Calibration defines the accuracy and quality of measurements recorded using a piece of equipment. Calibration quantifies and controls errors or uncertainties within measurement processes to an acceptable level. A report is provided by the calibration expert, which shows the error in measurements with the measuring device before and after the calibration.
Why is calibration important?
Saves Money
Calibration reduces errors that can get costly in the long run. For example, manufacturers who do not calibrate equipment will end up with errors that create unusable parts. Research labs who do not calibrate can end up with meaningless results because they were based on inaccurate measurements. When you do not calibrate, you’ll often have to halt and restart processes when inaccuracies are discovered. The longer it takes for those inaccuracies to get noticed, the more costly the mistakes will be.
Improves Safety
Safety becomes very important in certain situations. You might be working with potentially dangerous materials, or creating solutions for medical purposes. In these cases, small inaccuracies can have large consequences. Calibration allows you to get reliable numbers for improved safety.
Keeps Instruments In Good Working Order (Longer Lifespan)
Over time, the accuracy of any measuring device goes down. Some instruments degrade more quickly than others. The environment where you use the equipment can also affect how quickly it degrades. When you calibrate your equipment, you set it back to the original standard, so you can keep using it. The device that’s giving inaccurate readings probably doesn’t need to be replaced – it just needs calibration and service.
Measuring parameters which require regular calibration.
1. Humidity and Temperature
If one works with thermal cameras, thermometers, humidity generators, weather stations, and other devices that work with temperature and humidity, you’ll need to get them calibrated. This type of calibration needs to happen in a controlled environment, so outside changes can’t affect the results.
2. Pressure
Transmitters, test gauges, and barometers may all need pressure calibration. In this process, the range of hydraulic and gas pressure gets measured. The equipment usually needs to get calibrated to a national or international standard.
3. Mechanical
Mechanical calibration is for factors like force, mass, vibration, or torque. For example, you might need to get a scale calibrated to measure weight accurately. Torque wrenches, micrometers, and balances can also need this kind of calibration.
4. Electrical
Devices that measure frequency, voltage, or resistance will need electrical calibration. The equipment that might need electrical calibration can include clamp meters, data loggers, and insulation testers.
In addition to these common calibration types, you might need to get many different implements calibrated in different ways. Each calibration type involves using different methods to get results.
Finding the Best Calibration Services
Now that you know how to answer “What is calibration?” you’ll need to find the right calibration services for your needs. Where you get your equipment calibrated matters. Every laboratory relies on results which meets minimum acceptable standards.
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