Technical article

Why it is important to calibrate your scales annually

Find out why annual calibration of your scales is essential for accuracy, customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance. Read more about the benefits and how to avoid risks for your business here.
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s a business owner, accurate weighing is essential for reliable operations, especially if you sell products by weight. But many business owners forget the importance of regular calibration. Did you know that annual calibration helps you with your audits and is also a smart investment to ensure quality and customer satisfaction? In this article, we discuss why annual calibration is so important and the benefits it has for your business.

What is calibration?

Calibration is the process of checking and adjusting a scale to ensure that it weighs accurately. This is done using certified calibration weights. Calibration checks that the scale remains within the permissible tolerances so that it continues to provide reliable results.

Reliable measurements with calibrated scales

The 5 most important reasons for calibrating your scales every year

1. Fulfillment of legal obligations
Scales used commercially are often subject to mandatory verification. This means that the scales must be checked at regular intervals by an authorized body. Depending on the country, different legal regulations may apply that must be complied with. Non-calibrated or faulty scales can lead to fines or legal problems. Annual calibration ensures that you comply with the legal regulations in your country.

2. Guaranteed accuracy
A scale can become inaccurate over time due to heavy use, temperature fluctuations or wear and tear. This can lead to discrepancies in weight measurements, resulting in your customers paying too much or too little. An annual calibration ensures the accuracy of your scale so you can reliably weigh your products.

3. Protect the trust and reputation of your customers
When you sell products by weight, customers trust the scale to measure fairly and accurately. Inaccurate scales can lead not only to complaints, but also to a bad reputation. Regular calibration prevents these problems and shows that you value transparency and reliability.

4. Cost savings through efficiency
Although calibration is an investment, it will save you money in the long run. An inaccurate scale can lead to give-away (over-delivery) or dissatisfied customers (under-delivery). You also avoid unexpected repair costs through regular maintenance during calibration.

5. Fit for quality standards
Many companies have to meet strict quality standards, such as ISO certifications. Calibrating your scales regularly is an important step in meeting these requirements. This is particularly important in industries such as food processing, hospitality and pharmaceutical production, where precision is paramount.

When to calibrate?

How do you know if your scales need to be calibrated?

Correct calibration of your scale is crucial for accurate measurements, especially in environments where precision is important. But how do you know if your scale needs to be calibrated? Pay attention to the following situations:

  • Regular use of the device: the more frequently a scale is used, the more its internal mechanisms may deviate. This can lead to slight changes in the measurement results that require regular calibration.
  • Changes in the measured values or discrepancies: If you notice that the measurement results vary or deviate from your expectations, this is a clear sign that your scale needs to be calibrated. This also applies if the values do not appear to be consistent with repeated measurements of the same object.
  • Relocation or new purchase: If a scale is moved, e.g. to a different room or location, its accuracy may be affected by differences in the substrate or environmental factors. A new scale will also often need to be calibrated for the first time to meet your specific usage requirements.
  • Commercial or industrial application requiring verification: For commercial or industrial scales that are required by law to be verified, calibration is an essential part of maintenance.

To determine how often your scale needs to be calibrated, it is advisable to consult the device manual. You can also seek advice from your supplier or a certified calibration service. Regular calibration of your scale prevents measurement errors and guarantees reliable performance.

Calibration, verification and adjustment

How do you have your scales calibrated?

The correct calibration or verification of a scale is a specialized task that must be performed by a recognized calibration or verification service. This not only ensures that your scale measures accurately again, but also that it complies with legal and technical requirements. The calibration process involves several steps:

1. Inspection:
A certified technician begins by inspecting the scale. This involves checking the physical condition of the device, e.g. for wear, damage or loose parts. He also checks that the scale is set up correctly and is standing on a stable surface, as this can affect the measurements.

2. Testing with certified weights:
The scale is then tested with special, calibrated weights that meet strict standards. These weights serve as reference points to check whether the scale displays correct values over the entire weighing range. Any deviations are accurately recorded.

3. Adjustment and setting:
If deviations are detected, they are corrected by the technician. This may involve adjusting the scale software or mechanical settings. The aim is to ensure that the scale once again measures within the permissible error limits.

4. Certification:
When the calibration is complete, you will receive an official calibration certificate. This document certifies that your scale has been tested and calibrated in accordance with the applicable standards. For companies that work with legal-for-trade scales, this certificate is important for compliance with legal regulations and quality requirements as well as in the event of audits or inspections.

If you have your scales regularly calibrated by an accredited service, you not only guarantee the accuracy of your measurements, but also the reliability of your processes. This is particularly important in sectors where precision and compliance with legal standards are essential.

Our certified calibration service

Safety every time you weigh with calibrated scales

The risks of a lack of calibration

What are the consequences of omitting the calibration?

Regular calibration of a scale is essential to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. Failure to do so can have significant consequences depending on the application and sector in which the scale is used. Below are some possible consequences:

  • Legal penalties:
    Calibration is not required by law, consequently there are no legal sanctions for not having it done.

  • Customer complaints and loss of confidence:
    Inaccurate weighing can lead to dissatisfied customers, for example if products weigh less than promised or recipes are inconsistent. Not only can this lead to complaints, but it can also damage your reputation and result in the loss of loyal customers.

  • Financial losses:
    Incorrect measurements have direct financial consequences. Think, for example, of an overdose of expensive ingredients or overpacking that affects your profit margin. On the other hand, under-dosing can lead to complaints, recalls or even legal claims.

  • Production problems:
    In industries where precision matters, such as pharmaceutical production, abnormal measurements can lead to significant production problems. This can lead to faulty products, additional production steps and wasted time and raw materials.

Not calibrating may seem like a small time and cost saving, but in the long run it can lead to major problems. By having your scales calibrated on time, you avoid these risks and ensure reliability, efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Calibration is a smart investment

The annual calibration of your scales is essential for the smooth operation of your business. It ensures accuracy and protects your reputation. By treating calibration as an investment in quality and customer satisfaction, you ensure that your business continues to operate efficiently.

Set a fixed schedule for calibration and work with an authorized calibration service. This way, you can rely on the accuracy of your scales and continue to offer your customers the best quality.

Would you like to find out more about calibrating scales?
Contact us and discover our calibration service