Considering starting lab working on micrometers and calipers and such opinions?

[USMCPMEL]

I am pretty sure I could blow the doors off local labs as far as prices go and should not need to much for start up costs...

[USMC kalibrater]

I think it would require a little more than you expect to startup a cal lab.  Even doing just basic hand tools.  You have to remember that to even become an approved vendor for most companies you need to have some sort of accredited quality system.  That alone would cost thousands even for such a limited offering.
On the other hand, owning your own business could be life changing. 
Do your homework, write a business plan and seek guidance.  The VA might even be able to assist.

Good Luck!

[CalLabSolutions]

I have to agree.  There are a lot more costs related to running a business besides the cost of the standards and the labor required to calibrate an instrument.
I am not saying it is a bad idea.. You just make sure you have a very good business plan.  And I would recommend running it by other business people and they will point out all those expenses you are missing.  Thinks like TAXES, insurance, marketing, IT.  It adds up really fast.

Mike

[ZZ]

To add on to USCM's post, A2LA or ACLASS acredidation will be very expensive and a "must have" for most companies to use your services. The last figure I heard for A2LA accredidation was $50k (for a full service cal-lab).

[USMCPMEL]

I would not do ACLASS just standard ISO9001. I have already spoke to the auditing company and it would be about $3500 and that includes guidance on setting up your quality manual and walking you through a practice audit. I would need to set up an LLC about $900 and I would run it out of my house to start.

[CalibratorJ]

I would run it out of my house to start.

That should save you a lot of $$$ on the audits. Just have them stay in the "guest room" (you know, where your wife sends you when you snore too loud, aka the couch). Could even throw in a few meals (Digornio, they won't know its not delivery!).

All kidding aside, good luck. I've had the same thought a few times, but am too afraid to take the risks associated with going into business for myself. I might have to actually work then.......

[RandyL44]

Years ago, back in Salt Lake City, Utah, I had thought about just doing an onsite business out of a Van.  That area had so many manufacturing type businesses.  Temperature instrumentation, (Oven Surveys), physical/dimensional instrumentation, basically an in-house cal-technician for several companies.  Like any business you need start up money as well as money for the unknown.  I think it is a great idea to want to do your own business but it is risky these days with the economy the way it is.  Then you always would have to have a standards lab to go to just to calibrate your gage blocks.  That might not be so bad.  You  really need to do your home work, if you haven't already.

[Jay_850]

BUMP

After having been out of the Navy now for about 4 years and doing civilian cal the entire time, I now find myself working for one of the big labs and hating it.  I am thinking of starting my own lab and wanted to see if anyone is interested in restarting this conversation.  Any insight on this topic would be greatly appreciated. 

[Hawaii596]

I can think of some "shoestring budget" ways to start up a lab just for Calipers and Micrometers.  The first prerequisite before even considering it, I think, would be that you have to have good background in not just those calibrations, but overall lab operations.  Someone with the extensive background and ability to write a quality manual, set up approved vendors, documented procedures, training records, etc. could do the physical part of setting up a lab for that low accuracy type Physical Dimensional cals for a fairly reasonable amount.  There are some above door AC units that could control the atmosphere well enough.  Then insulating the walls and ceiling of the lab.  An accredited chart recorder (or even a Veriteq/Vaisala Temp/RH datalogger and some software.  A surface plate, various sets of blocks, the little balls, monochromatic light, etc.  I am not a Phys/D expert.  But if the scope of the lab is only those items, temp and humidity control wouldn't quite as strict as for some of the high accuracy stuff.

If there is a good market that would pay off that cost, might be doable.  With the above caviats included.

[sdmetrol]

The first thing you want to do is some market research to find out how much business you think you could generate with such a limited capability.  In my experience, most clients do not want to split their test equipment up using too many vendors and instead will seek a balance of best price, best quality, and best capability.

If only targeting calipers and micrometers, you could of course offer services at a much cheaper price then a full service lab because of low overhead, but as pointed out in above posts, certifications and accreditations are costly and most clients want to see a real lab with tight controls.

If you are planning to work out of your home, make sure you have sufficient space, insulation, and environmental controls to keep your standards in good working order (as well as your clients eqp.).

I recommend targeting machine shops first and expanding your capabilities to include thread plug gages, ring gages, surface plates, and optical comparators as this will bring your capabilties for servicing them up to par and should result in getting some quotes.

Best of luck.

[Hawaii596]

Good point.  As someone working in the commercial calibration world, many or most customers prefer "one stop shopping."  They prefer to deal with only one lab where ever possible.  Becoming a full service Physical/Dimensional lab (quite a bit more costly) would be much more preferrable.  And of course market study.

[USMCPMEL]

You really have to make sure that you have all your research done too. Have you considered how much it is going to cost to become ISO certified? Who is going to do your internal audit? What kind of software will you be running? How much will that cost? Are you going to have a back up server? Are you legally able to run a lab from your house? Are you going to form an LLC? What will that cost. I am sure I am missing things but just a general idea.

[BamaKid]

A friend of mine at Workplace Training, Paul Hanssen told me about a company that may provide a business francise solution that many of you are looking for.

The company is called Z-Cal:
http://z-calfranchise.com/#section_aboutus

Here are some exerpts from their web site:

Z-CAL is a veteran-friendly, mobile and customizable calibration franchise opportunity. Available in almost every state, this innovative calibration franchise provides franchisees with the opportunity to offer same-day service to many possible industries including manufacturing, pharmaceutical and defense. Most importantly, Z-CAL is the first franchise of its kind in the nation.
What makes Z-CAL unique and quite possibly one of the best new franchises is the mobile office. Pictured on the right, the Z-CAL van is a fully-equipped, temperature controlled and rent-free office. This mobile office prepares franchisees for any calibration need that a customer may have. The availability of on-site services place Z-CAL ahead of the industry's curve.

Lastly, the military is one of the largest calibration and inspection trainers. With thousands of qualified veterans in need of employment, Z-CAL can be the next step toward securing financial independence. To help veterans, Z-CAL is offering to waive the franchise fee for the first five most qualified veterans. In order to qualify, a veteran must have a minimum of five years of military calibration experience as well as five years at a commercial laboratory. Thereafter, we offer a 10 percent discount to all veterans. We want passionate, hard-working go-getters on our team.

[USMCPMEL]

What is workplace training?

[BamaKid]

http://wptraining.com/index.html

Workplace Training provides e-learning, webinars, etc. on a wide array of metrology topics. We have used their training materials for over 10 years.