Frequently Asked Questions – Technidyne Paper Calibration Standards

Find answers to common questions about Technidyne paper calibration standards, including usage, storage, subscriptions, and compliance requirements.

What is the purpose of the Technidyne paper calibration standards?

To ensure the accuracy of your paper and pulp tests, in line with national and international testing standards, and to ensure the accuracy and verification of your instrument’s measurements.

What material types are covered by the Technidyne paper calibration standards?

Technidyne paper calibration standards are used to monitor the efficacy and testing standard compliance of devices that measure the properties of paper, paperboard, and tissue paper.

Subscription service questions

Do you offer a paper calibration standard subscription service?

Yes, while you can purchase paper calibration standard kits on a one-time basis, it’s more cost-effective to take out a monthly or quarterly subscription (January/April/July/October). Both subscription options are available on a 12-month basis. If you’d like to subscribe for a longer period of time, then get in touch to discuss the options.

When are monthly orders shipped out?

If you order your monthly subscription before the 15th of any month then you can expect to receive it that same month. Any orders made after the 15th, will typically be shipped to receive the following month.

When are quarterly orders shipped out?

We process and send out quarterly paper calibration standards four times a year in January, April, July and October. So, if you order a quarterly subscription service in February, you can expect your first order to be processed and shipped in April.

How often should I use the paper calibration standards?

You can use our paper calibration standards to calibrate your machine as often as you like. If you test regularly, then we recommend that you should do so on a monthly basis.

Can I reuse the paper calibration standards after multiple tests?

Yes, you can reuse your paper standards over many tests in a short period. If you test regularly, then we recommend that you replace them on a monthly basis.

Can I use a damaged paper calibration standard?

While it’s possible that some damage won’t affect your test results – why risk it? We always recommend replacing your paper calibration standard if noticeable damage occurs.

Why is it important to use paper calibration standards with your Technidyne instrument?

The simple answer is that Technidyne paper calibration standards are unique and satisfy the demandingly rigid requirements of national and international testing bodies.

There’s a high bar set for organizations seeking authorization to produce and sell paper calibration standards, traceable to national and international calibration standards.

It takes a serious investment in both equipment and the capabilities of technicians to qualify, which is why there are only four authorized laboratories around the globe.

Technidyne Laboratory Services is the leading provider of ISO Level III optical property calibration standards in the world. It’s also the sole provider of calibration standards for many national and international standards. This includes TAPPI and ISO methods, such as TAPPI Brightness/Fluorescence, TAPPI Opacity and TAPPI Color.

Our products are regularly audited by partnering bodies to ensure we maintain a high level of traceability.

To see our qualifications, view our authorized laboratory certificate online.

Do paper calibration standards come with a traceability statement?

Each and every calibration standard generated by our laboratory comes with traceability documents that will meet your quality programme demands and certifications.

How do you use the paper calibration standards?

You’ll find that calibrating and verifying your Technidyne device with our paper calibration standards is a simple process. All sets of standards come with clear instructions for use, and in the Industrial Physics video library you’ll find the following instructional videos for each device:

• Technidyne ColorTouch X calibration
• Technidyne ColorTouch™ PC calibration
• Technidyne PROFILE Plus™ Opacity calibration
• Technidyne PROFILE Plus™ Gloss calibration
• Technidyne TEST Plus TAPPI Directional Brightness calibration
• Technidyne TEST Plus ISO Brightness Calibration

Each paper calibration standard is supplied with a calibration traceability statement.

Does Technidyne offer replacement guarantees for calibration standards if they are delivered damaged?

Yes, in the unlikely event that any Industrial Physics’ products are damaged in transit from our factories to your address, we can offer replacements or refunds. Please see our Delivery, Returns and Refunds Policy for the details and our Terms and Conditions policy for further information.

Do all the paper calibration standards come with a USB containing calibration data?

No, not all the Technidyne paper calibration standards come with a USB containing digital copies of calibration data. The paper calibration standards that do are to be used with the following instruments:

• Colortouch X 45
• Colortouch X ISO
• Colortouch PC
• PROFILE/Plus AIC

Are Technidyne calibration standards recognised by industry certifications or organisations outside of TAPPI/ISO?

Yes, Technidyne paper calibration standards support the calibration and verification of your Technidyne devices to meet a wide range of testing standards produced by national, corporate and international testing organizations.

What kind of training or support does Technidyne provide for using its calibration standards?

Technidyne paper calibration standards are so easy to use and come with clear instructions. We’ve also created a full range of instructional videos for each set of standards on the video library of our website. In the unlikely event that you are unable to use them, our experts are only a phone call away!

Do I need specific software to read the calibration data provided with the standards?

Each Technidyne machine is sold with the software ready to read the relevant paper standard for calibration and verification purposes. All you need to do is follow the instructions that come with your instrument purchase or view one of our Technidyne calibration instruction videos.

Which testing standards / testing bodies do the paper calibration standards comply with?

Each Technidyne instrument has been developed to help you to comply with the testing requirements of a combination of national / international standards bodies. These include testing standards created by organizations such as ISO and TAPPI.

Each device uses a unique set of paper calibration standards that match the compliance requirements of the machine. You can view the standards pages that are applicable to each on the associated instrument’s Industrial Physics product page. For example, see the ‘specifications’ section of the Technidyne ColorTouch® PC page.

What makes Technidyne paper calibration standards unique?

Our paper calibration standards were designed in our ISO 4094 compliant labs with a specific Technidyne machine, test type, and/or testing standard in mind. Our instruments meet the calibration requirements of national and international standards, and our products are regularly audited by partnering bodies to ensure we maintain a high level of traceability.

This is why our paper calibration standards are unique, and we’re authorized to provide them, traceable to national and international standards.

To see our qualifications, view our authorised laboratory certificate online.

What is the shelf life of a Technidyne paper calibration standard?

Each paper calibration standard set can typically be used for up to six weeks (unopened) and for up to four weeks once the protective bag they come in is opened. If you do a large amount of testing, then they can fade or change color, but this is unlikely within these timeframes.

Do the paper calibration standards need to be stored in a certain way?

Technidyne paper calibration standards are supplied in light-protective black plastic bags, which you should keep them in after purchase. The bag of standards should be stored in a cool, dark location – an office drawer or lab works well. For total protection, ideally you want to keep them at a temperature of 23°C/74F and 50% humidity.

How do I know if a paper calibration standard is no longer usable?

Technidyne paper calibration standards shouldn’t be used after their six-week expiration date. This validity period can be shortened if you neglect to store them as instructed. They also shouldn’t be used if there’s any visible damage to the product or packaging.

How much do the Technidyne paper calibration standards cost?

We make a wide range of paper calibration standard sets, with different costs. You can purchase paper calibration standard kits on a one-time basis, and we offer cost-effective monthly and quarterly subscription services too.

Is preventive maintenance recommended for instruments that use paper calibration standards?

Yes, we highly recommend frequently scheduled preventative maintenance care of your Technidyne instrument. Combined with regular calibration and verification using our authorized paper calibration standards, your device should deliver highly accurate results for many years. In fact, we’ve seen our Technidyne instruments working hard for users every day for 30+ years!

To learn more, you can visit our blog on Facts About Preventative Maintenance Frequency.

Are Technidyne instruments compatible with paper calibration standards made by other companies?

Technidyne paper calibration standards are traceable to national and international standards bodies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). They’re precisely designed to comply with the stringent testing requirements of recognized bodies such as ASTM, ISO or TAPPI.

Paper calibration standards made by other companies could be used in conjunction with Technidyne instruments for your in-house calibration checks. However, this approach will not satisfy the compliance demands of the aforementioned standards or testing organizations.