Do Welding Machines Need to Be Calibrated
Yes, welding machines need to be calibrated.
Regular calibration is important to ensure work is carried out in accordance with applicable standards and to reduce safety-related defects.
Calibrating welding machines involves comparing displayed values to reference values and can be combined with servicing to save time and money.
The current standard governing calibration is BS EN IEC 60974-14:2018, which requires periodic inspection, testing, and machine compliance testing.
Weldsafe is fully compliant with this standard and offers calibration and validation services according to both the old and new standards.
Did You Know?
1. Welding machines can indeed benefit from calibration, as they are susceptible to wear and tear which can affect their performance and accuracy over time.
2. Calibration involves adjusting the settings and measuring the output of a welding machine to ensure its performance matches the desired specifications.
3. The calibration process for welding machines often involves checking and adjusting factors such as voltage, current, wire feed speed, gas flow, and arc length to ensure optimal welding quality.
4. Failure to calibrate a welding machine can lead to inconsistencies in weld quality, which may result in structural weaknesses or defects in the welded joints.
5. Regular calibration of welding machines is recommended to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the equipment, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient welding operations.
Changes In Calibration Standards For Welding Machines
In recent years, there have been significant changes in the standards governing the calibration of welding machines. The current applicable standard, BS EN 50504:2008, is being superseded by the newer standard, BS EN IEC 60974-14:2018. This change signifies an important shift in the requirements for calibration and validation of welding machines.
The previous standard, BS EN 50504:2008, has served the industry well for many years. However, as technology and safety practices have advanced, it has become necessary to update and improve these standards. The new standard, BS EN IEC 60974-14:2018, not only supersedes the old standard but also specifies the requirement for periodic inspection and testing governed by BS EN 60974-4:2016.
The withdrawal of BS EN 50504:2008 in November 2021 means that calibrations and validations performed under this standard will be valid for a full year. This provides a transition period for businesses to comply with the new standards. It is crucial for welding machine operators and manufacturers to familiarize themselves with these changes and ensure that they are adhering to the latest calibration requirements.
Importance Of Regular Calibration For Welding Machines
Regular calibration of welding machines is essential to ensure that production work is carried out in accordance with applicable standards. While modern machines are rarely out with reference values, regular inspection and calibration reduce the risk of safety-related defects.
Calibration compares the displayed values of a welding machine to the reference values, ensuring that the machine is measuring and outputting accurate and reliable results. By calibrating the power sources regularly, businesses can ensure the quality and integrity of their welding processes. It is an essential practice, especially in the regulated welding technology sector, to maintain consistency and meet industry standards.
In addition to regular servicing and maintenance, professional calibration is crucial for ensuring that a welding machine performs at its best. This includes calibration for each welding process within the equipment, as different processes may require specific adjustments to achieve optimal performance. By keeping up with regular calibration, businesses can minimize downtime, increase productivity, and ensure the safety and quality of their welding operations.
Benefits of regular calibration:
- Ensures compliance with standards
- Reduces the risk of safety-related defects
- Maintains consistency and meets industry standards
- Increases the quality and integrity of welding processes
- Minimizes downtime and increases productivity
“Regular calibration of welding machines is of utmost importance to ensure that production work is carried out in accordance with applicable standards.”
Calibration And Validation Requirements Under New Standards
With the introduction of the new standard, BS EN IEC 60974-14:2018, the requirements for calibration and validation of welding machines have been enhanced. This standard specifies the need for periodic inspection, testing, and machine compliance testing, in addition to the calibration process.
Machine compliance testing ensures that the welding machine meets the required standards and specifications set forth in the new standard. This comprehensive approach ensures that welding machines are not only calibrated but also undergo thorough checks to verify their compliance with safety and performance standards.
- Operators and manufacturers must now ensure that their welding machines are regularly calibrated, validated, and undergo the necessary compliance testing as specified by the new standards.
- This will help maintain high-quality welding processes, enhance safety measures, and uphold industry standards.
“Operators and manufacturers must now ensure that their welding machines are regularly calibrated, validated, and undergo the necessary compliance testing as specified by the new standards. This will help maintain high-quality welding processes, enhance safety measures, and uphold industry standards.”
Benefits Of Combining Servicing And Calibration
Combining regular servicing with calibration offers numerous benefits for welding machine operators and manufacturers. By integrating these two processes, businesses can save both time and money.
Servicing ensures that the welding machine is in proper working condition and addresses any mechanical or technical issues. Combining this with calibration allows for a more comprehensive approach to maintaining the performance and accuracy of the machine. Additionally, conducting both servicing and calibration simultaneously reduces the need for multiple downtimes and maximizes the efficiency of the maintenance process.
By combining these processes, businesses can minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns, increase the lifespan of the equipment, and optimize the overall productivity of their welding operations. It is a proactive approach that ensures the welding machine is always operating at its peak performance.
Weldsafe’s Compliance With New Standards And Calibration Services
Weldsafe, a reputable provider of welding equipment and services, understands the importance of calibration and validation in the welding industry. They are fully compliant with the new standards, including both the previous standard, BS EN 50504:2008, and the new standard, BS EN IEC 60974-14:2018.
Weldsafe offers professional calibration and validation services that adhere to both the old and new standards. Their calibration process utilizes the Machine Calibration Tool (MCT) to accurately compare displayed values to reference values. This ensures the precision and reliability of the welding machines, giving operators and manufacturers peace of mind that their equipment is performing optimally.
Furthermore, Weldsafe provides an aftercare service that assists customers in getting the most out of their welding products. Whether it’s resolving any issues, offering recommendations, or providing expert advice, Weldsafe is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction and helping businesses maintain the highest standards in their welding operations.
In conclusion, the calibration and validation of welding machines are essential for ensuring work is carried out in accordance with standards and reducing safety-related defects. Regular servicing, maintenance, and professional calibration are paramount for optimal performance.
Key points:
- Calibration and validation are essential for ensuring work is carried out in accordance with standards and reducing safety-related defects.
- Regular servicing, maintenance, and professional calibration are paramount for optimal performance.
- Weldsafe offers professional calibration and validation services adhering to both old and new standards.
- They utilize the Machine Calibration Tool (MCT) to ensure precision and reliability.
- Weldsafe provides an aftercare service to assist customers in maximizing the use of their welding products.
- Compliance with the latest standards, such as BS EN IEC 60974-14:2018, is crucial for businesses in the welding industry.
Note: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official advice.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calibrate welding equipment?
To calibrate welding equipment, it is essential to connect the systems to a calibration station which measures their voltage, amperage, and wire feed speed. This process ensures that the equipment is accurately displaying and maintaining the appropriate levels for effective welding. Additionally, some calibration stations offer the option to measure the gas flow rate of the welding current source, further ensuring the precision and reliability of the equipment. By following these steps, welders can ensure that their equipment is calibrated accurately and ready for optimal performance.
What is calibration certificate for welding machine?
A calibration certificate for a welding machine is an official document that verifies the accuracy and precision of the calibration process. It serves as proof that the meters on the welding machine have been adjusted to meet the manufacturer’s specifications. This certificate provides assurance that the welding procedures carried out by the machine will yield accurate results, thus maintaining the quality and reliability of the welding work. Having a calibration certificate for your welding machine ensures that you can confidently perform welding tasks with precision and meet the required standards.
Do welding machines need serviced?
Regular service check-ups are essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of welding machines. While most welding machines require annual validation, service check-ups can be conveniently scheduled at the same time. These check-ups not only minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns and downtime but can also contribute to extending the warranty period of the machines. By prioritizing routine servicing, welders can ensure that their equipment remains in top-notch condition, enabling them to work efficiently and effectively.
How do I make sure my equipment is calibrated?
To ensure the calibration of your equipment, follow these steps. First, obtain a trusted calibrated pressure sensor and a pressure gauge. Connect both devices to a common pressure source. Once the pressure is stabilized, compare the readings of the gauge and the calibrated sensor. If there is any deviation, adjust the calibration of your equipment accordingly until it accurately measures the known pressure value. This method of comparative calibration ensures the accuracy of your equipment and helps maintain reliable measurements.