With Luigi Moruzzi, Ipsen Calibrations Lab Technician
Q: What do I need to do to be prepared for a Temperature Uniformity Survey (TUS) as required by my industry’s thermal processing certification program?
Ipsen has long supported aerospace customers with AMS 2750 calibration surveys, ensuring compliance with strict industry standards. We also meet various ISO and AMS certifications across other industries. Choosing an Ipsen Field Service Technician for your certified Temperature Uniformity Survey (TUS) ensures an accurate, detailed report that meets all requirements. Routine inspections, maintenance, and a clear understanding of your process help make surveys fast and hassle-free.
In 2024, the AMS standards iterated to AMS 2750H. This revision updated several definitions and clarifications. There are new instructions for sensor calibration and reuse, updated instrumentation requirements, and changes to sensor placements and data collection requirements for Temperature Uniformity Surveys. There are also changes that affect System Accuracy Tests, and added guidelines for SAT frequency, as well as new instructions for enhanced electronic record management.
Step One: What to Know Before You Call
Start by scheduling your appointment at least 30 days before your certification deadline to ensure a convenient time for your workflow and allow enough time to report a successful survey or address any needed adjustments or repairs.
Scheduling your TUS is easier when you know what questions to expect. Here’s a list of essential information to have on hand for your first TUS service call:
- Furnace make, model, serial number, and year of manufacture
- Hot zone and work zone dimensions
- Typical processes the furnace is used for
- Operating temperature ranges
- Required certification standards
- Last test and certification date
- Furnace vacuum type (high or low)
- Maximum quench pressure rate
We may also ask about your furnace leak rate, service routine, thermocouples, and testing fixtures. Even if you don’t have all the answers during the call, you can email any of the data requested by your field service engineer after the call has ended.
Step Two: Preparing for Testing Day
There are two key preparation phases: furnace readiness and workspace setup.
Furnace Readiness
After confirming your appointment, inspect your testing fixtures. Fixtures can be damaged in storage or through years of use. A dented frame or sagging railings may compromise your ability to certify the furnace’s full work zone. Measure the fixture to confirm it still meets specifications. Replacements can take time, so inspect early to avoid delays.
In the days before the TUS, conduct a furnace inspection to catch any issues that might affect test results. Clean out debris and check for damage to the lip seal, elements, or signs of scorching. For detailed inspection guidance, refer to our article on best practices for regular furnace maintenance.
Workspace Setup
The day before your Ipsen service visit, ensure the furnace completes its final cycle with enough time to cool. Leave it sealed in a low-vacuum state to prevent moisture or air infiltration.
Prepare a small workstation for the inspector, ideally a tool cart with an AC power strip. Have your most frequently used thermocouples ready, whether they’re the reusable metal types or single-use wire rolls, and any required plugs specific to your furnace.
Finally, ensure documentation and past certifications are accessible on the furnace or in the PLC. Technicians may reference previous service records to support the current test cycle.
Step Three: What to Expect on Testing Day
On the morning of your appointment, the Ipsen Field Service Technician will arrive with their tools and testing equipment. Typically, they’ll bring a data logger, tool kit, laptop or tablet, and extra thermocouples and plugs.
Guide the technician to the furnace and point out nearby restrooms and break areas. Introduce them to any maintenance or operations staff who regularly interact with the furnace. Ipsen technicians are available to coordinate with your team and answer questions about your furnace before or during the test cycle.
Once set up at the machine, the technician will run the tests and notify you when the survey is complete.
After the Temperature Uniformity Survey
When the test is completed, one of two things will happen:
- Your unit has passed certification. You’ll be presented with signed documentation noting the date and time of the inspection and testing, the complete results of the test, and certification that the furnace has met the standard requirements. This is also a great time to schedule your next certification testing date with the technician.
- If your Temperature Uniformity Survey (TUS) reveals an issue, your Ipsen Field Service Engineer will review the results with you and recommend next steps. Choosing an Ipsen technician means having an experienced troubleshooter on site—often able to resolve issues immediately to help your furnace pass the test.
If a more complex repair is needed, your technician will explain the situation, order any required parts, and schedule follow-up service as necessary.
Remember that the goal of any Temperature Uniformity Survey is to ensure that your end users can count on the precision and quality of the parts that your team processes every day. Ipsen’s commitment to excellence extends to every certified survey and service call.
Schedule your next Temperature Uniformity Survey or System Accuracy Test with us today by calling Ipsen Customer Service at 844-464-7736. To find out more about Ipsen’s Calibration Services, visit our Pyrometry Services page.