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MARCH 2005 INDUSTRY NEWS

 

 

Metrology Job Description Initiative

In 2005, the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics will be soliciting input for updating its Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) listing for its next formal release. The first step of the Metrology Job Description initiative is to compile job descriptions currently used in government and industry. Without adequate job descriptions prospective candidates may not be steered into the Metrology field by educators. Your help is needed to send job descriptions for Calibration Technicians, Calibration Engineers and Metrologists.

To learn how you can contribute download the PDF here. You may also visit ASQ's Measurement Division at www.asq.org/measure for more information.


Comparing Measurement Results From the Same Power Splitter

Labs from around the world took part in an exercise to compare measurement results using the same power splitter. Eight national measurement institutes and six UKAS-accredited laboratories took part in the ANAMET club measurement comparison exercise, which took two years to complete. This particular exercise examined measurements of the specification parameters (i.e. input and output matches, output tracking, etc) of a commercial coaxial power splitter at frequencies ranging from 1 GHz to 18 GHz.

Power splitters are used throughout the RF and microwave world in applications ranging from communications Base Stations right through to the highest precision test benches and calibration laboratories.

The aim of these ANAMET measurement comparisons is to share good measurement practice within the RF and microwave community. The results of the comparison have been analysed by NPL and in general the laboratories have shown overall agreement in measurements. But there still remain concerns and variations based upon the choice of measurement equipment and/or techniques. This feedback provides invaluable assistance to the participants in identifying hitherto unknown problems with their measurements and test set-ups.

A copy of the full report describing this exercise can be obtained from anamet@npl.co.uk. ANAMET is a club for organisations and people involved in RF, microwave or millimetre-wave measurements. The club meets twice a year at NPL or at other member organisations premises. Sample agendas are available online. The ANAMET club provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, information, and experience in these fields.

 

Praxair Signs Contract Extension With ESP

Praxair, Inc. announced the signing of a contract extension with Environmental Systems Products (ESP) for the supply of precisely mixed, automotive inspection and maintenance calibration gases through 2006. ESP uses Praxair's gas mixtures to calibrate its analyzers that measure vehicle tailpipe emissions. More than 12,000 ESP emissions analyzers in 12 U.S. states and one Canadian province are supported by Praxair's specialty gases.

Praxair mixes carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, propane and nitric oxide with nitrogen in non-refillable cylinders. Every 72 hours, ESP's computer-controlled analyzer requires calibration with gases certified by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). Equipment calibration ensures the accuracy of each and every vehicle inspection, and the integrity of the vehicle-inspection program.

"We've been manufacturing precision calibration gases for 30 years, and during this time the analyzers have become more sophisticated and the requirements for the gases more accurate and complex," said Praxair's environmental marketing manager, John Ottosen. "As emissions testing increases and industries need more help to meet ever-stricter environmental regulations, we're working with customers like ESP to develop better ways for them to measure emissions more accurately."

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2004 sales of $6.6 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technology bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, food and beverage, healthcare, semiconductor materials, steel, chemicals and refining, metal fabrication, water treatment, glass and others.

 

Tektronix Quarter Highlighted by Strong Product Introductions and Significant Industry Awards

Tektronix, Inc. reported net sales of $256.3 million and net earnings from continuing operations of $23.4 million or $0.26 per share for the third quarter ended February 26, 2005. This compares with net sales of $243.5 million and net earnings from continuing operations of $43.9 million or $0.50 per share for the same period last year, which includes one-time net credits of $21.6 million or $0.17 per share, resulting largely from the sale of the Japan headquarters building.

"We saw steady order growth, and sales that were consistent with our expectations," said Rick Wills, Tektronix Chairman and CEO. "We were able to deliver solid earnings as we continued to realize strong gross margins that were far above historical levels." "Additionally, we had several significant new product introductions in the quarter. In the middle of the quarter we introduced the world's fastest oscilloscope at 15 GHz real-time bandwidth, receiving very positive response from customers. This oscilloscope, which began shipping in volume this week, is the first product from Tektronix to showcase breakthrough technologies which will be incorporated into many of our products in the coming year," said Wills. Recent highlights include the following:

  • Significant new oscilloscope products were introduced including the TDS6000C family of real-time digital storage oscilloscopes which includes the TDS6154C, the world's fastest at 15 GHz, and the 12 GHz TDS6124C which offers customers uncompromised industry-leading performance for designs based on second-generation serial data standards such as second-generation PCI-Express, SATAIII and double XAUI.
  • Tektronix received two significant test and measurement awards - the EDN Innovation Award presented by EDN Magazine in the Test & Measurement category for the TDS5000B Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes with MyScope (which also won the DesignVision Award given by the International Engineering Consortium in the Test & Measurement Equipment category) and an award by EE Times for the TPS2000 Portable Digital Storage Oscilloscope, which was named the Ultimate Product of the Year as part of the inaugural EE Times ACE (Annual Creativity in Electronics) Award in the Test & Measurement category.

Used Test and Measurement Equipment Market Report

Resellers attempt to enforce greater transparency in the used test and measurement equipment market through the introduction of pricing benchmarks. This initiative expects to bridge the information gap created by brokers and drive demand in a low growth market.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.testandmeasurement.frost.com), North American Used Test and Measurement Equipment Market, reveals that revenue in this market totaled $446.4 million in 2004 and projects to reach $654.5 million in 2011.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end-users and other industry participants an overview of the latest analysis of the North American Used Test and Measurement Equipment Market -- then send an email to Trisha Bradley -- Corporate Communications at trisha.bradley@frost.com and include the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, fax number and email. An overview will be sent to you.

 

Troemner's New Corporate Logo

Troemner has updated the look of its corporate logo. We have added the hummingbird, which symbolizes many positive attributes that directly relate to Troemner as a company, the products we produce and the message we want to convey to our customers.

The hummingbird is known to represent precision, intelligence, creation, and swiftness of thought. These attributes are evident in Troemner’s Weight and Calibration Services business, as well as in Troemner’s line of laboratory equipment which is sold into high technology industries. Highly skilled metrologists, innovative engineering, and state of the art facilities outline Troemner’s continued commitment to its customers.

For additional information regarding Troemner products and calibration/certification services, visit our website at www.troemner.com, or contact us at 1.800.352.7718.

 

S. Korean Laboratory Accreditation to be Recognized Overseas

South Korean exports will find it easier to gain overseas market access as locally-issued product laboratory accreditation certificates receive recognition abroad, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said.

"An agreement between the state-run Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), which went into effect this month, does away with the need for companies to receive different product accreditation marks in every foreign market," a ministry official said.  He said many foreign importers requested that South Korean products receive an internationally-accepted accreditation mark of quality and safety as a prerequisite to any trade deal.

The pact signed in January will allow products that received the KOLAS mark from 380 test lab facilities and calibration centers in the country to receive the ILAC-Mutual Recognition Arrangements (ILAC-MRA) stamp, which is used by 37 industrialized countries like the United States, Japan, Germany and Britain.

The ministry said that the ILAC agreement is a sign of the quality control by KOLAS over the 206 test labs and 174 calibration centers nationwide.  It will reduce the time required for products to be exported, not only saving time and expense but raising the overall competitiveness of South Korean products, it added.

In the past, it took local car parts manufacturers up to two months to receive a laboratory accreditation mark for safety devices if it was referred to a foreign institution, but only around 25 days to get the KOLAS mark in the country. The cost of getting the tests will also be reduced from around 10 million won to around 1-2 million won.


ARCwire Field Report: Pittcon 2005

By Paula Hollywood, ARC Advisory Group

The Pittsburg Conference (Pittcon) 2005 was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from February 27 through March 4, 2005, and the tagline was to showcase "Everything Science Under the Sun".

Attendance was estimated at 20,000, of which about 7,500 were conferees, and the technical program continues to be the principal attraction for attendees.

It was very evident that suppliers are diligently working to produce equipment to improve laboratory efficiency. Solutions claiming to increase productivity and achieve faster results that are regulatory compliant were everywhere. Suppliers to the Pharmaceutical industry are getting serious about the U.S. FDA's Process Analytical Technology (PAT) initiative in terms of faster, more powerful analytical instrumentation, process monitoring control, and data management tools.

Suppliers of detection equipment are targeting the burgeoning homeland security market with a variety of high tech devices. A variety of sensor technologies are under development including conducting polymer elements, visible light diffraction, and materials possessing the properties of photonic crystals. Many of the developments to date have focused on miniaturizing existing lab equipment and making it portable for field use. The conundrum for suppliers is that requirements are not yet clearly defined, nor is a market size determined. What is clear is that rapid detection and identification of chemical or biological agents is crucial.

Asset Management of laboratory equipment is gaining momentum with more suppliers offering such services. Major suppliers such as PerkinElmer, Thermo Electron, Waters, and Agilent are offering comprehensive multi-vendor solutions for equipment maintenance, validation, repair, and training designed to consolidate their service provider base, optimize lab performance, reduce operational downtime, and reduce maintenance costs.

For a free subscription to ARCwire visit ARCweb.com.

 

Top Reasons to Exhibit at ISA's 51st International Instrumentation Symposium

ISA's International Instrumentation Symposium and Exhibit (IIS) have long been recognized as an outstanding forum for discussion of new and innovative instrumentation products, technologies, developments and applications.
Join ISA at the Hilton Hotel in Knoxville, TN, from May 8 - 12, 2005.

Top reasons to exhibit:

  • Meet face-to-face with 100-150 senior instrumentation and manufacturing personnel that need or want your products!
  • Be actively involved with managers, engineers, and consultants that design, manage, buy, specify, and consult on instrumentation developments and related projects in one location.
  • Poster presentations, coffee breaks, and lunches all located within the exhibit area.
  • Exhibiting companies will receive a post-event registration list.
  • Quality conference program developed by industry experts from Test Measurement and Aerospace Industry Divisions
  • Tremendous ROI potential.
  • Limited number of exhibits gives you more opportunity to stand out.

 

Sypris Test & Measurement Expands Vibration Testing Services

Sypris Test & Measurement, a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc., announced the addition of an LDS V9 Shaker System at its Orlando, FL test facility. The shaker is designed to test heavy loads at high vibration levels over long periods of time, significantly reducing test time and expense. The system consists of the V9 Shaker, a slip table and computer controlled programs.

"The new shaker system can be used extensively to test avionics, military hardware, automotive components and electronic assemblies," said Arvin Blank, Sypris Test & Measurement Environmental Test Engineering Manager. "It is a high-precision system that will put test items through their paces in the two horizontal axes as well as the vertical axes. The sophisticated design provides high-stress testing without putting sensitive aerospace and electronic payloads at risk. It is also ideal for automotive NVH and squeak and rattle testing."

The V9 is one of the largest shakers in the world, with a three-inch stroke and 2,000 pounds capacity. Loads can be up to six feet in height, and 48"x48" in width and depth. The shaker system's computer controller can operate random, sine, shock, shock SRS, sine on random, and random on random programs with 8-channel data acquisition.

Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., Sypris Test and Measurement is a leading provider of on-site and mobile calibration services, testing and evaluation services, state-of-the-art magnetic measurement instruments, current sensors and hall generators. Sypris Test and Measurement operates a network of state-of-the-art laboratories strategically located throughout the United States, and numerous mobile calibration units. ISO 9001:2000 Registered.

 

Experts Urge Redefinition of the Kilogram

It’s time to replace the 115-year-old kilogram artifact as the world's official standard for mass, even though experiments generally thought necessary to achieve this goal have not yet reached their targeted level of precision. That's the conclusion of an upcoming Metrologia journal article* authored by five eminent scientists from the United States, United Kingdom and France that was discussed at a scientific meeting of the Royal Society of London on Feb. 14-15.

The authors of this Metrologia paper suggest replacing the kilogram artifact—a cylinder of platinum-iridium alloy about the size of a plum—with a definition based on one of two unchanging natural phenomena, either a quantity of light or the mass of a fixed number of atoms.

The five authors, including three from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), one from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, and a former director of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) near Paris, conclude that redefining the kilogram now in terms of an invariable property of nature rather than a material object could immediately have many benefits. For instance, it would improve the precision of certain electrical measurements 50-fold and would enable physicists to make more precise calculations in studying the fundamental quantum properties of atoms and other basic particles. The paper outlines how this could be accomplished without impairing the current international system of mass measurements.

For further information see www.nist.gov/public_affairs/newsfromnist_redef_kilogram.htm.

* I.M. Mills, P.J. Mohr, T.J. Quinn, B. Taylor, E. Williams, "Redefinition of the kilogram: A decision whose time has come," Metrologia, expected online publication, Feb. 2005.

 

Airgas Hosted Session on Selecting Gas Calibration Mixtures at PITTCON

Airgas, Inc. hosted a session on the methods for selecting gas calibration mixtures at the Pittsburgh Conference (PITTCON). The presentation, one of four that Airgas offered at the conference, was designed to help specialty gas users understand how to specify calibration mixtures for laboratory and process applications. Daniel Bartel, director of technical services, and Christopher Rowley, specialty gas market development manager, were the speakers.

"Gas calibration mixtures can be a source of anxiety for those responsible for buying and using them," Bartel said. "Our presentation is designed to demystify calibration standards and help end users understand how they are made and measured."

Gas calibration mixtures, used by various industries to calibrate measurement instrumentation, can range from simple, two-component uncertified mixtures to complex, ninety-nine component hydrocarbon standards that are individually analyzed and certified. The session covered all of the factors involved in manufacturing and certifying these mixtures, as well as the process of determining quality, accuracy and analytical certification of specialty gas blends. The oral session also addressed:

-- The importance of defining units of measure by mole, weight or volume for concentrations in various types of mixtures

-- The difference between preparation tolerance and analytical tolerance

-- Traceability of standards, including Standard Reference Materials (SRMs), NIST Traceable Reference Materials (NTRMs) and Gas Manufacturer Intermediate Standards (GMIS).

-- Guidelines for EPA Protocol Gas Mixtures

-- How to specify gas calibration mixtures from your vendor

As the U.S. leader in specialty gases, Airgas serves a variety of customers in the analytical and process industries. Over the past year, three Airgas specialty gas facilities in Riverton, NJ; Port Allen, LA; and Royal Oak, MI have earned ISO 17025 accreditation, the international standard for calibration and testing laboratories. The accreditations help ensure Airgas' ability to meet customer requirements for accuracy, precision and traceability. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.

 

Highlights of TA/NIST's FY 2006 Budget Request

An increased emphasis on research to support key Administration priorities in advanced manufacturing, homeland security, and health and information technologies highlights the FY 2006 request for the Commerce Department’s Technology Administration (TA) submitted to the Congress by President Bush. The budget proposes a total of $536.2 million in funding for TA, underscoring the President’s continued commitment to research and development.

“This budget includes significant boosts for TA’s highest priority research efforts while still supporting the President’s commitment to responsible spending restraint,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology Phillip J. Bond. “It enables us to continue to act as strong advocates for innovation and industrial competitiveness both inside and outside the government, and provide our nation with a reliable foundation for the technology infrastructure.”

The Technology Administration includes the technology policy staff of the Office of the Under Secretary, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Technical Information Service (NTIS).

The budget request includes initiatives that target pressing national priorities:

  • supporting Advances in Manufacturing, with components addressing nanomanufacturing and nanometrology, efficient manufacturing enterprise integration, and expanding US access to global markets through improved measurements and standards

  • supporting Construction of Research Facilities, covering maintenance, repair, upgrading, and construction at NIST's Boulder, Colorado and Gaithersburg, Maryland locations.

For more details read http://www.nist.gov/speeches/DoC_FY06Request_020805.pdf

 

Johnson Controls Metrology Completes New Calibration Laboratory Johnson Controls Metrology Services (JCIMS), Louisville, KY is pleased to announce the completion of the move of their laboratory operations. The new 5000+ ft 2 facility was completed in November and underwent a full ISO 17025 accreditation assessment in December 2004.

“We’re extremely pleased with the new facility and the opportunities for expansion that the move opens up for us. The dimensional measurement area has a proprietary environmental control system that maintains the ambient temperature at 68° F with a standard deviation of 0.3° F. This is an order of magnitude better than our previous lab and has been a big step in lowering our measurement uncertainties” said Rick Cope, Laboratory Operations Manager.

The new facility boasts dedicated workstations for each of the laboratories accredited disciplines. The extra space allows for increases in productivity and reductions in turnaround times which have a direct impact on customer satisfaction.

Rick goes on, "With the larger lab we now have the room to expand our capabilities to meet the demands of our customers. In fact we recently purchased a new CMM for dimensional layouts, and during our last assessment we added mass calibrations to our 17025 scope of accreditation."

Johnson Controls Metrology Services is an independent calibration laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 for a wide variety of measurement disciplines. They offer onsite and mail-in calibration services for numerous automotive, pharmaceutical, industrial and petrochemical companies.

For more information on Johnson Controls' wide range of services or to schedule a laboratory tour please contact Michael Linn at 205-917-2419 (michael.c.linn@jci.com) or Richard Cope 502-493-2139 (richard.d.cope@jci.com).

 

Tektronix Oscilloscopes Win EFY Readers Choice Award for 2005

Tektronix, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring instrumentation, announced that its oscilloscopes have been selected for a 2005 Readers Choice Award by Electronics For You (EFY) magazine, one of Asia's leading publications for the electronics industry. Tektronix won the same award for its excellence in oscilloscope technology last year.

The Readers Choice Award, given by EFY annually, is a regional accolade of electronic community that honors the leading companies for the excellence of product, solutions, and technical breakthroughs. The nominees from the awards were selected through a survey done by IMRB, a well known market research company. The final results are an outcome of the jury's deliberations based on the survey results and their own knowledge of the industry. The jury was comprised of senior government officials associated with the industry and representatives from various electronics associations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ramesh Chopra, Managing Director, EFY Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., said, "This special award is the recognition given by the EFY Awards to the leading enterprises and individuals in the Indian electronics industry. Being a leading publication in the electronics industry, we have taken the initiative to identify the leading companies in the industry, with the inputs of the electronics fraternity."

"It is our great honor to win the EFY award again this year," said Teck Lee Low, Regional Managing Director, Asia-Pacific South, Tektronix. "Recognition by EFY affirms our ability to address customer needs everywhere in the world. Tektronix' innovation and vision for technology development have made us the leader in the test and measurement industry. Tektronix continually raises the benchmark for performance. The recent introduction of new the new TDS6000C oscilloscopes and low-loading P7313 probe provides customers with uncompromised performance, providing a superior solution in every way for the most demanding applications."

 

TRANSCAT Now Offers Mass Calibrations

Transcat has upgraded its mass capabilities to include calibrations on Class 1 weights ranging from 1mg to 5 kg (or 50 lbs). Using Mettler mass comparators and Class 0 mass standards to calibrate these weights, Transcat will provide you with NIST-traceable certificates, including before and after data. All services are performed by expertly trained calibration technicians in accordance with ISO 17025 quality guidelines.

Transcat is committed to providing first class calibration services as well as excellent customer service. Their commitment is reflected in their extensive A2LA accreditation at all 10 laboratories across North America.

In addition to mass calibration, Transcat also provides accredited calibrations in other disciplines, including electrical, temperature, humidity, dimensional, and pressure. Transcat is also a leading distributor of over 35,000 products from 250 manufacturers in the test & measurement equipment marketplace. For more information, visit Transcat's website at www.transcat.com

 

Highlights from NIST's Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory

NIST Force Calibrations Ensure Proper Operation of Aircraft Engines

The NIST Force Metrology Laboratory completed calibration of a secondary standard load cell system consisting of a 222.4 kN (50,000 lbf) capacity load cell and a dedicated indicator for Rolls Royce Canada Limited of Quebec, Canada. Rolls Royce Canada performs numerous jet engine thrust measurements for worldwide customers to verify the proper operation of the engine under test following overhaul or repair. The company provides service for over 123 different types of engines powering commercial and military aircrafts around the world.

The load cell system calibrated at NIST serves as the "master" used to calibrate two other "working" load cell systems that are installed in one of two jet engine test stands in their laboratory. This test stand will service engines in the maximum thrust capacity range of 311 kN (70,000 lbf) which typically are found on a Boeing 747 type of aircraft. To accommodate seasonal weather changes in Canada, the Rolls Royce procedure is to heat the load cells within the test stands by use of a heating blanket wrap around the load cell. The load cells are maintained at 35°C while in use and during calibration in the NIST force deadweight machine. The uniqueness of using this blanket while in use in the test stand helps to minimize any thermal gradients within the load cell which would affect the Rolls Royce specification of ensuring 0.25% repeatability for the overall system.

In the past, Rolls Royce Canada Limited relied on the force metrology laboratory at National Research Council (NRC, the Canadian counterpart to NIST) to perform their yearly force calibration requirements. However due to attrition and cost cutting measures, the NRC force metrology calibration service no longer exists. Thus, based on their high level of confidence that the NIST measurement performance would meet their needs, Rolls Royce Canada chose NIST to continue to provide calibrations that are traceable to a national laboratory.

To learn more about Calibration Research being performed at NIST's MEL visit http://www.mel.nist.gov/proj/calres.htm.

 

ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Amendments

The revisions to ISO/IEC 17025 will be published as a new standard within the next few months. The purpose of the revisions was to align the quality management wording of ISO/IEC 17025 with the wording in ISO 9001:2000, but retain the focus on technical competence. The modifications to ISO/IEC 17025 are for all intents and purposes relatively minor.

The basic changes include:

  • A global change throughout the standard of the current words "quality system" to the words "management system"
  • Section 4.2 – Quality system (to be changed to Management system) will be upgraded with more emphasis on top management’s commitment, communications, and maintenance of the Management System
  • A global change throughout the standard of the current word "client" to the word "customer"
  • Section 4.7 – Service to the client (to be changed to Service to the customer) will essentially revise the current Note 3 into clause 4.7.2
  • Insertion of a new subclause called 4.10 –Improvement that requires laboratories to continually improve the effectiveness of their management system
  • Renumbering of subclauses affected by the insertion of the "improvement" subclause
  • Cross-references to subclauses that have changed due to the insertion are updated accordingly
  • References to previous ISO Guides 58 and 2 are replaced with the new standards ISO/IEC 17011 and 17000 respectively
  • Section 5.2 – Personnel will include the statement “The effectiveness of the training actions taken shall be evaluated”
  • Section 5.9 – Assuring the quality of test and calibration results will include the statement “Quality control data shall be analysed and, where they are found to be outside pre-defined criteria planned action shall be taken to correct the problem and to prevent incorrect results from being reported.”
  • Annex A – Nominal cross-references will be upgraded from ISO 9001:1994 to ISO 9001:2000 version

Other than a more rigorous emphasis on continual improvement the impact of these changes for most laboratories appear to be minimal. How the new changes are implemented are essentially at the discretion of each country’s accreditation body. However, it is probable that implementation will follow the same path as the three year implementation period which was utilized for ISO 9001:2000.

This information was provided courtesy of SHOQ Quality Assurance Manuals, Inc.

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