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Calibration Information

Questions and Answers

What does calibration involve? What's the turnaround time?

Calibration involves performing a detailed evaluation of the functionality of each system's major components, including verification of beam measurements over the course of extended runs. Once an instrument is received at Photon, it generally takes about 3-7 business days to complete a thorough preventive maintenance (P.M.) and calibration. However, delays can occur if repairs are needed and customer authorization and P.O. for repairs is delayed, or if Photon has a long queue for calibration and/or repairs. Therefore, we have added another option for arranging your system's calibration.

FastTrack: In order to provide a faster turnaround time for our customers, we have initiated a FastTrack program that schedules an "appointment" for the calibration. When you call to obtain an RMA (Return Material Authorization) and ask for FastTrack, we will give you an appointment time slot for your calibration based on when you are able to ship the system. In order to obtain this appointment, you should provide Photon with an open purchase order for "not to exceed $2300" and written authorization to make any needed repairs along with the calibration. You will only be charged for the work that is done, and if calibration is all that is needed, the calibration fee is all you will be invoiced. This streamlined system will guarantee that your system will be returned to you in the shortest possible time, usually 2-3 business days from the scheduled calibration.

Of course, we will continue to do calibration service in the traditional way: you call for an RMA number, provide us with a hard copy of a P.O. for the cost of the calibration. Once we receive the hard copy of the P.O. and your instrumentation, we will perform your calibration and P.M., generally in 3-7 business days.

How much does the calibration service cost?

Calibration fees vary, depending on the system and components, but most system calibrations cost less than $900.

What do I do to get a system calibrated?

  1. Call Photon for an RMA (return material authorization) number, which is required before shipping an instrument to Photon, and is good only for 30 days from issuance.
  2. For FastTrack calibrations, initiate a purchase order ("not to exceed $2300") to cover the total cost of the calibration service and any pre-authorized repairs. Once Photon receives a hard copy of a billable P.O. number, we will schedule your calibration based on when you are able to ship your instrument.
  3. Once Photon issues you an RMA number, we will send you via email (or fax, if you prefer) the packaging instructions to return your system. We require that the entire system (scan head / camera and controller / electronics card be sent in the original shipping container (if that is not possible, please pack all components with adequate protection). Sending only the scan head or camera will cause delays because a proper calibration involves the entire system.
  4. Send Photon a hard copy of the purchase order (P.O.) by email or fax. We will not schedule service on a system without a billable P.O. number.
  5. Provide Photon Inc. With a hard copy of the purchase order.
    Please note that we will not start the evaluation process without a PO, nor will we return shipment without receipt of a hard copy of that PO.

If you have any questions, please email support@photon-inc.com or call 1-800-374-6866