Precision and Efficiency: Calibrating 3.3 million Instruments Annually

Efficiency in production processes relies on the ability to measure accurately. This makes companies dependent on the correct and calibrated measuring instruments. Trescal Benelux offers a range of services for this purpose, from performing calibrations in-house or on-site to precise measurements in the nanometre range using the latest optical 3D measuring machine.  

The world of accuracy and calibration is one of knowledge and experience. Understanding what references are, which tools are needed, and what quality they must meet is essential. Trescal is a specialist in this field. The company’s origin lies in the calibration department of Air Liquide (FR), which became independent in 2007 and is now represented on every continent with more than 5,000 employees, about 500 of whom are in the Benelux. 

Service Package  

While the calibration of measuring instruments for various sectors is central – as many as 3.3 million (!) instruments are calibrated annually by Trescal – Trescal also offers other services. These include the repair and maintenance of instrumentation, validation and qualification, asset management, procurement support, and training on measurement techniques and accreditation processes. In addition to technical services, Trescal also assists in the acquisition of measuring systems and solutions for managing measuring equipment, based on digital management systems among others.  

Sales manager Kasper Pijs: “For all these services, Trescal has a team of skilled professionals who not only have technical knowledge but are also closely involved in the industries they work for. Process engineering, for instance, uses different measuring equipment with different requirements than companies in the food or pharmaceutical industries. For performing the actual calibrations, we have modern laboratories equipped with advanced technology to calibrate a wide range of instruments; from electronics and mechanical and geometric devices to temperature, humidity, and pressure equipment.”  

As part of the Trescal Group, a world leader in calibration services, Trescal Benelux strictly adheres to international standards. This means that the company can also help maintain the quality and reliability of specific customer activities. This is typically a part of asset management and process 39 optimization. Kasper Pijs: “And although most calibrations are performed in our own laboratories – for which we have our own transport service – we also have a team of specialists to perform your calibrations on-site.” 

Latest High-Tech Equipment  

Developments in measurement and calibration technology continue to advance. Particularly regarding highly precise measurements, demand is increasing, and measuring in the nanometre range is no longer exotic. For these customers, Trescal recently invested in an optical 3D measuring machine: the Alicona µCMM. This purely optical system measures without contact and is the most accurate system in its class. It achieves an accuracy starting from 0.8 µm according to ISO10360-8, with the most accurate objective having a resolution of 10 nanometres. Kasper Pijs: “With this new measuring machine, we combine the advantages of tactile coordinate measuring technology with optical surface measurement to measure dimensions, position, shape, and roughness of components with a single sensor. Because measurements are carried out only on truly relevant measurement points, very short inspection times can be realized. And since the measurements are contactless, this machine will not damage the surface of the highly accurate products. Moreover, it can reach places where other measuring machines cannot.”  

The new measuring machine will primarily be used for quality purposes of products made from common industrial materials. This includes composites such as PCD, CFRP, ceramics, chrome, and silicon, regardless of whether they are matte, polished, or reflective products.  

Future  

With an impressive portfolio of services, Trescal is steadily expanding its customer base. Kasper Pijs concludes: “With our experience in various sectors, our team is also ideally positioned to contribute to the most efficient process for carrying out measurements or inspecting products. Based on provided CAD files and associated quality requirements, for example, we can develop measurement programs that are ready even before the first product comes out of the machine. This allows companies to perform the correct quality measurements in the initial trial phase to determine whether and what changes need to be made to the production process. Proactive planning accelerates company performance.” 

This is an article from the RAI Automotive Industry Magazine about the Dutch automotive industry. Want to read more? Visit: Magazine Dutch Automotive Industry | RAI Vereniging 

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