Photon Beam Profilers are very reliable. Why should I have my instrument calibrated?
If you are a user of a Photon beam profiler and currently do NOT take advantage of Photon's calibration and preventive maintenance service, we'd like to share with you the reasons that Photon users have their instruments calibrated:
- 1. To remain compliant with industry standards or ISO certification. All Photon instruments are calibrated using a NIST-traceable reference source, so users can be confident in the accuracy of their instrument systems.
However, even though the above is the number 1 reason users have their Photon instruments calibrated, there are other important reasons that we hear from our customers:
- 2. Photon instruments are very robust and are unlikely to break down. Regular preventive maintenance and calibration service will maintain the high reliability you are accustomed to and will avoid inconvenient and/or costly repairs.
- 3. Many Photon instruments were purchased before we developed NIST-traceability for our calibration reference source in early 2006. Users can now send their instruments to "upgrade" their calibration and receive the NIST-Traceable Calibration Certificate.
What does calibration/preventive maintenance involve, and how much time does it take?
Once an instrument is received at Photon, it generally takes about 2-3 working days to complete a thorough preventive maintenance and calibration. We perform a detailed evaluation of the functionality of each system's major components, including verification of beam measurements over the course of extended runs. Of course, turnaround time is dependent on the number of instruments in the Calibration queue and whether there are repairs required along with your calibration. So, we've made some enhancements in our calibration service to better serve our valuable customers.
Photon now offers two choices for calibration service!
- FastTrak Calibration Service
In order to provide a faster turnaround time for our customers Photon has initiated a FastTrak
Calibration Service, which involves the following procedure:
- a. When you call to obtain a "Return Material Authorization" (RMA) number for a calibration, tell the Photon representative when you plan to ship your system, and when you expect it to arrive at Photon. We will then provide you with an appointment time slot for your calibration, based on when you ship the system.
- Provide Photon with an open purchase order for "not to exceed $3000" and written authorization
on the P.O. to make any needed repairs along with the Calibration. . You will only be charged for the work that is done, and if the calibration is all that is needed, that fee is all you will be invoiced.
There are no expedite fees for FastTrak service! Send a copy of the billable P.O. either by
email or fax. We will not begin a calibration without a purchase order.
- c. In the past we have found the biggest obstacle to a fast turnaround has been attempting to reach the proper party to get authorization to make the repairs or to increase to value of the purchase order to cover those repairs. This new system will guarantee that your system will be returned to you in the shortest possible time.
- Photon Standard Calibration Service
Standard Calibration is the way Photon has been providing calibration all along. Using this procedure,
the customer:
- Calls for a RMA number. An RMA number is required before shipping an instrument to Photon,
and is good for 30 days.
- b. Opens and sends a P.O. for the cost of calibration. Customer may also request expedited service, for which there is an additional fee, and the calibration will be scheduled for the soonest possible time.
- c. When the instrument is received at Photon, it enters a calibration/preventive maintenance queue and is evaluated in turn (unless "expedite" service is indicated). Turnaround time without repairs can take 1 to 2 weeks.
- d. If repairs need to be made, there may be delays in turnaround time because we will need to call for a revised purchase order to cover the additional cost of repairs.
- Important Information for either level of Calibration Service
Photon will send you the Packaging Instructions by email (or fax, if you prefer). We do require that the entire system (scan head or camera, controller or electronics card, trackball and software where applicable) be sent in the original shipping container. Sending only the scan head or camera will cause delays because a proper calibration involves the entire system..
If you have any questions, please email support@photon-inc.com
or call 1-800-374-6866 and ask for Calibration Services.
|
