Atlas Copco has become the first and only organisation in the UK accredited to UKAS (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) to provide on-site calibration for measuring both the torque (to BS EN 7882:2017) and crucially, angle parameters (to VDI/VDE2648-1), for torque transducers up to 1400N·m and 360 degrees respectively. Additionally, Atlas Copco has received accreditation for the onsite calibration of torque wrenches (to BS EN ISO 6789-2:2017) up to a maximum of 1500N·m.
Its approval from UKAS to deliver on-site calibration means that a manufacturer’s tools and instruments can now be calibrated by Atlas Copco on-site at the customer’s premises, rather than having to send them to a laboratory. This process saves businesses both time and money, as production downtime, packaging and transportation costs are avoided, as well as the need for back-up tools. Having this level of measurement and traceability assurance is a key asset to manufacturers, helping them to continually improve production quality and efficiency by minimising the risk of rework and warranty claims and negating any reputational damage.
The relocation of its UKAS accredited calibration laboratory to Wolverhampton this year has afforded Atlas Copco with a doubling of capacity, enabling the business to increase the scope and volume of its calibration services. Typically, the laboratory, which is temperature and humidity controlled, is able to turn around equipment within 48 hours and there are plans to expand the number of trained calibration technicians in 2023, in order to deliver a seamless laboratory and on-site service.
Commenting on the company’s dual accreditation milestones, Nicolas Van Zyl, Atlas Copco’s UK Calibration Manager, said: “Achieving not one but two accreditation firsts from UKAS means that Atlas Copco is well positioned to further strengthen its strategic partnerships with customers, at a time when UK manufacturing is facing numerous economic and resource-based challenges.”
“In securing this ground-breaking accreditation, Atlas Copco has demonstrated we are at the forefront of error-proofing the factory assembly line, by ensuring accuracy and consistency of tightening procedures to extremely high tolerances, backed up by fully traceable quality assurance. Our ability to calibrate at the customer’s facility provides compelling added value, that stands Atlas Copco apart in the marketplace and forms a key part of our Smart Integrated Ecosystem philosophy for 2023 and beyond.”
