- Can we buy off-the-shelf labels or do we require custom-printed labels? The answer
to this question may be dictated by factors beyond your control, such as ISO/QS
9000, ISO 14000, FDA, or ANSI-Z540 requirements; internal company specifications;
or outside calibration-house needs.
- What information must be included on each label? Is the same information required
for all gages in all departments or does the amount of required information change?
Will one standard label work or are several different labels required? Will label
color play a role in the calibration system?
- How will information be printed on the label? Can it be handwritten? Is it better to print labels on a computer printer? Will our calibration software print labels
for us? Does the ink have to be permanent and waterproof? Test any ink prior to
use. Many "permanent and waterproof" inks aren’t permanent and/or waterproof on
all surfaces.
Many of today’s calibration software programs feature the ability to
print labels directly from the software database. Programs such as CyberMetrics’
GAGEtrak calibration software will work directly with a label printer. The main
advantages of a direct connection between the calibration database and a label printer
is the greatly reduced opportunity for data-entry errors, excellent readability
of labels and time savings.
Though a calibration label seems like such a simple thing, it can be
an ongoing frustration. Some advanced planning and analysis of your labeling needs will help you properly establish this cornerstone of your gage-calibration system.
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