Optimax UKAS accreditation is a first!

Optimax has been granted the UK’s first accreditation for the verification of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) equipped with imaging probing systems against the ISO 10360-7 standard by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
ISO 10360-7:2011 specifies the acceptance and re-verification tests for confirming the manufacturer’s or user’s stated performance of Cartesian CMMs equipped with imaging probing systems (often referred to as vision or video measuring machines).  Optimax also holds UKAS accreditation for the calibration of toolmakers microscopes, profile projectors and magnification-only microscopes against the internationally recognised ISO/IEC 17025 testing/calibration standard.
 
Pete Clements, commented: “Optimax sees the verification of vision measuring instruments as an important addition to the company’s portfolio of UKAS accreditation.  Providing an independent source of accredited calibration to a recognised international standard is vital in reassuring customers, that the vision systems they are investing in and using, are fit for purpose and remain so on an ongoing basis.”
 
The standard requires the customer and calibration provider to establish a specification for the instrument when reviewing the contract.  Discussions can include areas around uncertainty of measurement, set against the specific application, adding further value to the process.
 
Accreditation to ISO 10360-7:2011 fills a gap in the frontline traceability chain, which has previously been filled with non UKAS traceable certification, customers now have a choice between OEM and externally audited UKAS certification, which has got to be a good thing for the future and provide a greater confidence in the vision market as a whole.”
 
Peter Bancroft, Assessment Manager at UKAS said:  “Congratulations to everyone at Optimax on becoming the first organisation to achieve UKAS accreditation for CMMs to ISO 10360-7.  The correct calibration of all equipment is vital if results are to be relied upon, particularly in the medical, pharmaceutical, aerospace, automotive, electronics, defence, precision manufacturing and sectors.  The extension of Optimax’s scope of UKAS accreditation to include Video CMMs means that its clients can be assured that the equipment is performing as expected and delivering accurate, reliable results.”