Calibration lab start up

It really all depends on exactly what you want to test and certify. Why do you need the lab in the first place? (this is after all generally a complex and expensive step).

As for grants, ahhhhhh, I don't think you will get one unless you have a rather special application.

More info please (oh, and equipment, country and standards you want to get certified for).

Test and certify from Calipers to Network Analyzers. DMM,oscopes,flowtube simulators, Electrical/Mechanical and Temperature related items. Also some Bio med.

Country is United States and ISO/A2LA certs.

<Thunk> (that was the sound of my draw dropping and hitting the desk).

Ok (I am guessing I am still talking with bettsd44). Well what you are effectively asking is "How do I start a complete electronic and mechanical test lab" (similar to the ones I have previously worked at).

Before I go any further could you please provide some background on why you want to do this, your engineering experience level and how much you expect your budget to be to set this up. What you are asking (especially for such a broad range of equipment) is going to be enormously expensive and is going to require a very experienced team and a lot of time to set up. You really need to be able to show that you are going to get a return on this enormous investment (a certified test lab is not something that can just be thrown together over a few months, that is why there are so few of them). Smaller testing setups will be far less (but still) expensive.

Exactly what do you want to do initially, and than perhaps expand and do later on. If ever there was a question where the answer "Please provide more detail" was relevant it is this one.

Expensive, somewhat, but worth it. Not looking to dominate the market, just get my share. In central Pennsylvania and not many local. Currently run a Cal lab for company here covering over 270,000 square feet encompassing over 2400 pieces of equipment as well as instrumentation repair (to an extent) by myself daily. Gage R&R, etc. Have 5 years in calibration and a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. Working on Technical management degree currently.

This is just one of those things I am good at and have always wanted to own. I will keep it rather small due to market in area, but have deal workout for location of lab in exchange for use of equipment to calibrate their equipment. This frees my overhead and allows me to hire part time help during day hours and use myself afterhours. Already looked in Accredidation and so forth, but of course money is the issue. Just wanting some suggestions on grant opportunities and things to look for that may not have come across my mind as of yet looking into this.

I appreciate all comments, even if you think I am crazy....ha,ha

Well things become clearer now that you have supplied a little more information. I am not aware of a grant's program that give you a grant for this type of business (unless perhaps you can show a major hole in the market that you can fill).

I guess the obvious thing is to start small and ensure that you have a good business plan and a good idea of where you can get the work (both initially and in the future). Specializing in specific test areas that few others do also may be an option. Initially, equipment rental (may) be a better option. And remember, unlike other businesses, test labs can have quite a large overhead (in both cost and time) to remain accredited.

Given the test labs I have worked at, being a little crazy seems to be the norm for staff.

Grants: small business administration; check with your local chamber of commerce. also ask for mentoring help from service corps of retired executives or whatever they call it now.

Your employer picking up overhead is a grant in kind. get it in wroiting it will be worth something in your business plan, grant application, and maybe as a covenantal asset to your banker.

CAlibration:

Of what ?

metrology gages?

milo

There is wisdom in this answer. Get in touch with the nearest Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO). This is the sales group (auctions) for all current military surplussed goods. The military buys high-quality equipment and performs maintenance on it like nobody's business. Even outdated technology still works - you don't have to be state-of-the-art to be good. And if you can get a contract to do calibrations for a military base as a small business (easier if woman- or minority-owned) then you'll have a steady source of work from a client who you know can pay.

I thank you. I know where i want to end up, but realize like stated above that doing the bread and potatoes is where I need to start. Thinking on small scale of gage blocks and gage pins ( no one wants to do those, not even half the manufacturers and have some good response on being calibration go to for them) and possbily DMM's and the like. I am looking into one or two specialty items and then grow from there. Will look into DRMO and the possibility of gov. contract work.

I appreciate it.

Did You start Your Lab? Would be interesting to know how it goes? :-)