In today’s world, where accuracy is of utmost importance in various fields ranging from medical to scientific, calibration services have become an essential component of maintaining precision instruments. Calibration services are designed to help the users of precision instruments achieve the highest possible level of measurement quality and productivity. In this article, we will discuss the process of calibration, the importance of calibration, and the significance of traceable reference devices.
What is Calibration?
Calibration is the process of comparing the accuracy of a measuring instrument to a traceable reference device to determine any deviations in the measurement values. Calibration is performed to manufacturers and specified industry standards with instruments calibrated and traceable in an unbroken chain to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). Calibration ensures that the instrument provides accurate and reliable measurement values within the specified tolerance limits. It also helps in determining the instrument’s reliability and the validity of the results obtained using the instrument.
Why is Calibration Important?
Calibration is essential for many reasons. First, it helps in ensuring that the instrument’s measurements are within the required tolerance limits. Second, calibration helps in detecting any faults or deviations in the instrument’s performance, which could lead to inaccurate results. Third, calibration helps in reducing measurement errors, thereby improving the quality of the results. Fourth, calibration helps in ensuring that the instrument is functioning correctly and can be used with confidence. Fifth, calibration helps in increasing productivity by reducing the time and effort required for rework or repeat measurements due to inaccurate results.
Traceable Reference Devices
The accuracy of a measuring instrument can only be determined if it is compared to a traceable reference device. A traceable reference device is a device whose accuracy is known and is traceable to a national or international standard. The use of traceable reference devices is essential to ensure that the calibration process is reliable and accurate. The traceability of the reference device ensures that the instrument’s accuracy is traceable to a national or international standard, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the results obtained.
The Process of Calibration
The process of calibration involves several steps, which are as follows:
- Preparation: In this step, the instrument is prepared for calibration. This involves cleaning the instrument and ensuring that it is in proper working condition.
- Inspection: In this step, the instrument is visually inspected for any damage or wear and tear. Any damage or wear and tear can affect the instrument’s accuracy, and therefore, it is essential to identify and rectify any such issues before calibration.
- Calibration: In this step, the instrument is compared to a traceable reference device, and any deviations in the measurement values are recorded. The deviations are then used to adjust the instrument to ensure that it provides accurate measurement values within the required tolerance limits.
- Documentation: In this step, the results of the calibration are documented, and a calibration certificate is issued. The calibration certificate contains information such as the instrument’s make and model, the date of calibration, the traceability of the reference device used, and the results of the calibration.
- Verification: In this step, the accuracy of the instrument is verified by performing a series of tests using the calibrated instrument. This helps in ensuring that the instrument is functioning correctly and can be used with confidence.
Conclusion
Calibration services are an essential component of maintaining precision instruments. Calibration ensures that the instrument provides accurate and reliable measurement values within the specified tolerance limits. The use of traceable reference devices is essential to ensure that the calibration process is reliable and accurate. The process of calibration involves several steps, including preparation, inspection, calibration, documentation, and verification. Calibration helps in improving the quality of the results, reducing measurement errors, and increasing productivity by reducing the time and effort required for reaching a desired result.
