement is to make a clear
is determined and documented under defined statement regarding an unknown factor.
conditions. The input is the physical parameter to
be measured, for example, torque or rotational Standards
angle. The output is often an electrical signal (measurement standards)
of the measuring instrument but may also be a
In English, the term “standard” is used both to refer
displayed value.
to a written document stating requirements and
to a standard measurement instrument used in
Calibration: Using a defined calibration processes. This paragraph deals solely
measurement system, two values with standard measurement instruments.
are compared with each other: A standard is definition of a given quantity – i.e.,
the value given by the device to it is a sort of reference. A well-known standard in
be calibrated and the value given this sense is the atomic clock kept by the German
by the reference. National Institute (PTB) in Brunswick. This effectively
“standardizes” time by defining a second using a
constant in atomic physics. This constant is realized
Adjustment using cesium atomic clocks. On this basis, we all
Adjustment is the process of setting a measuring know how long a second or an hour is and whether
instrument in such a way that the deviation our clock runs properly or needs adjustment.
between the actual and the required measured Another very well known standard is the primary
value is as small as possible and is within the kilogram (mass) of the International Bureau of
equipment specification. Adjustment represents a Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sèvres in France.
physical change to the measuring instrument.
Adjustment is often closely connected with
calibration. The objective of the two processes is
to detect and document deviations. If the reading
given by a measurement device or the output of
a controller is found to be outside the admissible
tolerance limits during the calibration process, the
equipment must be adjusted until the measured
values are within these tolerance limits.
Primary kilogram

Adjustment: If the reading

of a measurement device or
the output of a controller is
outside the acceptable tolerance There are also standards for other physical dimensions
limits, the equipment needs to such as torque, force or temperature. Most countries
be adjusted. have their own national standards which apply

5
to the specific country but are also compared on The certificate issued by the certification body
an international level. Standards used in the is a confirmation of compliance with standards.
production process are referred to as Certificates are often issued with expiry dates and
working standards. are verified independently to ensure compliance.

Verification Accuracy
Verification is the process of checking against a Accuracy describes the ability of a measuring
reference unit to confirm that an instrument fits instrument or a machine to deliver values that
the specification provided by its manufacturer. are near to the true value. The machine capability
indices Cm and Cmk are often mentioned in
Certification connection with accuracy. These indices were
Certification is a confirmation of processes and established in the automotive industry as a
routines concerning norms and standards by method of assessing the quality and suitability of
an independent, accredited certification body. power tools.

Left: High Cm value but low Center: Low Cm value and Right: high Cm value and high
Cmk value. With reference to low Cmk value. The nutrunner Cmk value. In this particular case,
a nutrunner this would mean delivers a different result for the nutrunner always delivers
that the unit worked with almost every tightening. the correct result with high
high repeatability but always repeatability or is always within
achieved the wrong results. the specified torque range.

The machine capability index (Cm value) is a to the specified range, the higher the Cm value
measure of the general ability of the tool to and the more reliable the production process.
produce required quality at the operating point. In other words, if you throw three darts at the
The operating point should be at the center board, they will always hit a specific field but this
of the specified range. The index indicates the will not always be the bull’s-eye. If the machine is
repeatability of the machine. Systematic errors set precisely to the center of the specified range,
are not taken into consideration. The critical the Cmk value will be equal to the Cm value. As
machine capability index (Cmk value) however, the setting moves away from the center of the
indicates the deviation between the operating specified range, the Cmk value will be reduced.
point of the tool and the target value. In other The aim is to achieve Cm and Cmk values that
words it gives an indication of compliance are as high as possible. The diagram with the
with the required operating point. Cmk also dartboards gives a graphic illustration of this
takes systematic errors of the machine into point.
consideration.
A high Cmk value can only be reached with a high
The lower the standard deviation in relation Cm value!

6 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

Measurement uncertainty which has been calibrated using a higher level
measuring standard.
Measurement uncertainty is a measure of the
accuracy of a measuring instrument at operating Any measured value is subject to a measurement
conditions. Measurement uncertainty is not a uncertainty. This uncertainty grows with
fixed quantity but is determined individually increasing distance from the highest-level
for each measuring instrument. It is used to standard in the hierarchy (see diagram below).
determine whether a measuring instrument is Each standard or measuring instrument should
suitable for the required quality process. The be calibrated using higher-level reference. As a
optimal choice of a measuring instrument saves rule of thumb, the standard (reference) used for
costs as excessive accuracy may be expensive. calibrations should have at least five times higher
accuracy than the device being calibrated.
Tolerance
The tolerance is the difference between the upper
Traceability: Even measurement
and lower limit, i.e., the admissible deviation
standards (references) are not
from a target value. In other words, deviations
always absolutely accurate.
from a target value are permitted as long as the
Within the calibration hierarchy,
measured value is within the defined tolerance.
the measurement uncertainty
Traceability of the standards used increases
from top to bottom. Each
Traceability describes a process by which the value measurement standard or
indicated by a measuring instrument is compared measuring instrument should
with the national standard through one or more therefore be calibrated using
steps. In each step, a measurement instrument is standards of higher accuracy.
compared with a measuring standard (reference)

7
Measuring instruments requirements in the implementation of quality
management. It may be used both for the
Both the devices used for measurements and the
implementation of quality management within a
standards (references) used for verifying these
company and to demonstrate to third parties that
devices are measuring instruments. In addition,
the company complies with certain requirements.
a distinction is often made between instruments
used for quality assurance and those which are ISO 9001: This international standard defines
used for other purposes. the prerequisites to the quality management
system in the event that an organization needs
to demonstrate that its products conform to the
requirements of customers and legislation and
that it aims to improve customer satisfaction. The
standard outlines a model for an entire quality
management system.
QS 9000: This American standard was
developed to meet special requirements of car
manufacturers on the USA market. It adapted the
ISO 9001 system to the special needs of
the automotive industry. Since 2006 all QS
9000 certifications are terminated and have been
replaced by the international standard
IATF 16949.
IATF 16949: Requirements for Quality
Management Systems. This specification describes
special requirements for the application of ISO
9001 to vehicle and spare part production in the
automotive industry. The previous version of this
standard was known as ISO/TS 16949.
VDA 6.1 - 6.4: These codes of practice of the
Measuring instruments used for quality assurance, German automotive industry are binding on
such as the transducer shown above connected suppliers of German car manufacturers and
to a data analyzer, or the torque/angle wrench are quite similar to the requirements of IATF
shown on the right, must always be properly 16949. The VDA 6 is classified into two areas,
calibrated using references of higher accuracy. management and products & processes.
ISO/IEC 17025: This standard defines
general requirements for the competence of

4 Norms and measurement and calibration laboratories.

ISO/IEC 17025 enables accredited laboratories
standards to demonstrate that they generate valid
measurement results, thereby promoting
The most important norms and standards for confidence in their work.
quality assurance and industrial production are
ISO 10012: This standard describes quality
briefly explained below. This list does not claim to
requirements for measurement management
be exhaustive.
systems. The standard provides guidance for
ISO 9000: This international standard the effective management of measurement
defines basic principles and terms for quality processes and metrological confirmation of
management systems. The standard describes measuring equipment and helps in ensuring that
the requirements to be met by the management both measuring equipment and measurement
of the company in order to comply with certain processes are suitable for the intended purpose.

8 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

 measure the rotational angle either directly (part
By the way : If you are interested
1) or indirectly via a gyroscope (part 2). This is
in detailed definitions of the
currently the only verified calibration standard on
relevant terms, you will find
the international market for angle calibration of
further information in the
transducers and is thus used as a basis for many
“International Vocabulary of
national norms in this area.
Basic and General Terms in
Metrology” issued by VIM. ISO 5393: specifies a performance test method
for power assembly tools. This is the only
The following norms and standards international norm covering this subject and
describe the most important calibration has recently been updated and extended to
and measurement procedures used in cover pneumatic as well as electric/battery
connection with tightening systems: powered tightening systems. This norm does not
recommend nor set any acceptance criteria.
EURAMET/cg-14: This is one of the most
important standards for torque calibration. It ISO 6789: This norm defines the calibration
describes calibration procedures for torque procedure for torque wrenches, and is divided
measuring instruments. The results of the into two parts. Part 1 is intended for the
calibration process are classified. The class manufacturers of the wrenches and describes
indicates the accuracy of the measuring the minimum requirements for declaration
equipment concerned. This standard is very of conformance. Part 2 describes instead the
similar to the German DIN 51309 upon which it requirements for calibration and determination of
is based. measurement uncertainty. This second part is the
relevant one for industrial users.
DIN 51309: see above.
ISO 376: This standard describes the
VDI/VDE 2646: A German standard that defines
calibration procedure for force transducers.
the minimum requirements for the calibration of
Such transducers can, among others, be used
torque measuring equipment. It is often referred
for calibration of press systems used in many
to as a factory standard as the procedure is
assembly processes. The calibration process
considerably simpler than the EURAMET cg-14.
covers both tension and compression. The
Other than in EURAMET cg-14, the measurement
launch of this standard has unified and replaced
results are not classified.
a number of national standards.
VDI/VDE 2645-2: This relatively new standard
VDI 2862: Although not a calibration standard,
describes very comprehensive procedures for
this norm describes the classification of joints using
machine capability testing (MCT) on power
threaded fasteners and is a guide to the selection
tools used in tightening systems. This procedure
of the correct tools for a particular application. This
uses different kinds of statistical analyses of
on the other hand, has a large impact on the type
the measured readings in order to provide an
of calibration needed for particular tools.
assessment of the tool’s performance. This
standard covers only tools that have a controllable
target variable such as torque. Stall-type tools are
not covered by this standard. VDI: Association of German Engineers
actively developing national norms
VDI/VDE 2647: This standard defines the
and specifications for areas where an
procedure for tool type testing (homologation,
international norm is not available, is
see page 13) of power tools. The standard is very
outdated or does not meet the current
comprehensive and is used as a verification that
requirements of the industry.
a certain tool type is adequate for a particular
A number of the VDI norms have over
production process.
the years become international de-facto
VDI/VDE 2648: This standard defines procedures standards and/or are often used as a
for the traceable calibration of rotational angle basis for international norms.
sensors and measuring equipment which
9
 assessment and monitoring. This ensures the
ISO: International Organization for high quality and reliability of the calibration
Standardization creates norms and services performed by accredited laboratories.
standards that can be used to ensure In general, it is necessary to distinguish between
that materials, products, processes and accredited calibration laboratories and non-
services are suitable for their purpose. accredited factory calibration laboratories.

Accredited calibration
laboratories
Accredited calibration laboratories perform
calibration work on measuring instruments
for the measured dimensions and within the
measuring ranges defined by their accreditation.
The calibration certificates issued confirm that
the calibration work performed has followed
defined standards or procedures and is traceable
to national measurement standards. This
traceability is required by the ISO 9000 family of
standards and by ISO/IEC 17025.
Most national accreditation bodies are
members of ILAC (the International Laboratory
Accreditation Cooperation). This means that
calibration certificates are recognized in other
ILAC member countries as well.

Non-accredited factory
calibration laboratories
Factory calibration laboratories are not
accredited by a national authority or institution.
A calibration expert performing professional
They perform measurements and calibration
calibration in an accredited calibration
work in accordance with their own procedures.
laboratory
Strict compliance with the applicable norms
and standards is not ensured. The measuring
5 Measurement references used may or may not be calibrated

and calibration
in a traceable way. The quality of these
laboratories is normally not supervised by any

laboratories independent institute. It is therefore highly

questionable whether calibration certificates
issued by these laboratories would be
Users can choose between many different
recognized by a court of law in product liability
calibration laboratories and a number of different
proceedings. In such liability proceedings, the
calibration and measurement procedures. It is not
court has to determine whether appropriate
always easy to find the laboratory or procedure
quality assurance processes were applied and
that is appropriate for a specific purpose.
if the calibration procedures are in accordance
Almost every country has an accreditation body with the current state of the art of calibration.
that is responsible for ensuring the quality of Only in exceptional cases do factory calibration
national calibration laboratories. Accredited laboratories meet all of these requirements.
laboratories are subject to continuous impartial

10 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

 certificate provides evidence in case of any
Accredited laboratories perform related product liability issues (see page 15).
calibrations on measuring instruments Also, through the ILAC agreement an accredited
which are clearly defined in their calibration certificate is valid internationally.
accreditation. This work is regularly
Typically accredited calibrations of torque
verified and monitored by their
measuring instruments are performed in
national accreditation body.
accordance with the European standard
Factory calibration laboratories EURAMET cg-14 or similar national standard.
are not accredited by a national Accredited angle calibrations are carried out
authority or institution and there according to the VDI/VDE 2648 or corresponding
is a lack of independent control national adaption of this norm (see page 9).
and verification of procedures and
results.

6 Types of
calibrations
Many laboratories and providers of calibrations
offer a wide variety of measurement and
calibration services. Selecting the right one is
not a trivial matter, on the contrary it is essential
for quality and safety reasons. The first step is
to define whether a tool for production or a
measuring instrument is going to be calibrated
as the procedures are very different and also
have different aims. Production tools need to
fulfill requirements of reproducibility and stability
in the manufacturing line, whereas measuring
equipment needs much higher accuracy but does
not necessarily need to have the same kind of Performing an accredited calibration
durability as production tools. In both cases the of measuring equipment.
issue of traceability of results is crucial.

Accredited calibration ILAC (International Laboratory

(measuring equipment) Accreditation Cooperation): an
Accredited calibrations are performed in agreement signed by almost all
accordance with defined norms and standards industrialized countries. Certificates from
using validated procedures which can only be accredited laboratories of the member
performed by accredited calibration laboratories. states are recognized by other ILAC
The measuring equipment used for calibration member countries.
must be traceable to national standards. In
addition, the measurement uncertainty must be Trend: The number of accredited
calculated and stated in the certificate. Accredited calibrations is increasing rapidly in order
calibration laboratories have considerable to avoid the large number of dubious
metrological expertise. calibrations being offered by questionable
non-accredited calibration providers.
For this reason, an accredited calibration

11
Factory calibration have been able to agree upon one common
calibration procedure. This has resulted in very
(measuring equipment) many dissimilar calibration procedures and results,
Factory calibration (also sometimes referred which are not comparable, making international
to as “working standard calibration” or “ISO recognition of such calibration certificates
calibration”) normally involves a simplified impossible in most cases. Therefore these kind
measurement procedure under the sole of accredited calibrations are unfortunately not
responsibility of the calibration laboratory. The covered by the ILAC agreement.
scope of calibration differs from laboratory to
laboratory and may often be highly restricted.
Factory calibration services do not necessarily
comply with the requirements of national
or international standards. The measuring
instruments used might lack the traceability to
national standards. Also, quite often there is no
statement of the measurement uncertainty. There
is no formal obligation considering the content
of the calibration certificate. This is indeed a
problem, which in recent years, has grown
bigger as a number of non-accredited calibration
providers have started offering dubious
calibration services at a very low price. For this Bottom brackets for bicycles have right-
reason, the general trend is towards accredited and left-handed threads. In order to
calibrations which ensure the trustworthy and achieve the correct torque, nutrunners
documented measuring results. must therefore operate equally accurate
However, many accredited calibration laboratories in clockwise and counter clockwise
also offer factory calibrations as a simplified, directions.
low-cost alternative. Reputable calibration
laboratories offering factory calibration services Machine capability tests
still operate in accordance with defined,
validated measurement procedures. They are (production tools)
often simplified but based upon national or A machine capability test (sometimes also
international standards and are apparent to the referred to as tool calibration or comparison
user. These accredited laboratories ensure the measurement) is performed in order to determine
traceability of the reference equipment and also the Cm and Cmk values of the tool. On the basis
when performing factory calibrations. of the results and their statistical evaluation, it is
possible to determine whether a tool is suitable
Accredited calibration for a specific application or not.
(production tools) Well-equipped laboratories are able to simulate
A number of countries (especially in Asia as well the actual tightening application (for example,
as North and South America) offer accredited using a test bench, see photo on page 13.
calibrations for production tools. The reason why Often, a series of “soft” and “hard” tightenings
such calibrations are not offered globally is an are simulated to determine whether the tool
ongoing dispute on whether and how dynamic complies with the relevant requirements.
production tools can be calibrated. This fact has Unlike the “accredited tool calibration” (see
led to the situation that some national institutes above), a machine capability test (MCT) is a
offer this kind of accreditations and other do not. process which is internationally recognized by
Also a major issue here is that so far, none of the the industry. The most well-known international
national institutes offering these accreditations standard describing how such MCTs should be

12 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

performed is the ISO 5393. Another standard
which in the past years has won international
acceptance is the German VDI/VDE 2645-2.

tool. Often, homologation is performed in order

to obtain approval for the use of a particular
machine type for a production process. In the
automotive industry, homologation is often
required and is performed according to the VDI/
VDE 2647.
Homologation may also be performed if there
The machine capability of tightening is reason to suspect that quality problems are
tools needs to be tested regularly using caused by a specific type of tool. The objective in
measuring equipment, which is traceably this case is to obtain comprehensive information
calibrated, such as this test bench. on the behavior of the particular tool type.

Calibration
7
procedure
A typical calibration procedure follows a number
of defined steps (see diagram on next page):
1. Test of functions and visual inspection to
identify any damage to the equipment to
be calibrated. The objective is to identify any
damage to the housing, display, cables or
contacts of the equipment. The inspection also
covers any accessories as well as the technical
documentation required for the calibration
(such as technical data, operating instructions,
Homologation service documents).
(production tools)  A test of functions is then performed on the
Unlike the MCT where a single tool is being equipment to be calibrated. This test verifies
tested a homologation is a tool type test. For this proper operation of the equipment and also
purpose, up to three of the same type are subject covers basic settings, self-test functions and
to this quite time-consuming procedure. Some zero point alignment.
of the test runs are performed under extreme 2. Following the inspection, it is necessary to
conditions. The test period is considerably longer decide whether the equipment is suitable for
than for a MCT. The homologation procedure calibration in its current state or if it needs to be
also determines typical Cm and Cmk values of the repaired. If repair is necessary, the calibration
13
 laboratory contacts the customer in order to
agree on the scope and cost of repair work. If
Calibration procedure
it is not feasible to repair the equipment, the
laboratory suggests that the equipment should
Start
be scrapped and replaced.
3. I f the equipment is suitable for calibration,
a calibration procedure according to the
defined norm or standard is carried out. If the Visual inspection and
equipment needs to be optimized and this test of functions
has been agreed upon with the customer,
an adjustment of the device is performed.
Following the adjustment the calibration
procedure is again repeated. No
Instrument fit for Repair or possibly
4. A
 fter the calibration procedure has been calibration? scrapping
completed, the laboratory specialists check the
plausibility of the measured data. In the event Yes
of deviations, the calibration procedure may be
Calibration according
repeated or the equipment may need to to defined procedure
be repaired. followed by adjustment
if necessary
5.If the results of the plausibility check are
acceptable, a calibration certificate and
any other relevant documents are issued in
accordance with the applicable norms and Plausibility check of
standards. Finally, the equipment which has measured data
been calibrated is labeled. Labeling normally
includes a recommendation of the next due
date. However the final responsibility of the
NOT OK
right calibration interval lies with the customer.
OK or NOT OK

OK
ascopco.com
atl
Issuing of calibration
certificate/
documentation
Next due date
20
19 20 21 22
Labeling of
Factory calibration label instrument

End

Typical calibration procedure, from visual

inspection and test of functions, through
calibration and plausibility checking of results,
followed by documentation and labeling of
Accredited calibration label (scale: 1:1) the device.
14 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems
 Certificate
8 certificates cover at least the following:
•  Unique identification of measuring
requirements instrument
•  Calibration date
What information should a certificate include?
•  List of references and information on
The kinds of certificates provided by different
traceability to national standards
service providers differ heavily.
•  Calibration procedure / norm
The information which is required in an accredited
calibration certificate is clearly defined and must •  Calibration results
cover the following points: •  Individual calibration number for the
•  Unique identification of measuring measuring instrument
instrument (type and serial no.) •  Ambient conditions
•  Calibration date •  Identification of institute and signature of
•  Customer and customer’s address person who performed calibration

•  List of references and information on The certificate issued for a machine capability
traceability to national standards test (MCT) is similar to a calibration certificate but
depends to some extent on the type of device and
•  Calibration procedure / norm
the procedure applied. Proper certificates should
•  Ambient conditions include no less than the following information:
•  Achieved calibration results •  Unique identification of tool
(if applicable, before and after adjustment)
•  Customer and customer’s address
•  Measurement uncertainty
•  Test date
•  Validity interval
•  List of references
•  Adjustment or calibration value
•  Test procedure / standard
•  Possible restrictions on use
•  Maximum, minimum, specified target and
(depending on results)
measured values
•  Individual calibration number for the
•  Adjustment value
measuring instrument
•  Defined error limits
•  Unique identification of the accredited
calibration laboratory •  Determined Cm and Cmk values

•  Names and signatures of persons who •  Identification of institute and signature of

performed the calibration person who performed calibration

•  Name and signature of calibration laboratory In all cases, no matter if factory or accredited,
manager or his deputy missing or incomplete information is a sign of
lack of competence of the laboratory or service
When it comes to factory calibrations the
provider and should be questioned by the
situation is not as clear. As factory calibrations are
customer. A proper certificate is needed in case of
the sole responsibility of the calibration provider,
any liability issues and to prove the traceability of
the factory calibration certificates issued may
results. Missing, misleading or wrong information
differ substantially. There are currently no binding
is a severe risk for customers.
requirements and the certificate issued may
range from a simple sales slip without signature
Right: Minimum information provided by
or stamp to a very comprehensive calibration
professional laboratories in a calibration
certificate of several pages.
certificate. You will find samples of
However, even in the case of a factory calibration, accredited calibration and machine
professional calibration laboratories offering capability test certificates in the appendix.
a high-quality service will ensure that the
15
 Calibration intervals depend on the specific application and need to be determined
individually. In many cases, annual calibration is recommended for measuring instruments
and production equipment.

Calibration
9 set to a relatively short period. The time interval
for subsequent calibrations can then be extended
intervals or shortened, depending on the long-term
stability of the calibration results. However, in
Customers frequently ask about calibration most cases, annual calibration is appropriate
intervals required for measuring instruments and for measuring instruments and production
production equipment. It is not possible to give equipment. In many safety critical applications an
a general answer to this question as a calibration interval of 6 months or even 3 months is
result always represents a snapshot of current used instead.
conditions and change over time. The calibration
intervals required depend on a number of factors
including the following: 
10 Who is allowed
•  Quantity measured or produced
•  Admissible tolerances
to carry out
•  Condition of measuring instruments and calibrations?
equipment There are almost no restrictions on who
•  Stability of past calibration results can perform calibrations. When selecting a
•  Accuracy required calibration company or laboratory, you should
make sure that you select a professional
•  Quality assurance requirements
partner that applies appropriate procedures. As
•  Ambient conditions calibration is not a legally protected procedure,
This means that calibration intervals depend there are many providers on the market who do
on the user and the specific application and not offer a professional service. Rather, there is a
need to be individually determined and high number of low-budget calibration providers
monitored. Normally, the company’s quality offering calibration services of highly dubious
manager is responsible for this task. In the case quality.
of new equipment, it may be beneficial to adapt In fact, it is not just the calibration label on the
the calibration intervals gradually to reflect equipment that is important. The calibration
actual conditions. procedure which has been applied and the
In this approach, calibration intervals are initially documentation of the achieved results are of

Inspection Adjustment value

opco.com
lasc
at

20
19 2 21 22
0
Label for machine capability test and/or maintenance.

16 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

utmost importance. The following questions also
need to be considered: Particularities
11 of
1. H ave all the measuring ranges of the angle calibration
calibration object been measured?
2. Are the results within the specific range of Rotational angle calibration is performed
the laboratory? (Laboratories are certified according to the standard VDI/VDE 2648 (see
with respect to measurement ranges and page 9). A distinction is made between direct
measurement uncertainties. If a lab indicates measuring systems, such as torque and rotational
higher accuracy than they are actually angle transducers (VDI/VDE 2648, Part 1) and
able to measure, this does not indicate a indirect measurement systems, such as torque and
professional approach and shows serious rotational angle wrenches (VDI/VDE 2648, Part 2).
lack of knowledge.) In the first case, with direct measurement systems,
3. I n technical terms, is the laboratory in a the procedure involves defining a 0° point and
position and does it have the necessary performing measurements in different steps
competence to perfom the calibrations? from this point. The measurements are normally
performed in both directions, clockwise and
4. D o you receive a comprehensive calibration
counterclockwise.
report (see section 8, page 15) or only a
calibration certificate that does not provide In the case of indirect measurement systems,
calibration results and measurement the matter is rather more complicated. High-
uncertainties? quality torque and angle wrenches operate
with gyroscopes of similar type to those used in
5. Did the calibration provider perform safety
aircrafts. These instruments do not have a defined
and functional tests of the device prior to
0° point. For this reason, they are also referred
calibration? A good way of ensuring safe and
to as no-reference systems. The calibration of
reliable calibration services is to select an
such systems is highly complex and can only be
accredited calibration laboratory. However,
carried out by accredited laboratories with special
you should pay attention to the measured
equipment. During such calibration work, the
dimensions (torque, force, etc.) for which the
rotational angle is measured under a torque load
laboratory is accredited. Not every calibration
in order to verify proper functionality and results
carried out by an accredited laboratory is in
under real operating conditions.
fact an accredited calibration.
As a general principle, accredited laboratories
offer considerable metrological competence.
A conformity procedure ensures that only
validated measurement methods and
properly traceable reference equipment is
used for calibrations. Accredited laboratories
are continuously monitored by national
accreditation bodies and therefore ensure high
quality calibration services.
You will find a more extensive checklist for the
selection of an appropriate calibration service
Rotational angle calibration system for
provider in the appendix.
direct and indirect measurement systems.

Make sure that you select a Attention

professional partner (and not a low- Not every calibration performed
budget calibration supplier with by an accredited laboratory is in
services of highly dubious quality)! fact an accredited calibration.

17
 Special
12 not yet used as frequently as torque-controlled

considerations tightening procedures, but they are very useful

in certain applications and are becoming
for calibration work increasingly important. Using the rotational

in connection with
angle to control the tightening process, one
must also calibrate the rotational angle in order

tightening systems
to ensure that the measurements (and so the
bolted joints) are correct. This also applies to
quality control equipment measuring “installed
For calibration work on tightening systems, there torque” (e.g., torque/angle wrenches) as here
are two measured dimensions that are especially the angle is used as one essential parameter for
important: torque and rotational angle. These two evaluation of results.
dimensions may be considered either separately
or in combination. Torque and rotational angle
As bolted joints become more complex, the topic
Torque of rotational angle calibration becomes more
In connection with tightening systems, torque important for companies. Especially in the case
calibration is the most widely used approach to of safety-critical joints (category A joints defined
ensure the proper functioning of the equipment by VDI 2862), it is necessary to document a
used and the quality of bolted joints. It is monitoring variable (e.g., angle) in addition to
normal practice to use measuring instruments the control variable (e.g., torque). In such cases,
in production to verify the quality achieved by a rotational angle is often the most practicable
tightening tool. solution. Examples of safety-critical bolted joints
can be found in safety belt or airbag installations
Rotational angle in cars, electrical grounding connections of white
Rotational angle calibration is important in goods (e.g., washing machine) or on the rotor
connection with angle-controlled tightening blades of wind turbines. If these bolted joints fail,
procedures. In practice, these procedures are there is a direct risk of injury or death.

18 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

 both values – torque and rotational angle
– must be within the specified “window”;
Torque
otherwise, the bolted joint as a whole cannot
be rated as OK (see graphs on page 19).

Angle 13 Particularities of
Torque
Rotational angle
OK
NOK force calibration
In many production facilities force systems are
Torque being used, typical applications can be assembly
of bearings or plugs. Obviously such press systems
also need to be calibrated to ensure proper
functionality and quality of products.
Angle As this kind of systems are production tools a
Torque NOK MCT (see page 12) would be a suitable kind of
Rotational angle OK calibration to ensure functionality. However, as of
this moment there is no such international and
Torque
verified procedure which can be applied here. For
this reason manufacturers of such systems use
their own procedures. In most cases such systems
need a calibration of force but also a calibration
Angle of displacement as both variables are used in an
Torque OK assembly process. The calibration of displacement
Rotational angle OK in particular is often forgotten when calibrating
such systems, this however, can be crucial to
Torque/rotational angle plots overall assembly quality.
The bolted joint can only be considered correct The force calibration of measuring instruments
if both variables are OK at the same time to perform the calibration or MCT of the above
(bottom graph). mentioned tools is standardized. A force
In the case of bolted joints tightened with a calibration of force transducers is performed
combined torque and rotational angle procedure, according to the international standard ISO 376.

Please make sure that rotational angle

calibration of transducers or wrenches
is only performed in connection with
torque calibration. Torque calibration is used
as a basis for the determination of certain
key parameters.

Atlas Copco has developed an own

standard for testing and calibration
of press tools. This standard not
only covers force but also calibration of
displacement as both variables are needed
in an assembly process. Calibration of a press tool system performed in
a laboratory

19
Hydraulic torque wrench (left) and
calibration of such a tool (the hydraulic
pump unit can be seen at the front).

14 Hydraulic
wrenches
Hydraulic torque wrenches are frequently used here. These standards describe highly dynamic
in the chemical and petrochemical industry, in processes which is the case with electric
pipeline constructions and in the assembly of controlled tightening systems but does not apply
wind power systems. These tools use high oil to hydraulic wrenches. With wrenches of this
pressures to achieve very high torque levels, type the process is close to static since the final
which are often considerably above 20,000 N·m. tightening stage only covers an angle of a few
However, hydraulic torque wrenches operate very degrees and is performed very slowly.
slowly, which is why they are mostly used for final As a result, there are many service providers on the
tightening stages. They are very different from the market who work in very different ways, some of
electric controlled nutrunner systems described in which are not professional. In addition, a variety
previous chapters. These controlled systems are of different test procedures are used which do not
normally operated in two stages, with a very fast even meet the very basic requirements for ensuring
run-down stage followed by a significantly slower proper functioning and appropriate results.
and more accurate final tightening stage.
Hydraulic torque wrenches are driven and
controlled by special pump units with oil pressure
of up to 700 bar. The pump pressure itself is set
using a pressure gauge; the pressure is used as a
means of setting an approximate torque value.
The pressure and torque relation is defined
based on a table supplied with the wrench unit -
pressure versus torque (see page 20).

Dynamic testing is not possible

These tools are often used for critical applications
Torque/pressure diagram for the setting
and therefore need to be tested and calibrated
of hydraulic torque wrenches. The oil
just like normal electric or pneumatic nutrunners.
pressure is used as a variable for setting the
However, dynamic testing in accordance with
torque required.
ISO 5393 or VDI/VDE 2645 is not meaningful
20 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems
International calibration been standardized, approaches of this type are
unfortunately very common on the market.
standards not yet available Users therefore need to check their service
A number of different national committees are providers closely.
currently working on a standard for the testing If traceable measured values are not available and
and calibration of hydraulic torque wrenches. the testing procedure is not documented, it will
Until such a standard has been issued, it is be difficult to achieve sustainable high quality.
extremely important to ensure that the calibration It will also be difficult in the case of product
procedures used at least meet the basic liability proceedings to provide evidence that a
requirements concerning the traceability and manufacturer has ensured a secure process chain
repeatability of the test results. without any gaps.
Some of the calibration procedures currently A revised and expanded edition of VDI 2862 has
used, which the user should be warned about, been issued at the end of 2013. Apart from the
test the hydraulic torque wrench only in a limited use of tightening tools, this standard also defines
torque range, meaning the user cannot be certain requirements for the classification of tightening
that the tool is working properly over the entire operations, not only for the automobile
range. Currently there are few test systems which industry, as was previously the case, but also for
can perform measurements above 20 000 N·m. the general industry, where hydraulic torque
As a result, torque wrenches which operate above wrenches are frequently used.
this torque range can only be tested up to the
Therefore, manufacturers are under an obligation
maximum torque level of the testing system.
to document tightening results of hydraulic
Higher torque levels are then often extrapolated.
wrenches and to perform regular calibrations,
It is clear that approaches of this type are
especially if they are used for category A bolted
unprofessional and also extremely dangerous
joints (= classification of bolted joint as “safety-
because the user cannot be sure that the torque
critical” because there is a risk of death or injury
wrench will function properly at higher torque
in the event of failure). Bolted joints are often
levels. This also applies to testing procedures
crucially important for safety, not only in industrial
which only involve measurements at two or three
plants and wind farms. In petrochemical plants
measuring points and simply interpolate the
too, faulty bolted joints pose a considerable risk
other values in order to save time and money.
of environmental damage that can lead to severe
As the calibration procedures used have not yet
liability issues.

Test procedures with interpolated and

extrapolated measured values are
unprofessional and impose
considerable risks!

Hydraulic torque wrenches are frequently used

in the process and wind power industries.
21
 15 What type of and provide information that is far more
comprehensive than a MCT or a tool calibration.

calibration These kind of tests is meaningful as a final

verification in R&D projects. Here the results show
makes sense? whether a tool has reached the targets which
were set for the development of the product at
In order to answer the question of what type of the very beginning of a project.
calibration service makes sense for an individual
user, it is necessary to understand the individual Measuring instruments
needs and to draw a distinction between In the case of measuring instruments such as
nutrunners used for production on the one hand torque transducers, accredited calibrations are
and measuring instruments on the other hand. normally recommended. Standards like ISO 9001,
In general, the quality manager of a company ISO 10012 and IATF 16949 require measuring
is the one to set the rules for how measuring equipment to be calibrated in a traceable way.
instruments and tools should be calibrated Accredited calibrations meet these requirements
or tested. This person is then also responsible at all times and the calibration certificates issued
for achieving the necessary quality level and are internationally recognized; this often saves
documentation of results for any future needs. additional costs. Also, in general, the trend is
However some general recommendations towards accredited calibrations as the number of
which are most common in the industry can be dubious calibration provides (non-accredited)
summarized as follows. has been growing, creating big problems for
the industry.
Production equipment Where there is no specific requirement for
Production equipment, such as electric and calibration or testing based on quality standards,
pneumatic nutrunners, needs to undergo regular factory calibrations can be recommended
testing. Standardized machine capability tests as a alternative.. In addition, there are some
(MCT) following the ISO 5393, are a very favorable measuring dimensions for which the accreditation
solution as they are globally recognized. The bodies do not yet issue accreditations, such as
same might soon be the case for the VDI/VDE ultrasound. In such cases too, factory calibrations
2645-2 standard which is rapidly gaining global are a feasible alternative.
acceptance.
Transducers and other measuring equipment
Accredited tool calibrations (see page 12) on that are used as reference standards must always
the other hand are less recommended in global be subject to accredited calibration. Otherwise,
operations as the procedures are not internationally traceability to national reference standards is
valid and differ too much between the different not ensured. This traceability is normally the sole
markets. For local production and operations purpose of such reference equipment.
however, this might be a suitable option.
Homologations (see page 13) are only
recommended in response to a specific 16 Quality assurance,
requirement (i.e., tender specification) or if
there are reasons to suspect the tool is causing
liability and
quality issues. Homologations are very extensive environmental
All production tools need to be
protection
properly tested on regular basis. “Quality” is a term that is widely used in a number
of very different contexts. Sometimes, the term
Accredited calibrations are the best choice
is even used to deliberately mislead customers
for calibrations of measuring instruments.
and to give them a false sense of security. The

22 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

Proper quality assurance is a cost
saving factor - not only does it reduce
direct costs of recalls, it also minimizes
damage to the company's reputation.
23
introduction of the ISO 9001 standard at least run, not only providing better products to the
provided a first definition which is of considerable customers but also minimizing the damage to
importance for the industry. On this basis, the reputation of companies on the market.
it is possible to assess quality using defined Product liability for a period of up to 60 years is
benchmarks and to make comparisons. For both, not unusual in the automotive and aerospace
consumers and manufacturers, this means industries. In connection with the Product Liability
greater security. Act, manufacturers must select suitable measuring
How can we ensure continuously high quality? The equipment for the measurement tasks involved.
ISO 9001 standard provides answers and practical They need to keep full documentation of the
hints. Organizations and companies certified on proper use of such equipment and they should
this basis are committed to comply with defined implement systematic measuring equipment
procedures. For example, documentation and control procedures. This obligation also calls for
traceability of results and properly working companies to keep precise documentation and to
measuring equipment are essential requirements. maintain the measurement standards which have
All measuring equipment and references must be been used. Manufacturers who have complied
properly calibrated at regular intervals and such with all these requirements will find it easier to
calibrations need to fulfill certain requirements. defend themselves against product liability claims.
Quality assurance lays the foundation for product Quality not only relates to product safety and
liability. Product liability describes the liability responsibility, but also with environmental
to pay damages for delivering defective goods aspects. Properly tested measuring equipment
and for damages caused by such. Initially, every and tools are also a prerequisite for efficient,
customer might claim compensation if it can be environmentally friendly production. This is
proven that the manufacturer is responsible for why environmental protection is increasingly
the faulty goods. As one concrete example, the becoming an integral component of the entire
Product Liability Act based on EC Directive 85/374 product lifecycle from design and development,
EC has been implemented in all of the member through use, to disposal and recycling.
states of the EU; similar laws are implemented in Environmental management systems are audited
other countries worldwide. and certified in accordance with ISO 14001.
The Product Liability Act applies to all companies
and organizations selling or distributing products
in the European Union. Similar applies for other
countries having similar laws. The effects of
product liability are especially dramatic in the Product liability for up to 60 years is
USA, where huge amounts of damages may not unusual in the automotive and
be awarded in the case of defective goods or aerospace industries.
products. Less spectacular, but often equally
costly, are the recall campaigns frequently
announced by manufacturers and importers. The light-weight design and construction
Due to higher pace in the production, need of of vehicles results in resource and energy
lowering costs and consequently shorter life- savings. However, this trend leads to
cycles of products the number of re-calls has risen an increased number of safety critical
dramatically in the past years. All of this being tightenings. The risk of failure of these
consequence of insufficient implementation of joints needs to be kept to an absolute
steps needed to secure quality in production. minimum as they have a direct impact on
Luckily due to traceability an effective re-call safety. The equipment used for calibration
is possible. However, the costs are always very of such tightening systems needs to meet
high compared to quality assurance from the the highest standards in order to be
very beginning. This implies that proper quality fulfilling the tough requirements.
assurance is a clear cost saving factor in the long

24 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

 unqualified calibration service providers. For this
reason, auditors increasingly call for calibration
certificates issued by an organization participating
in the International Laboratory Accreditation
Cooperation (ILAC, see page 28).
For instance, national accreditation bodies such
as the German DAkkS, British UKAS or Italian
ACCREDIA are member organizations and
the corresponding calibration certificates are
accepted not only within the European Union but
also in most industrialized countries worldwide.
This ensures compliance with all relevant
Professional software with the guidance of
requirements concerning the competence of
a technician and automatized evaluation of
calibration providers.
results, ensures proper calibration results.
Even though certification to ISO 9001 is regarded
as a minimum requirement in most sectors, such
Industry
17 certification is nowadays often insufficient and
extended standards like the ISO 10012 or the IATF
requirements 16949 for the automobile industry are commonly
required.
In industry, carmakers in particular have played IATF 16949 combines the requirements of various
a pioneering role in quality assurance and safety. national standards and is based on ISO 9001.
Automobile industry requirements are often The standard is recognized by virtually all the
gradually accepted and implemented as standard world’s carmakers and indicates a way out of the
procedure in other sectors of industry. certification maze apparent in the automobile
What does industry actually require? One of the industry. Formerly, multiple certifications were
key elements, in accordance with the ISO 9001 often required as different standards applied
standards concerning quality assurance, is the
management of measuring instruments and
production equipment. This approach is intended
to ensure that all the equipment relevant for
product quality actually functions properly. For
this purpose, all equipment needs to be calibrated
regularly. Such calibrations must be traceable to
national standards. In addition, the measured
results must be documented.

Measuring instruments and production

equipment needs to be calibrated at
regular intervals. Calibrations must be
traceable to national standards.

The traceability of calibration results to the

national standards should be attested by
laboratories issuing calibration certificates.
However, international recognition of factory
calibration certificates has become increasingly
questionable in view of the proliferation of

25
in various European countries and America
(for example QS 9000 in the USA, VDA 6.1 in Asset
18
Germany, EAQS in France and AVSQ in Italy).
management
Major carmakers such as Daimler, General Motors
and Ford have decided only to award contracts Apart from the standards mentioned previously,
to suppliers who are certified to IATF 16949 (see it is also necessary to refer to ISO 10012 in the
box below). As a result, IATF 16949 automatically context of calibration of tightening systems.
applies to the entire automobile industry supply
This standard states general requirements for
chain and to both direct and indirect suppliers.
the handling and metrological confirmation
Therefore, a certification according to IATF 16949
of measuring equipment. It also contributes to
is highly recommended in view of the need for
effective management of measuring equipment
worldwide recognition by major carmakers.
and the determination whether this equipment
and measurement processes are suitable
IATF 16949 contains a direct reference to for the intended purpose. A sufficient asset
ISO/IEC 17025 (General requirements for management system is essential for product
the competence of testing and calibration quality and in order to minimize the risk of
laboratories), a standard which states clear incorrect measurement results.
requirements for calibration laboratories.
The purpose of management of measuring
In the standard, it is stressed that the
equipment is to create confidence in the measuring
introduction of a quality management
results. In this way, quality fluctuations in products
system in accordance with ISO 9001 is
and services are prevented. ISO 10012 is often used
not sufficient for a calibration laboratory
for the definition of product properties and for the
because ISO/IEC 17025 defines technical
assessment and auditing of asset management
competence requirements which are
systems.
not covered by ISO 9001. The calibration
laboratory must therefore not only operate In particular, ISO 10012 states specific requirements
a quality management system but also for the calibration of all \ equipment using traceable
demonstrate that it is technically competent. standards. Companies are required to maintain
This means that the laboratory must be documentation of all calibrations performed
in a position to meet minimum technical within the traceability chain. It is also necessary to
requirements and to achieve technically ensure that all measuring instruments are securely
well-founded results. and permanently marked in order to indicate the
status of calibration. Such marking must clearly
The standard also states that top
indicate the deadline for the next calibration of the
management must ensure that suitable
measuring instrument. The standard also defines
communication processes are in place within
minimum requirements for the information to be
the laboratory and that communications
provided in calibration certificates.
concerning the effectiveness of the
management system take place. The Annual accredited calibrations meet all the
laboratory also need to ensure that feedback requirements of industry stated previously as
is received from its customers; this refers well as many other requirements and save a
to both positive and negative information. considerable amount of effort and trouble.
This information flow is intended to ensure Calibrations by accredited laboratories give the
the improvement of the management user confidence that the measurement results
system, testing and calibration activities are reliable. They also enhance confidence levels
and the benefits to customers. ISO/IEC among customers and the competitiveness of
17025 specifically requires the continuous the companies concerned on the national and
improvement of the entire laboratory international market. Accredited calibration
management system. ensures results that are internationally
comparable and audit proof.

26 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

 •  Compliance with strict requirements such as
Annual accredited calibration meets those of the automobile industry
all the requirements of industry stated •  Evidence in connection with product liability
previously as well as many other
These benefits are essential for virtually
requirements. It also saves a considerable
any company.
amount of effort and trouble.
At first glance, measurements and calibrations
are often seen as a waste of time and a cost

19 Benefits of
factor. However, this view changes as soon as
manufacturers have to bear liability for their

calibration products. In comparison with impending claims

for damages, the cost of thorough testing or
Proper calibrations do indeed cost some effort calibration is of secondary importance and can
and money, which is why it is important to know be seen as a highly cost-effective investment. This
what the effects are and what specific benefits means that professional calibration of equipment
these services bring to your company. is essential for companies who want to operate
professionally on the market in the long term,
The main benefits are as follows:
at the same time maintaining high levels of
•  Security for the manufacturer or supplier customer satisfaction.
•  Safety for the user
•  Traceability of results Key benefits: Traceability of results,
•  Quality assurance in production reduced rework, and evidence in case
•  Compliance with quality standards of product liability proceedings.

•  Higher customer satisfaction

Further
•  International recognition
(accredited certificates) 20
information
sources
Other recommended information sources on
calibration and quality assurance:
www.atlascopco.com/en-us/itba/service/
service-offerings/maintenance/calibration
Atlas Copco, your competent calibration service
provider, offers a full service including measuring
equipment management.
www.european-accreditation.org
Association of the European accreditation
organizations with the objective of mutual
recognition. Most European accreditation bodies
are members of EA.
www.ilac.org
ILAC: International Laboratory Accreditation
Cooperation. The EA is a member of ILAC. As a
result, accredited certificates are recognized by
the ILAC members.

27
www.iso.org on your core activities. We perform both
ISO: International Organization for Standardization. accredited and factory calibrations.
Develops and publishes International Standards All the reference equipment used by Atlas Copco
relevant to the industry worldwide. is controlled and calibrated on a regular basis,
Should you have any questions concerning this directly traceable to the national standards.
topic, please do not hesitate to contact your Atlas We offer our calibration services in more than 20
Copco Service contact: www.atlascopco.com markets around the world and we are also able
We will be pleased to inform you about our to perform most calibrations directly on-site at
professional trainings in various topics including your premises in order to minimize downtime and
calibrations. These and other courses can be logistics issues.
adapted to your specific requirements and can
also be held on-site at your facilities.
22 Our logistics
solutions
In the appendix you will find sample machine
capability tests and accredited calibration
certificates as well as a check list for the selection
of calibration service providers. Re-usable transport system and
collection service
21 Your professional Atlas Copco offers transport options tailored to
your specific needs, from insured shipment with

calibration tracking functions through to collection and

delivery services. We ensure that your valuable
service provider equipment is handled safely, efficiently and in an
environmentally friendly manner.
Atlas Copco is your calibration partner. As an
expert in tightening tools and quality assurance We offer the following options:
equipment, we want to support you in calibration Standard shipment: You can check the
of your equipment allowing you to concentrate shipment status of your measurement equipment

Atlas Copco has received national accreditations for calibration centres all over the world – on-site
calibration is possible at most ocations as well.

Brazil Rede Brasileira de Calibração (RBC)

Germany Deutschland Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS)

China China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS)

Eastern Europe Czech Accreditation Institute (CAI)

India National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)

Italy Accredia - L'Ente Italiano di Accreditamento (ACCREDIA)

Mexico Entidad mexicana de acreditación, a.c. (EMA)

South Africa South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

United Kingdom The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)

United States Laboratory Accreditation Bureau (L-A-B)

Global International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)

28 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

29
at all times. Upon request, we can also ship This seminar deals with the calibration of
equipment by overnight express. measurement equipment in connection with
Re-usable transport system: You just call us machine capability tests on tightening tools. The
and we collect your equipment, which is shipped program includes presentations and practical
and returned to you in an environmentally exercises. Participants enhance their specialist
friendly and re-usable shipment box. You retain knowledge in the following fields: calibration and
the box until you need it the next time. We machine capability tests; norms, standards and
assume full responsibility for shipment. This regulations for tightening and calibration systems;
solution is easy to use and reduces administrative calibration with reference to product liability and
expenses for our customers. product safety; tightening processes with refe-
rence to calibration; measurement equipment
Collection and delivery service: If you
capability; check measurements; basic principles
require special attention for your measurement
of statistics in this area.
equipment, we offer a collection and delivery
service with trained drivers. You can be sure that Main focuses of seminar:
your measurement equipment is in safe hands. •  Significance of calibration and machine
capability test

Training,
23
•  Types of calibration and tests
•  Norms and standards
seminars and •  Calibration and tool testing in practice

workshops •  Differences between machine capability test,

calibration and adjustment
Atlas Copco offers a large number of training
•  Reading and interpreting certificates
courses, seminars and workshops to refresh and
enhance the expert knowledge of our customers. •  How to distinguish between good,
professional certificates and suspect
Seminar: Quality management – calibration for
certificates
tightening systems

Experts from Atlas Copco Tools prepare participants for impending ISO or certification audits in
workshops tailored to customers’ specific requirements.

30 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

 Appendix

31
 Sample machine capability test certificate, page 1
Appendix

32 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

Sample machine capability test certificate, page 2

Appendix

33
 Sample calibration certificate, page 1
Appendix

34 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

Sample calibration certificate, page 2

Appendix

35
 Sample calibration certificate, page 3
Appendix

36 | Calibration and testing of tightening systems

Sample calibration certificate, page 4

Appendix

37
 Publisher: Atlas Copco
www.atlascopco.com
Atlas Copco AB
Author: Michael Skibinski
(publ) SE-105
by: 23 Stockholm, Sweden
Edited Kim Ngan Nguyen
Phone: +46 8 743 80 00
Title photo: Tore
Reg. no: 556014-2720 Marklund
Other photos: Sergio Castelli, Jochen Stapel,
atlascopco.com
38 | Calibration and testing Heiko Wenke, Tore Marklund.
of tightening systems