Recalibration and Repair
Frequently Asked Questions – Recalibration and Repair
Should I periodically return my force sensor to Strainsert?
Strainsert force sensors are designed and manufactured for long service, with many lasting up to and beyond 15 years when used in typical environments and periodically recalibrated/adjusted during service life. Strainsert highly recommends periodic recalibration because over time wear and tear on the sensors and the interfacing hardware can affect the load sensing path, the sensor sensitivity, and/or the no-load zero offset, any of which can lead to a decrease in sensor measurement performance if not accounted for and quantified.
In this regard and depending on the operating environment, we encourage our customers to periodically return their sensors to Strainsert for recalibration, to verify the sensor remains in good working order or requires adjustments or tune ups to optimize measurement performance.
How often should I have my sensor recalibrated?
Strainsert recommends a 1 year recalibration interval which aligns with standard industry and government bodies standards and recommendations for an annual check of sensor operation and performance.
As a courtesy, an automated email is sent by Strainsert to the sensor POC on file as a notification that the sensor’s 1 year calibration interval will be expiring soon and to contact us to schedule your next recalibration.
What is a system recalibration?
This is a calibration where the complete system including force sensor, applicable cables, display meter, signal conditioner, other type of instrumentation, are calibrated together as one system. The benefits of calibrating a complete measurement system include capturing the effects of cable resistance on the system, identifying any rounding errors resulting from the number of available instrumentation digits, identifying errors resulting from incorrect span scaling when using the Best-Straight-Line data or Shunt Cal Value which are both shown on the Certificate of Calibration.
Strainsert force sensor calibrations are traceable to which specific standard?
Strainsert is the OEM and our force sensors include a NIST traceable calibration as our standard widely accepted calibration. We also offer an ANSI-Z540 compliant calibration as an option. ISO 17025 is not available.
Does Strainsert only service/calibrate Strainsert products?
We specialize in servicing Strainsert products. However, we have experience with servicing and calibrating other manufacturers’ load cell products and instrumentation and we would be happy to review your request for repair. Please contact us online or at +1 (610) 825-3310 to see if we can help.
I lost my Certificate of Calibration. How can I get a copy?
Strainsert offers an online lookup system to review and download your company’s completed load cell calibration certificate reports. These reports are available only to the company that owns the force sensor associated with the calibration.
Some reports may not be available through our online lookup system. If you are unable to locate a specific certificate or have questions regarding your order documentation, please contact us at +1 (610) 825-3310 or Customer Service for further assistance.
What is the typical turnaround time for recalibration or repair?
Typical lead time for calibration services is 2 to 3 weeks depending on current workload, sensor type and capacity. The Repair department will provide a quotation with more specifics after your calibration request has been received.
Lead time for repairs services shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. However, the initial repair evaluation and quotation process should take about a week after receipt of parts. The Repair Department will contact you to discuss your repair options and any impact on lead time.
Do you offer expedited service?
Strainsert does offer expediting services. Expediting times may vary based on current workload, order size and part availability, but can be as quick as 2 to 3 days if conditions permit. For an estimate on expediting lead time and pricing we recommend that you call +1 (610) 825-3310 to discuss details of your requirements. Please have your serial number available.
My product is not working, what should I do?
First, we recommend that you consult our troubleshooting guide to verify proper installation, loading and electrical connections.
If you still require assistance after reviewing the troubleshooting guide, you can call +1 (610) 825-3310 and ask for technical support for further assistance or follow the steps below to begin the product RMA process to Strainsert.
When returning a sensor to Strainsert:
Complete and submit our Return Material Authorization form which documents, provides instructions, and initiates the return process. You will also receive your unique RMA number for easy reference to your job immediately after submitting the RMA information.
a. Provide a Full Explanation: Submit a detailed explanation of the malfunction or defect in writing to Strainsert. If possible, include the application or a short history of the product’s use.
b. Obtain Authorization: Contact Strainsert at +1 (610) 825-3310 or Customer Service to obtain authorization to return the product.
c. Total Number of Items: Indicate the total number of load sensors, displays, or signal conditioners being returned for service. If the products were manufactured by Strainsert with fixtures, mating cables or any other equipment, please specify all components on the RMA and send everything back to Strainsert in the same return shipment.
d. Prepare the Product for Return:
i. Send the product to Strainsert at the following address:
Strainsert Company
ATTN: Repair Dept.
12 Union Hill Road, West Conshohocken, PA 19428
ii. Ensure the product is prepaid, properly packaged, and insured at full value.
e. If the products have been modified since the purchase, please include fixtures, mating cables, and wire diagrams as applicable.
I’m filling out the RMA form. What calibration settings do I request?
When filling out the RMA form, you can select the calibration settings based on your specific requirements. Here are the available options:
1. Calibration Requirements:
a) NIST Traceable (Standard): This is the Strainsert standard calibration option.
b) ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994: This is an optional calibration. This option is not available on meters that require CAL-6 bench calibration, however an “as found” condition can be provided.
c) System Calibration: This is a calibration where the transducer and meter are calibrated together as a system. If using customer supplied non-Strainsert instrumentation, additional charges may apply for reviewing requirements and configuration.
d) Cal-6 Bench Calibration: This involves readout or signal conditioner calibration with a strain simulator. Only NIST traceable calibration is available for this option, however an “as found” condition can be provided.
2. Calibration Types:
Unless the customer directs otherwise on the RMA form, Strainsert products returned for calibration will receive the same calibration type and repeat the most recent calibration type performed on the sensor. To further discuss your calibration requirements, contact Strainsert at +1 (610) 825-3310 or Customer Service for assistance.
Available calibration types:
- Tension Calibration
- Compression Calibration
- Load Only (5-points up)
- Load/Unload (5-points up/down)
- Proof Load (1-point)
- Biaxial Calibration (calibrated in both “X” and “Y” directions)
- System Calibration
- As Found As Left Calibration
What happens when my repair shipment is received at Strainsert?
a. Your return is compared to the RMA information and entered in our system.
b. We will contact you if required or begin processing your repair.
c. Strainsert will conduct a factory evaluation to determine the root cause and repairs required to return the product to proper working order. Strainsert will also make a determination if the repair is covered under our product warranty, and if the product is within the warranty period.
d. Strainsert will contact you with the evaluation results and provide a repair estimate and/or completion date, including any charges that may apply or if the repair is covered under our 2 year warranty period. Please contact the Repair Department at +1 (610) 825-3310 or Customer Service with any questions.
Does Strainsert charge a warranty claim evaluation fee?
Evaluation charges apply if the repair is outside the 2 year warranty period, or within the warranty period but the repair is found to be free of defects, and the issue lies in external systems, components, circuits, or test setups which are not the responsibility of Strainsert. Typical calibration and/or evaluation charges are $240. However, the evaluation charge is waived if repairs are authorized by the customer.
What product warranty does Strainsert provide?
Strainsert provides a 2 year warranty for all new force sensing products and instrumentation. This warranty covers any malfunction due to defects in materials or workmanship for 2 years after shipment to the original purchaser. Refer to our warranty for additional warranty information.
If your product is covered, please contact Strainsert at +1 (610) 825-3310 or Engineering for guidance.
What warranty does Strainsert provide for repair work?
Strainsert provides a 6 month warranty period for repair work performed on our force sensing products and instrumentation. This warranty covers any malfunction due to defects in materials or workmanship for 6 months after shipment to the original purchaser. The warranty does not cover any issues encountered after a re-calibration, unless it falls within the original 2-year warranty period. Refer to our warranty for additional warranty information.