Why UKAS Calibration Matters for Your Portable Arm

Introduction

Portable measuring arms are a trusted tool across industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, and general manufacturing. They allow engineers to carry out accurate inspections directly on the shop floor, in the workshop, or even on-site at customer facilities. But like any precision instrument, a portable arm can only deliver reliable results if it’s regularly calibrated.

Neglecting calibration risks more than just inconsistent measurements; it can lead to audit failures, wasted time, scrap parts, and damaged customer confidence. That’s why UKAS-accredited calibration is not just a tick-box exercise, but a vital part of quality assurance.

What is calibration, and why does it matter?

Calibration is the process of verifying that your portable arm is performing within the specifications defined by its manufacturer. Over time, physical wear, knocks during use, and environmental conditions like temperature and humidity can all impact accuracy.

A properly calibrated arm ensures:

• Traceable accuracy – every measurement ties back to an international standard.
• Consistency – operators can trust the same results across different sites or teams.
• Confidence – no unpleasant surprises during customer inspections or audits.

Skipping calibration increases the risk of:

• Measurement drift that creeps in unnoticed.
• Rework and production delays when parts don’t fit as expected.
• Rejected batches or customer complaints.
• Audit failures that damage your reputation.

Why UKAS accreditation makes a difference

Not all calibration services are created equal. UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the only government-recognised accreditation body in the UK. A UKAS calibration provides independent verification that your arm has been tested against international standards by a competent, accredited laboratory.

For manufacturers, this means:

• Audit readiness – UKAS certificates are accepted worldwide and support ISO standards like 9001 and IATF 16949.
• Peace of mind – results are traceable, impartial, and recognised by customers and regulators.
• Competitive advantage – being able to demonstrate UKAS-accredited calibration reassures customers of your quality commitment.

 How often should you calibrate a portable arm?

Most manufacturers recommend annual calibration as a minimum. However, the ideal frequency depends on:

• Usage intensity – arms in constant use may need more frequent checks.
• Application criticality – if you’re measuring safety-critical parts, more frequent calibration reduces risk.
• Audit requirements – some standards or customer contracts may mandate a set interval.

A simple rule of thumb: if your measurements underpin quality, your calibration schedule should reflect that importance.

The Measurement Solutions approach

At Measurement Solutions, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s few providers offering UKAS-accredited calibration for portable measuring arms. Our approach is built around minimising downtime and maximising confidence:

• On-site calibration – we come to you, reducing disruption.
• Rapid turnaround – we know downtime is costly, so our service is fast and efficient.
• Expert engineers – our team doesn’t just calibrate; we support you with advice and best practices to keep your arm performing at its best.
• Automated reminders – never miss a calibration date with our customer reminder system.

The cost of doing nothing

It’s tempting to delay calibration to save time or budget. But in reality, the risks far outweigh the savings:

• A single batch of rejected parts can cost thousands.
• A failed audit can disrupt production or damage contracts.
• Inconsistent results can erode customer confidence.

Calibration is not just a compliance task; it’s a safeguard against costly mistakes.

Conclusion

Your portable arm is only as good as its last calibration. With UKAS accreditation, you can prove your measurements are accurate, reliable, and compliant, giving you the confidence to deliver quality every time.

Don’t leave accuracy to chance. Book your UKAS portable arm calibration with Measurement Solutions today.