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Preventive Maintenance vs Calibration: What’s the Difference?
Apr
Preventive Maintenance vs Calibration: What’s the Difference?
In testing laboratories, precision and reliability are not just goals—they are necessities. Two fundamental practices ensure these qualities are upheld: preventive maintenance and calibration. While often mentioned together, they are not the same thing. Understanding the distinction is essential for every lab that wants to maintain high standards, remain compliant with ISO 17025, and operate cost-effectively.
In this article, we’ll break down the difference between preventive maintenance vs calibration, when each is needed, and how combining them ensures your lab stays audit-ready and efficient.
What is Preventive Maintenance?
Preventive maintenance refers to regularly scheduled servicing of equipment to keep it running smoothly and avoid unexpected breakdowns. This includes actions like:
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Cleaning mechanical parts
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Checking for wear and tear
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Replacing worn-out components
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Lubricating moving parts
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Verifying overall functionality
The goal is to prevent equipment from failing before it actually does. Just like changing the oil in your car, this maintenance is based on time intervals or usage frequency, not on whether something has gone wrong.
Well-maintained devices are less likely to malfunction, last longer, and ensure that your team can carry out testing processes without delays or interruptions.
What is Calibration?
Calibration, on the other hand, ensures that your equipment provides accurate measurements by comparing it with a known reference standard. This is crucial for ensuring that your test results are trustworthy and traceable to international standards.
Calibration includes steps like:
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Comparing readings to a certified reference
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Adjusting instruments when deviations are found
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Documenting the results and any corrective actions
In short, calibration addresses accuracy, while preventive maintenance addresses functionality and lifespan.
Preventive Maintenance vs Calibration: The Core Differences
Understanding preventive maintenance vs calibration starts with realizing that one doesn’t replace the other. Here are the key differences:
| Feature | Preventive Maintenance | Calibration |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevent breakdowns and prolong lifespan | Ensure measurement accuracy |
| Frequency | Time or usage-based schedule | Based on standards or accreditation requirements |
| Tools & Equipment Used | Cleaning, replacing, mechanical tools | Precision standards, calibration software |
| Outcome | Functional equipment | Accurate and traceable results |
While preventive maintenance keeps the instrument in working order, calibration ensures the data you collect is scientifically valid.
Why Labs Need Both Maintenance and Calibration?
Skipping either process can lead to major problems:
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Equipment that functions but gives incorrect data is just as dangerous as broken equipment.
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Poor calibration can result in failed audits, rejected test results, and reputational damage.
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Skipping preventive maintenance may lead to equipment failure, costly repairs, or safety hazards.
For example, imagine a compression testing machine that hasn’t been calibrated recently. Even if it’s working fine, it could be giving readings that are off by several percent—enough to invalidate test results for a major construction project.
Or consider a soil shear machine that breaks down mid-test due to a neglected moving part. That’s not just a delay; it could mean re-sampling, increased client dissatisfaction, and serious financial loss.
ISO 17025 and the Need for Both
If your lab is ISO 17025 accredited (or aiming for it), both preventive maintenance and calibration are necessary. ISO 17025 requires:
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Evidence of routine maintenance
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A documented calibration plan
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Traceability of measurements to national/international standards
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Actions taken when equipment is found to be out of spec
Failing to meet these criteria during an audit can jeopardize your accreditation status. Regular maintenance ensures that your equipment stays in working condition, while calibration ensures you meet measurement accuracy requirements.
Best Practices for Labs
To integrate both preventive maintenance and calibration effectively, consider the following:
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Maintain detailed logs: Record each maintenance task and calibration event.
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Set reminders: Use software or spreadsheets to track schedules.
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Train your staff: Ensure team members understand how and when to perform basic maintenance.
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Work with certified providers: Companies like Teur Pro Group (TPG) offer ISO 17025-accredited calibration and tailored preventive maintenance services.
By understanding the importance of preventive maintenance vs calibration, and making these practices part of your lab’s regular routine, you can avoid costly downtime, improve data reliability, and pass audits with confidence.
Conclusion: A Balanced Strategy is Best
In the preventive maintenance vs calibration discussion, it’s not about choosing one over the other—it’s about recognizing how they complement each other. Preventive maintenance ensures your equipment works reliably, while calibration ensures your measurements are accurate.
For any lab that takes quality seriously, both are non-negotiable.
Regular maintenance keeps the wheels turning. Calibration keeps them turning in the right direction.
Need Help with Lab Maintenance or Calibration?
At Teur Pro Group, we offer comprehensive calibration and maintenance services tailored to your lab’s needs. Whether you need help building a preventive maintenance schedule or ensuring compliance with ISO 17025, our team is here to assist.
Contact Teur Pro Group today
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