IATF Calibration Question

I have been out of the Quality game for a few years and not so up to speed with IATF 16949. Do rulers (standard 12 inch metal ruler) and scales (measure weight) need to be calibrated? Please explain why you answered yes or no so I can better understand.
If they do require calibration, how does one complete those?

 

Thank you for that information. Based on that answer, I will simply indicate in our Procedure that measuring tapes are reference only and will not be used as final validation for part measurement. With this being said, I am still not sure if the metal scales (rulers) need to be calibrated. We deal with die cut parts with very generous tolerances. The floor people could easily use a metal scale to verify an overall length of a part that is 100mm plus or minus 5mm. I assume these scales would have to be calibrated.
You mentioned "the option for verification", which I did not understand.

 

Good day @Marty Keenan '
@Andy Nichols has given wise council.

At the risk of being "that guy" please allow me to discuss a terminology difference that, in the IATF world, is more than just semantics.

"Validation" is generally associated with design. i.e. determine that the product performs its intended function.
"Verification" is the correct word in this instance, as it simply means to verify/confirm that what you believe to be true, is true. i.e. you believe that a micrometer will read 1" when verifying it against a 1" block.

Hope this helps.

Be well.

 

As for calibration, you can use reference only markings. Weight scales can be an issue -- ours are calibrated by the manufacture in accordance with state/city weights and measures rules. Auditors don't like it because it's not a "lab." We verify before use anyway. As an aside, be careful. Anything that shows up on a control plan will need an MSA. Good luck.

 

In my experience, it's easier to show calibration than to have the "verification/validation" argument with auditors and customers...

Note that I have found rulers (NOT tapes with end hooks) fairly easy to handle...note here...https://elsmar.com/elsmarqualityfor...-once-only-calibration.53601/?highlight=ruler

 

Exactly what is says -- gage says it's for reference only.

 

Why not. We do that for scales/rulers. They don't change and we simply measure the width of a coil strip -- precision isn't required. Or the caliper on my desk -- used for a quick eyeball reference check. If you don't have a "for reference only" sticker on it, people freak out.

 

your're questions are irrelevant. we do what we do. We don't feel the need to put everything thru a detailed calibration and/or verification.

 

You can provide your comments without asking questions. A question like "Why would anyone want to "reference" a gauge? And why "only"?" doesn't even make sense. The quality world knows what "reference only" means with regard to a gage. If someone doesn't, they can ask.

 

The question I believe everyone is asking is, what is the purpose of the gage and the labor that is doing the gaging?

Gages, as with documents, fall under what I have coined as the "WRONG or GONE principle". i.e. ...
* if the gage or document, is WRONG, is there a risk that it can contribute to a nonconformity?
* If the gage or document is GONE, is there a risk that it can contribute to a nonconformity?

If the answer is yes, then the proper controls need to be put into place.

If the answer is no, then the question begs, what is the purpose of creating/having "it" or performing "that"?

It is surprising how often I ask that question regarding a gage or document identified as "reference only", and the client is obligated to answer "yes" and then immediately becomes self aware of what needs to be done. I don't need to tell them.

Food for thought.


Hope this helps.
Be well.

 

Late response on my part:

It costs me more to argue than it does to calibrate...(my time arguing, and risk of degrading trust with a customer vs. $100...math is easy in my world.)