API Completes A2LA Reaccreditation with Added Machine Tool Scope

Published: Wednesday, March 28, 2018 - 16:19

(API: Newport News, VA) -- Automated Precision–Services Division (API Services), a company specializing in three-dimensional measurements and high-value metrology solutions, announces that it has been awarded accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994, awarded by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). 

“We have expanded our current accredited tracker calibration capabilities to include our Omnitrac 2 laser tracker and machine tool calibration equipment/processes,” says API Services quality manager Kati Allison. “Through being accredited, customers have the assurance that the equipment used and data provided is accurate and reliable.”

ISO 17025 certification is a global compliance system for calibration and testing laboratories requiring strict adherence to guarantee the reliability of the measurements provided. Accreditation proves the technical capability of a laboratory to execute certain types of measurement and raises the bar for the company.

“Our recent assessment by A2LA on our compliance to ISO 17025 is huge for us,” says Ron Hicks, vice president of services. “First of all, the continued successful compliance to calibrate our API laser trackers at our Newport News office confirms that our personnel training, enhanced processes, and communication with API’s Rockville, MD, headquarters is working. Our customers should rest assured that that we have the technical knowledge and expertise to calibrate and repair their expensive assets. In addition, the additional scope we have added for CNC machine tool calibration, both standard and volumetric, also assures the customer that our program is working. The ISO 17025 accreditation for machine tool calibration is a testament that API equipment is up to the test and our personnel are trained to use on the customers CNCs.” 

This ISO certification demonstrates API Service’s commitment to deliver reliable, high-quality calibrations and to continually improve development processes. The scope of the ISO certificate includes the calibration, repair, and service of test and measurement equipment and software. A2LA accreditation imposes stricter requirements than ISO 17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540 certification alone, particularly focusing on technical competence, traceability of measurements, and proficiency of the calibration lab. A2LA is a nonprofit, non-governmental, and public service membership society whose mission is to meet the needs of both laboratories and their users for competent testing and calibration; improve the quality of laboratories and the data they produce; and increase acceptance of accredited laboratory data to facilitate trade, based on internationally accepted criteria for competence (ISO/IEC 17025:2005).

About The Author

Automated Precision Inc.

Founded in 1987 by Kam Lau, Automated Precision Inc. (API) is the inventor and original patent holder on the first laser tracker systems. API develops and manufactures laser trackers; portable coordinate measuring machines (CMMs); laser tracker accessories, which include probes, sensors, targets, cameras, SMRs, and scale bars; and machine tool calibration products. API Technical Services include contract measurement equipment rental, onsite laser tracker calibrations, machine tool error mapping, machine tool alignment, and training for 3-D measurement systems and analysis software. With its world headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, API has offices in China, Germany, and India.