What is the best way to maintain and calibrate mechanical testing equipment?

2 How to perform maintenance

Maintenance is the process of keeping the mechanical testing equipment in good working order by preventing or correcting any defects, damages, or wear and tear. Maintenance can be divided into two types: preventive and corrective. Preventive maintenance is the regular inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and replacement of parts before they fail or degrade. Corrective maintenance is the repair or replacement of parts after they fail or degrade. Both types of maintenance require following the manufacturer's instructions and specifications, as well as using the appropriate tools and materials.

4 How often to maintain and calibrate

The frequency of maintenance and calibration depends on several factors, such as the type and usage of the equipment, the environmental conditions, the test methods, and the quality requirements. Generally, maintenance should be done before and after each test, as well as periodically according to a schedule. Calibration should be done at least once a year, or more often if the equipment shows signs of drift, malfunction, or damage. Additionally, maintenance and calibration should be done whenever the equipment is moved, modified, or repaired.

5 How to check for errors

Even with proper maintenance and calibration, mechanical testing equipment can still produce errors due to human, instrument, or material factors. Errors can affect the accuracy, precision, or repeatability of the data, and can be systematic or random. Systematic errors are consistent deviations from the true value that can be caused by faulty equipment, incorrect settings, or biased procedures. Random errors are unpredictable variations that can be caused by noise, fluctuations, or variability in the equipment, the operator, or the material. Errors can be detected by using statistical methods, such as control charts, confidence intervals, or uncertainty analysis.

6 How to improve performance

In order to improve the performance of mechanical testing equipment and reduce errors, there are several steps that can be taken. This includes selecting the right equipment, test method, and parameters for the material and objective of the test. Furthermore, specimens must be prepared and handled according to standards and best practices. Additionally, operators must be trained and certified on the equipment operation, maintenance, calibration, and data analysis. Moreover, a quality management system should be implemented that outlines roles, responsibilities, procedures, and records for mechanical testing. Finally, it is important to review and update the equipment, methods, and standards regularly to reflect the latest developments in materials science.