FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Procurement and quality questions, answered the way a supplier questionnaire asks them.
Common Questions
If a question below is not covered, it can be answered directly — see the contact page.
What standards is CMM calibration performed under?
Calibration is performed under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by accredited laboratories. Certificates state the reference standards used, the measurement uncertainty, and the points or parameters checked against the machine's specification.
Can a CMM be calibrated on-site or does it ship to a lab?
Bridge and gantry machines are typically calibrated on-site because of their size. Portable arms and small gauging can often ship to a lab depot, depending on schedule and volume.
What happens if a CMM fails calibration?
Out-of-tolerance axes or probing errors are documented on the report with as-found and as-left data. Repair is quoted separately once the fault is identified.
What appears on a calibration certificate?
Each certificate states the reference standards used, their traceability to NIST, the reported measurement uncertainty, and as-found and as-left data where applicable.
How often should a CMM be calibrated?
Interval depends on usage, environment and internal quality requirements. Many shops calibrate annually, with more frequent checks on machines running high part volumes or harsh shop-floor conditions.
Can a damaged or out-of-tolerance CMM be repaired?
Scale, bearing and controller faults are diagnosed before any repair is quoted. Some damage, particularly to granite structures, is beyond economical repair and will be reported honestly as such.
Does gage calibration cover surface plates as well as ring and plug gauges?
Yes. Granite surface plates, gauge blocks, and ring and plug gauges are all calibrated under ISO/IEC 17025:2017, with flatness or dimensional results reported against the applicable grade.
Can an existing CMM inspection program be revised instead of rebuilt?
Existing programs are reviewed and revised when a print, fixture or probe changes. The original routine only needs to be available for reference; it does not need to be rebuilt from scratch.
What is needed to request a calibration quotation?
Submit the instrument make, model and serial number, the last calibration date if known, and any known fault.
Further Detail
Standards, traceability and equipment control are set out on the quality system page. Competence and authorization are covered on the our team page. Commercial terms are in the terms and conditions.
Question about a specific item?
Send the detail and it is answered against the method that would actually be used.