Creating usage adequacy
Prerequisites
- Access to the File > Usage adequacy (MA032) menu.
- Previously created measurement unit.
Introduction
The system allows calibration results to be adjusted according to the expected use of the asset. Usage adequacy defines the tolerances and limits associated with the process in which the asset will be used.
Example:
Suppose a micrometer is used in two different processes within an organization:
- Electronic components manufacturing process: in this case, the micrometer must be one of high precision, with a tolerance of ±0.001 mm, due to the requirement for very high precision components.
- Metal parts manufacturing process: here, the micrometer can operate with a tolerance greater than ±0.01 mm, since metal parts do not require such precision.
In this example, while the micrometer is calibrated, the results can be adjusted to meet the specific tolerances of each process, ensuring that the instrument is suitable for its intended use and ensuring the quality and conformity of the final products.
Adding usage adequacy
1. Access the File > Usage adequacy (MA032) menu.
2. Click on the 
toolbar button.
3. On the screen that will open, enter an ID # and a name for the usage adequacy.
4. In the Upper tolerance field, set the value corresponding to the upper uncertainty allowed for the usage.
5. In the Lower tolerance field, set the value corresponding to the lower uncertainty allowed for the usage.
6. In the Reducer field, enter the value that will be applied to the usage tolerance as a safety factor.
7. In the Measurement unit field, select the measurement unit that will be used to measure the usage adequacy.
8. After filling in all the fields, click on the 
button.
Practical example of usage adequacy in a calibration
In an industrial weighing process, it has been defined that the acceptable tolerance for the uncertainty (error) is 15 kilograms (upper tolerance + lower tolerance). However, it will not be possible to keep the asset within this acceptable margin of error of 15 kilograms over time, as it may wear out, which will increase its weight and, consequently, cause the tolerance to be exceeded.
To prevent this problem, a reducer will be used to decrease the acceptable tolerance for the asset. In this example, the reducer is 3 kilograms.
Therefore, the new process tolerance will be calculated using the following parameters:
- Process tolerance: 15 kilograms.
- Reducer: 3 kilograms.
Therefore, the adjusted tolerance, considering the reducer, will be the fraction of 15/3, that is, 5 kilograms.
This adjustment may occur in a weighing process for heavy loads, in which it is crucial to maintain strict precision to avoid future problems. For example, in a construction industry, when weighing materials such as cement or sand, it is essential that the scale maintains its precision within a small margin to ensure the quality and safety of the constructed structures. Using a reducer to adjust tolerance ensures that the equipment continues to operate reliably and to required standards, even with wear and tear over time.
This means that the asset can have an uncertainty of up to 5 kilograms, which ensures that it remains within the acceptable margin of error and prevents future damage due to wear and tear.
Conclusion
Once saved, the record will be ready to be associated in an objective calibration table, in the Process tab, allowing the reducer to also be used in the acceptability criterion.
The usage adequacy resource is critical to maintaining asset precision, reliability, and conformity, while contributing to operational efficiency and cost reduction.