The importance of torque calibration and safety arguably goes hand in hand. A torque tool is designed to apply a specific amount of force to a fastener. Torque calibration is the process of verifying and adjusting a torque tool to ensure it applies the specified force. This process is crucial for maintaining tool accuracy and operational safety.
Why Accuracy Matters in Aerospace
There is no denying that safety and accuracy are important in the aerospace industry; in this environment, even the smallest inaccuracy can result in a major catastrophe. Aerospace vehicles travel at high velocities and experience immense forces; therefore, all components that go into building and maintaining these types of vehicles must undergo strict testing and comply with all safety regulations. Aerospace torque wrench calibration is no exception.
Due to the complex nature of an aircraft, with the vehicles made up of thousands of components, each one held together by fasteners, bolts, and joints. These joints must be tightened to exact specifications to endure the dynamic loads, extreme temperatures, and stresses experienced during flight. The importance of torque calibration in the aerospace industry is not a suggestion; the harsh reality of it could be a matter of life and death.
Automotive Quality, Safety, and Customer Trust
From a safety standpoint, precision in the automotive industry is non-negotiable. Applying too little torque to wheel nuts will cause them to come loose, which in turn will cause an added strain on the other wheel nuts. This increases the chance of other wheel nuts failing, which can result in the wheel separating from the car while in motion. Applying too much torque to wheel nuts can cause the threads to be stripped, distorting the shape. This then causes the nut to fail, placing extra force on the other nuts and increasing their chances of failure. This can, in turn, make the wheel detach from the car.
In less extreme cases, when incorrect torque is applied, it can decrease the quality of the vehicles. This can result in product recalls and customer complaints, affecting customer trust and brand image.
Safety, Compliance, and Cost Efficiency Across Both Sectors
Aside from torque calibration being a requirement, there are other benefits.
Safety – regular calibration minimises any chance of fastener failures in both the aerospace and automotive industries.
Meets compliance standards – Calibrated tools are essential for industries regulated by organisations like ISO and OSHA to satisfy quality audit and inspection standards.
Higher quality products – In any precision-focused industry, torque calibration ensures consistency and accuracy, leading to higher-quality outcomes.
Reduced liability – using uncalibrated tools increases the risk of equipment failure, which can potentially expose your business to legal and financial liability.
Tool longevity – Tools that are properly calibrated work better and wear more evenly, reducing breakdowns and the need for premature replacements.
Calibration Enhances Efficiency and Reliability
Maintaining regular calibration ensures your tools deliver consistent and accurate performance throughout your operations. This can help with the speed of the production process and enhance reliability across operations and manufacturing. This helps businesses avoid any rework, improve workflow, and ensure every component meets requirements and specifications from the start.
Calibration in Action: Maintenance, MRO, and Traceability
Torque calibration plays a critical role in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations by ensuring that all tools and equipment perform within specified tolerances. When integrated into regular maintenance schedules, calibration can help prevent unexpected failures and maximise equipment uptime.
With each calibration event documented and linked to a specific tool, this ensures accountability and traceability. This creates a record for audits and business compliance, supporting quality assurance and alignment with industry standards. Allowing all manufacturing and maintenance work to be carried out with precision and reliability.
Generally, it’s recommended to recalibrate torque tools every 12 months or after every 5000 uses, whichever comes first. For industries like aerospace and automotive, where the stakes are higher and precision is vital, it’s recommended to have more frequent calibration. At GNW, we understand the importance of calibration procedures. We offer in-house and on-site calibrations to meet your business needs. Contact us today through our online contact form, alternatively, call or email us, to see how we can assist you in safely running your business.