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خطوات التحقق من المعايرة في utm بحسب iso 17025 PDF
خطوات التحقق من المعايرة في utm بحسب iso 17025 PDF
SPECIFIC CRITERIA
for CALIBRATION LABORATORIES
IN MECHANICAL DISCIPLINE :
UTM, Tension Creep and
Torsion Testing Machine
MASTER COPY
Reviewed by Approved by
10
• The purpose of this document is to specify requirements with which a laboratory has to operate and
demonstrate its competency to carry out calibration in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
• To achieve uniformity between the laboratories, assessors and assessment process in terms of
maximum permissible error, CMC, measurement uncertainty etc in line with National/International
standards.
1.1 Scope
This specific criteria lays down the specific requirements in UTM, Tension Creep and Torsion Testing
Machine calibration under mechanical discipline. This part of the document thus amplifies the specific
requirements for calibration of UTM, Creep and Torsion Testing Machine and supplements the
requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
1.2.1 CMC is one the parameters that is used by NABL to define the scope of an accredited
calibration laboratory, the others being parameter/quantity measured, standard/master used,
calibration method used and measurement range. The CMC is expressed as “the smallest
uncertainty that a laboratory can achieve when calibrating the best existing device”. It is an
expanded uncertainty estimated at a confidence level of approximately 95% corresponding to a
coverage factor k=2.
1.2.2 For evaluation of CMC laboratories should be based on NABL 143 - Policy on Calibration and
Measurement Capability (CMC) and Uncertainty in Calibration.
The following are only specific requirements. However, qualification and experience
will not be the only criteria for the required activity. They have to prove their skill,
knowledge and competency in their specific field of calibration activity.
a) B.E / B.Tech or M.Sc. (having Physics as one of the subject) degree with 3 months
experience in Basics of Force Metrology and Calibration of UTM, Tension Creep
and Torsion Testing Machine.
b) B.Sc (with Physics as one of the subject) or Diploma with 6 months experience in
Basics of Force Metrology and Calibration of UTM, Tension Creep and Torsion
Testing Machine.
a) Training may be external/ internal depending on the expertise available in the field.
c) Experience and competence in Basics of Force metrology and calibration of UTM, Tension
Creep and Torsion Testing Machine.
The following are only guidelines. However, qualification and experience will not be
the only criteria for the required activity. They have to prove their skill, knowledge
and competency in analysis and interpretation of calibration results.
a) B.E / B.Tech or M.Sc. (with having Physics as one of the subject) degree with 6
months experience in Force Metrology.
b) B.Sc. (with Physics as one of the subject) or Diploma with 1 year experience in
Basics of Force Metrology and Calibration of UTM, Tension Creep and Torsion
Testing Machine.
a) Training may be external/ internal depending on the expertise available in the field.
a) Service that intended primarily for measurement standards, reference equipments which are further
used for calibration purposes or high accuracy measurements which requires high degree of accuracy
and better CMC.
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
Doc. No: NABL 122-07 Specific Criteria for Calibration Laboratories in Mechanical Discipline –UTM, Tension Creep and Torsion Testing
Machine
Issue No: 05 Issue Date: 12.08.2014 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: - Page No: 4 of 29
b) Service that intended primarily for calibration and adjustment of test, measurement and diagnostic
equipments to use in such areas as product testing, manufacturing and servicing.
Accommodation and environmental conditions adversely affect the results of calibration and
measurement accuracy unless they are controlled and monitored. Hence, they play a very important role.
The influencing parameters may be one or more of the following i. e. temperature, relative humidity,
atmospheric pressure, vibration, acoustic noise, dust particle, air currents/draft, illumination(wherever
applicable), voltage fluctuations, electrical earthing and direct sunlight etc., depending on the nature of
calibration services provided. The variables described above can play a major factor on calibration
results.
The main difference between the permanent laboratory, onsite and mobile calibration services has to do
with environmental conditions only. Since the onsite calibration relies on where the service is provided,
it affects the results of calibration (Refer NABL 130).
The laboratories are advised to follow the requirement of accommodation and environment depending
on the types of services provided as recommended.
• As specified in the National/ International Standards or guidelines followed for the calibration.
The environmental monitoring equipments used should also meet the requirement of manufacturers’
recommendations and specifications as per the relevant standards followed.
If, accommodation and environmental conditions are not specified either by manufacturer or by
National/International standards / guidelines, the laboratory shall follow the below recommendations.
1.4.1 Vibration
The calibration area shall be free from vibrations generated by central air-conditioning plants,
vehicular traffic and other sources to ensure consistent and uniform operational conditions. The
laboratory shall take all special/ protective precautions like mounting of sensitive apparatus on
vibration free tables and pillars etc., isolated from the floor, if necessary.
Acoustic noise level in the laboratory shall be maintained to facilitate proper performance of
calibration work. Noise level shall be maintained less than 60 dBA, wherever it affects
adversely the required accuracy of measurement.
1.4.3 Illumination
The calibration area shall have adequate level of illumination. Where permissible, fluorescent
lighting is preferred to avoid localized heating and temperature drift. The recommended level
of illumination is 250-500 lux on the working table.
The environmental conditions for the activity of the laboratory shall be such as not to adversely
affect the required accuracy of measurement. Facilities shall be provided whenever necessary
for recording temperature, pressure and humidity values prevailing during calibration. The
atmospheric conditions maintained in the laboratory during calibration shall be reported in the
calibration report/ certificate.
1.5.1 The calibration laboratory shall make arrangements for regulated and uninterrupted power
supply of proper rating. The recommended voltage regulation level is ±2% or better, and
Frequency variation ± 2.5 Hz or better on the calibration bench.
1.5.2 The reference standards shall be maintained at temperatures specified for their maintenance on
order to ensure their conformance to the required level of operation.
1.5.3 The laboratory shall take adequate measures against dust and external air pressure.
1.6.1 Relevant fire extinguishing equipment for possible fire hazards, shall be available in the
corridors or convenient places in the laboratory. Adequate safety measures against electrical,
chemical fire hazards must be available at the work place. Laboratory rooms/ areas where
highly inflammable.
1.7.1 Entry to the Calibration Area: As far as possible, only the staff engaged in the calibration
activity should be permitted entry inside the calibration area.
1.7.2 Space in Calibration Area: The calibration Laboratory shall ensure adequate space for
calibration activity without adversely affecting the results.
To give further assurance to the accuracy or Uncertainty of measurements, a laboratory will be required
to participate, from time to time, in Proficiency Testing Program. The laboratory shall remain prepared
to participate in the Proficiency Testing Program through inter-laboratory, inter-comparison schemes
wherever it is technically feasible. (Ref. NABL 162, 163 and 164 for further details)
Sl. Onsite
Description Relevant Standard Permanent Facility
No. Calibration
1 Universal Testing
Machines / Tensile
IS1828 (Part 1): 2005 ISO
Testing Machines / √* √
7500-1:2004
Compression Testing
Machines
Note 2: UTM can also be calibrated as per ASTM E4-10 using Force proving instruments duly
calibrated as per ASTM E 74 or any other standard.
Note 3: This technical requirement is based on the standard IS 1828 (Part-1). Lab may follow any
relevant standard, however care shall be taken to follow the requirements in totality.
• IS1828 (Part 1): 2005 (ISO 7500-1:2004) -Metallic Materials-Verification of static uniaxial
testing machines, Part 1: Tension/Compression Testing Machines-Verification and Calibration of
the Force Measuring System.
• ISO: 376: 2011 E - Metallic materials-Calibration of Force -Proving Instruments used for the
Verification of Uni-axial Testing Machines.
2.3.1 The standard IS:1828 (Part 1): 2005 (ISO 7500-1:2004) is for both verification and calibration of
force measuring system of the Uni axial Testing machine. This specific criteria is meant for only
calibration of force measuring system. If the verification is also to be included, then lab has to follow
the standard completely along with Annexure -A, B and C of the standard and verification and
calibration report can be issued for the machine.
2.3.2 Force Proving instruments used for calibration of uniaxial testing machines as per IS1828 (Part 1):
2005 (ISO 7500-1:2004) shall have traceability and calibration certificate as per ISO 376:2011 E (Or
any other standard).
2.3.3 Proving instrument calibrated in compression mode shall not be used for calibration of the machine
in Tension mode and vice versa.
• Uniaxial testing machine also known as Universal Testing Machine (UTM) , is used to test the
tensile stress, compressive strength of materials. It is named after the fact that, it can perform any
standard tensile and compressive tests on materials, components and structures.
Load Frame
• Usually consists of two strong supports for the machine. Some small machines have single support.
Cross Head
• A moveable head, controlled to move up/down at a constant speed. Electro mechanical, servo
hydraulic, linear drive and resonance drive are some of the methods used for controlling the speed of
cross head movement.
• A device or system consisting of an elastic member combined with a device for indicating the
magnitude (or a quantity proportional to the magnitude) of deformation of the member under an
applied force.
2.5.1 The proving instruments used for the calibration shall have a certificate from either NMI or
accredited laboratory with traceability to the SI units and shall comply with the requirements
specified in ISO 376:2011.
2.5.2 The class of the instrument shall be equal to or better than the class for which the testing
machine –force indicator is to be calibrated. Initially, the class of the machine may be taken as
per the relative resolution of the force indicator (Preferably).
2.5.3 Proving instrument used in compression mode shall have the certificate of calibration in
compression mode. Similarly used in tension mode should have certificate of calibration in
tension mode.
2.5.4 The force proving instrument shall be calibrated along with load fittings like loading pads for
compression and ball nut, ball cup and tensile force measuring rod as per the required
application (or as per manufacturers recommendations).
2.5.5 Proving instrument (proving ring with dial) calibrated in specific forces only should be used for
calibrating in the same specific force points and not in between force points. If it has to be used
for in between force points, it has to have certificate of calibration with interpolation equation
and the calibration certificate for the dial also.
2.5.6 All the elements of force proving instrument shall be individually and uniquely identified.
Note 1: As per IS: 1828 (Part-1) Clause 6.1 Force Proving Instrument used for calibration shall
comply with ISO376:2011 only.
2.5.8 Maximum expanded uncertainty of the Force Proving instrument shall be as per Table -2
below:
In case of dead weights used for calibration, the relative error of the force generated by these
weights shall be ≤ ± 0.1% .These weights shall be in Newton.
Calibration of UTM done by any accredited laboratories is meant for scientific and industrial purpose
only. However, if used for commercial trading, additional recognition/ approval shall be complied as
required by Dept. of Legal metrology, Regulatory bodies, etc.
2.8.1 The calibration shall be carried out between 10°C and 35°C. The temperature at which
calibration is carried out shall be noted in the calibration certificate.
2.9.1 Calibration can be carried out with constant indicated force of the machine for all the three
series of measurement. When this method is not feasible, the calibration may be carried out with
constant true forces. When more than one force proving instrument is required to calibrate a
force range, maximum force applied to the smaller device shall be the same as the minimum
force applied to the next force proving instrument of the higher capacity. Refer clause 6.5.3 of
IS 1828 (part 1):2005 for agreement between two force proving instruments.
2.10.1 Follow procedure as per IS 1828 (part 1): 2005 for static Uniaxial Testing Machine.
2.10.2 Select suitable accuracy class force proving instruments one or more depending on the class of
accuracy of the testing machine (refer Table 6.1.5.8).
2.10.3 Sufficient period of time shall be provided to allow the force proving instrument to reach a
stable period of temperature. The temperature of the force proving instrument shall remain
stable to within ± 2°C during each calibration run. If necessary, temperature correction shall be
applied to the reading as mentioned below:
a. If a proving instrument is used at a temperature other than the calibration temperature (as per
its certificate), the deflection of the instrument shall be, if necessary, corrected for nay
temperature variation in accordance with the formula.
D t = D e [1+ K( t - t e )]
Where,
D t =deflection at the temperature t,
D e = deflection at the calibration temperature (as per the certificate),
K= temperature coefficient of the instrument per °C.
t e temperature (as per the certificate).
Table B.2 of ISO 376:2011 gives the deflection corrections for the instruments (proving
rings). These corrections are obtained with K= 0.00027 per °C.
b. Most force transducers with electrical outputs are thermally compensated in the range of
application, in these cases, temperature correction might not be necessary.
2.10.4 If a calibration is conducted at forces below 20% of the range, supplementary force
measurements shall be made at approximately 10%, 5%, 2%, 1%, 0.5 %. 0.2 %, 0.1 % of the
scale down to and including the lower limit of calibration.
2.10.6 Characteristic value of Force Measuring System of the Testing Machines as per IS 1828 (part
1): 2005 for 20% to 100% of the measuring range.
Possible sources of uncertainty for testing machines calibration include, but are not limited to, the
following:
1. Uncertainty due to applied calibration force from calibration certificate of force proving instrument.
2. Uncertainty due to repeatability of calibration results (from 3 series of measurement).
3. Uncertainty due to zero error.
4. Uncertainty due to resolution of testing machine(only if calibration is carried out with constant true
force)
5. Uncertainty due to reversibility (optional)
6. Uncertainty due to thermometer used for temperature measurement.
Note: If constant indicated force method is used during calibration, uncertainty due to resolution is not
required as it reflects in repeatability measurements.
If the results obtained are not corrected for accuracy error the maximum possible deviation may also be
reported as ‘max accuracy error plus the uncertainty so obtained’ (Not for CMC evaluation).
2.12.3 For the purpose of CMC evaluation the following components should be considered:
• Uncertainty due to applied calibration force from calibration certificate of force proving
instrument.
• Uncertainty due to repeatability of calibration results (from 3 series of 10 measurement both
minimum and maximum).
• Uncertainty due to resolution of testing machine (only if calibration is carried out with
constant true force).
* Only for Electro-technical discipline; scope shall be recommended parameter wise (where applicable) and
the ranges may be mentioned frequency wise.
** NABL 143 shall be referred for the recommendation of CMC
+
Remarks shall also include whether the same scope is applicable for site calibration as well. NABL 130 shall
be referred while recommending the scope for site calibration.
Signature, Date & Name Signature, Date & Name of Signature, Date & Name of Lead
of Lab Representative Assessor(s) Assessor
Required
Class of Uncertainty (%) Limit of combined uncertainty(%)
accuracy of of of UTM as per
force proving Force proving Instrument IS 1828 (part 1):2005
Class of
instrument k=2 k= 2
accuracy of
ISO 376:2011
UTM
(Includes repeatability and applied
With Interpolation
Class of Specific force)
accuracy Force Without With Specific Without With
Reversibility Reversibility Force Reversibility Reversibility
0.5 0.5 0.127 0.162 0.237 0.315 0.331 0.374
1 1 0.257 0.325 0.475 0.632 0.663 0.748
2 2 0.513 0.651 0.870 1.264 1.326 1.446
3 2 0.513 0.651 0.870 1.806 1.850 1.938
Note1: Laboratory shall comply with the applied uncertainty of force proving instrument required for
different class as per the table above.
Note 2: The cut off CMC value for class 3 or better, the lab shall comply with the uncertainty. For
specific forces: ≤ 1.81% with k=2, with interpolation without reversibility≤ 1.85%, with
interpolation with reversibility ≤ 1.94%. Beyond this accreditation cannot be granted.
Note 3: Lab shall comply with any CMC values doesn't automatically qualify for accreditation until
the lab satisfies the stipulated requirement given above.
*Note 1: Tension creep testing machine can also be calibrated as per relevant ASTM standard using
Force proving instruments duly calibrated as per ASTM E 74.
Note-2: This technical requirement is based on the standard IS 1828 (Part-2). However, lab may
follow any other relevant standard/guideline in totality.
• ASTM E 74- Standard practice of Calibration of Force-Measuring Instruments for Verifying the
Force Indication of Testing Machines.
3.3.1 Force Proving instruments used for verification of applied load in Tension Creep Testing
Machines as per: 1828 (Part 2): 2002 (ISO 7500-2:1996) shall have traceability and calibration
certificate as per ISO 376:2011 E.
3.3.3 The force proving instrument shall be calibrated along with load fittings like ball nut, ball cup
and tensile force measuring rod as per the required application.
• A creep testing machine measures the creep (the tendency of a material after being subjected to high
levels of stress of an object (i.e. like high temperature to change its form in relation to time). It is a
device that measures the alteration of a material after it has put through different forms of stress.
Creep machines are important to see how much strain (load) an object can handle under pressure. So
engineers and researchers are able to determine what materials to use. The device generates a creep
time dependent curve by calculating the steady rate of creep in reference to the time it takes for the
material to change.
• The time dependent deformation under constant load at high temperature is called creep and the
resulting strain is a function of applied stress, temperature and time.
Creep Test
• The main objective in a creep test is to measure how a given metal or an alloy will perform under
constant load at elevated temperatures. In a creep test, a tensile specimen (with similar specimen as a
tensile test specimen) is subjected to a constant load inside a furnace where the temperature is
maintained constant.
• A device or system consisting of an elastic member combined with a device for indicating the
magnitude (or a quantity proportional to the magnitude) of deformation of the member under an
applied force.
3.5 Selection of Reference Standard for Tension Creep Testing Machine Calibration
3.5.1 The proving instruments used for the calibration shall have a certificate from either NMI or
accredited laboratory with traceability to the SI units and shall comply with the requirements
specified in ISO 376:2011.
3.5.2 The class of the instrument shall be equal to or better than the class for which the testing
machine is to be calibrated. Initially, the class of the machine may be taken as per the relative
resolution of the force indicator of machine.
3.5.3 Proving instrument should have the certificate of calibration in Tension mode.
3.5.4 The force proving instrument shall be calibrated along with load fittings like ball nut, ball cup
and tensile force measuring rod as per the required application.
3.5.5 Proving instrument (proving ring with dial) calibrated in specific forces only should be used for
calibrating in the same specific force points and not in between force points. If it has to be used
for in between force points, it has to have certificate of calibration with interpolation equation
and the calibration certificate for the dial also.
3.5.6 All the elements of force proving instrument shall be individually and uniquely identified, like
for proving rings, the ring, dial gauge / micrometer, vibrating reed or fulcrum, tension shackles
etc and in case of load cells the indicator, connecting cables etc.
3.5.7 Required characteristics of Force Proving Instruments :Table 1(as per ISO 376:2011)
Class of the Relative Error of Force Proving Instrument, % Uncertainty
Force Creep of applied
Proving Reproducibility Repeatability Interpolation Zero Reversibility (c) calibration
Instrument (b) (bʹ) ± (fc) ± (f 0 ) (ν)* force,
k=2 ± (%)
00 0.05 0.025 0.025 0.012 0.07 0.025 0.01
0.5 0.10 0.05 0.05 0.025 0.15 0.05 0.02
1 0.20 0.10 0.10 0.05 0.30 0.1 0.05
2 0.40 0.20 0.20 0.10 0.50 0.2 0.10
* The relative reversibility error is only determined when required
Note 1: As per IS1282 (Part-2) Clause 5.1 Force Proving Instrument used for Calibration
should comply with ISO376:2011.
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
Doc. No: NABL 122-07 Specific Criteria for Calibration Laboratories in Mechanical Discipline –UTM, Tension Creep and Torsion Testing
Machine
Issue No: 05 Issue Date: 12.08.2014 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: - Page No: 16 of 29
3.6 Calibration Interval
The temperature measuring equipment with a resolution 1°C should be used for monitoring temperature
during calibration.
3.8.1 Follow procedure as per IS 1828 (part 2): 2002 for Tension Creep Testing Machine.
3.8.2 Select suitable accuracy class force proving instruments one or more depending on the class of
accuracy of the testing machine.
3.8.3 Sufficient period of time shall be provided to allow the force proving instrument to reach a
stable period of temperature. The temperature of the force proving instrument shall remain
stable to within ± 2°C during each calibration run. If necessary, temperature correction shall be
applied to the reading as mentioned below:
a. If a proving instrument is used at a temperature other than the calibration temperature (as per
its certificate), the deflection of the instrument shall be, if necessary, corrected for nay
temperature variation in accordance with the formula.
D t = D e [1+ K( t - t e )]
Where,
D t =deflection at the temperature t,
D e = deflection at the calibration temperature (as per the certificate),
K= temperature coefficient of the instrument per °C &
t e =temperature (as per the certificate)
Table B.2 of ISO 376:2011 gives the deflection corrections for the instruments (proving
rings). These corrections are obtained with K= 0.00027 per °C.
b. Most force transducers with electrical outputs are thermally compensated in the range of
application, in these cases, temperature correction might not be necessary.
3.8.4 Determination of the discrimination threshold at 20%, 60% and 100% of the max. load of the
force measuring range.
• The discrimination threshold‘d’ of the machine is defined as the smallest increment of the
force that can be applied and detected during the verification procedure.
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
Doc. No: NABL 122-07 Specific Criteria for Calibration Laboratories in Mechanical Discipline –UTM, Tension Creep and Torsion Testing
Machine
Issue No: 05 Issue Date: 12.08.2014 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: - Page No: 17 of 29
• The relative discrimination threshold a = d/F *100 and shall remain within the limits given
in the table below for the class of machine considered.
• The discrimination threshold‘d’ shall be expressed in Newtons.
• Determination of lower limit of verification : the limit of verification Fv shall be specified
according to table below:
3.8.5 Three series of at least 5 approximately equi-spaced loads starting at 20% of range as the lowest
force range or the lower limit of verification whichever is greater shall be applied.
3.8.6 Characteristic values of Tension Creep Testing Machine as per IS 1828 (part 2)
for 20% to 100% of the measuring range
Possible sources of uncertainty for testing machines calibration include, but are not limited to, the
following:
1. Uncertainty due to applied calibration force from calibration certificate of force proving instrument.
2. Uncertainty due to repeatability of calibration results (from 3 series of measurement).
3. Uncertainty due to resolution of the testing machine.
4. Uncertainty due to relative discrimination threshold.
5. Uncertainty due to thermometer used for temperature measurement.
6. If the results obtained are not corrected for accuracy error the maximum possible deviation may also
be reported as ‘max accuracy error plus the uncertainty so obtained’ (Not for CMC evaluation).
3.10.3 For the purpose of CMC evaluation the following components should be considered:
• Uncertainty due to applied calibration force from calibration certificate of force proving
instrument.
• Uncertainty due to repeatability of calibration results (from 3 series of 10 measurements both
minimum and maximum).
• Uncertainty due to resolution of testing machine.
• Uncertainty due to thermometer used for temperature measurement.
Signature, Date & Name Signature, Date & Name of Signature, Date & Name of Lead
of Lab Representative Assessor(s) Assessor
Note 1: Laboratory shall comply to the applied uncertainty of force proving instrument required for
different class as per the table above.
Note 2: The cut off CMC value for class 2 or better, the lab shall comply the uncertainty. For specific
forces: ≤ 1.345% with k=2 and with interpolation ≤ 1.446 % .Beyond this accreditation cannot
be granted
Note 3: Lab shall comply to any CMC values doesn't automatically qualify for granting accreditation
until the lab satisfies the stipulated requirement given above.
Sl. Onsite
Parameter-Force Relevant Standard Permanent facility
No calibration
1 Torsion testing Machine ASTM E 2624-09 √ √*
Note-2: This technical requirement is based on ASTM E 2624-09. However, lab may follow any
other relevant standard/guideline.
• ASTM E 2428-08 Practice for calibration of torque measuring instruments for verifying Torque
indication of Torque testing machines.
• ASTM E 2624-09 Standard procedure for torque calibration of testing machines and devices.
• ISO 376:2011(E) - Metallic materials-calibration of force -proving instruments used for the
verification of Uniaxial testing machines.
• ASTM E 74- Standard practice of Calibration of Force-Measuring Instruments for Verifying the
Force Indication of Testing Machines.
4.3.1 For Each weight, the expanded uncertainty, U, for k=2, of the true mass.
4.3.3 Preferably all weights shall be equivalent or better than F2 standard as per OIML R-111.
4.3.4 'g' value shall be known with sufficient accuracy either by Geological Survey of India or any
other relevant source for finer CMC.
4.3.5 Laboratory may also calculate 'g' value knowing latitude and height as per the formula.
However, same shall be validated (refer 6.3.8.4).
4.3.6 Since mass has to be calibrated in true mass basis, the air buoyancy correction shall be applied.
4.3.7 Knowing the true mass and 'g' value, Newtonian value will be determined after applying
buoyancy correction.
Torque
• Torque is the vector product of tangential force and length applied about a known centre of rotation.
Relative Reversibility
• Difference between the deflection obtain from the last given torque value both in increasing and
increasing order.
• It is the acceleration of a body due to the influence of the pull of gravity alone, usually denoted as ‘g’
and unit of measurement is m/s2.
• A device or system consisting of an elastic member combined with a device for indicating the
magnitude (or a quantity proportional to the magnitude) of deformation of the member under an
applied force.
Calibration of torque testing machines will generally be carried out in accordance with a documented
procedure such as ASTM E2624 and the uncertainty of the calibration results will be dependent on the
maximum permissible uncertainty of calibration torque applied, as well as on the performance of the
torque testing machine.
The reference calibration equipment shall be capable of calibrating the machine in clockwise/anti-
clockwise, application of torque in both increasing and decreasing steps. It should ensure axial
application of torque.
4.5.2 Most of the torque testing machines are of ±1 % of the reading accuracy. The accuracy class of
the applied torque should be at least 1/3 i.e. 0.3 % including its uncertainty. So normally the
uncertainty of applied torque should be ± 0.1 % which is 1/3 of the 0.3% accuracy.
4.5.3 Torque calibration machines calibration can be done either at permanent facility or onsite as
follows:
a) Permanent facility:
Using calibrated weights and calibrated lever arm. The local ‘g’ value, air density and
density of weights should be known to sufficient accuracy.
b) Onsite Calibration:
Using torque transducer or load cell with calibrated lever arm.
4.5.4 Calibration by the application of standard weights using lever arm to the torque sensing
mechanism of the testing machine, where practicable is the most accurate method. Its
limitations are 1) small range of torque that can be calibrated 2) non portability of any high
capacity standard weights 3) the analysis of all parasitic torque components.
4.5.5 Expanded measurement uncertainty with k=2 for weights should not exceed 0.1%.
4.5.6 Lever arm or wheel shall be calibrated to determine length or radius within a known uncertainty
i.e. traceable to National Standards. The expanded uncertainty with k=2 shall not exceed 0.1%.
4.5.7 The second method of calibration of torque testing machines, involves the measurement of
elastic strain or rotation under the torque of a torque transducer or a force transducer with lever
arm combination. Elastic calibration devices are less constrained than the system mentioned at
6.3.5.4.
4.5.8 The design of fixtures and interfaces between the calibration device and the machine are critical.
When using elastic torque or force measuring devices use class A or better of Torque transducer
as per ASTM E 2428 or class 0.2 of BS7882: 2008 and Force sensor (Load cell) Class A of
ASTM E74 or Class 0.5 of ISO 376.
Calibration of weights done by any accredited laboratories is meant for scientific and industrial purpose
only. However, if load cell is used in equipment for commercial trading, additional recognition/
approval shall be complied as required by Dept. of Legal metrology, Regulatory bodies, etc.
Lab is advised to follow Manufacturer’s recommendation for environmental conditions, operations and
maintenance. Otherwise, Laboratory using torque testing machine shall fulfill the following conditions
for realization of applied force.
4.8.1 The temperature shall be maintained in the range of 18°C to 28°C. The temperature shall not
vary more than ± 1°C throughout a measurement series.
4.8.3 For measurement uncertainty of applied force, ‘g’ value shall be known. For realization of
applied force more than 0.01%, ‘g’ value shall be calculated using the formula given in below
For better than 0.01%, ‘g’ value shall be measured by appropriate authority.
Formula for calculation of Acceleration due to gravity. An approximate value for g, at given
latitude and height above sea level, may be calculated from the formula:
where:
A = 0.005 302 4,
B = 0.000 005 8,
L = latitude,
H = height in meter above sea level
However, laboratory shall evaluate the requirement of accuracy, resolution and uncertainty
depending on the CMC aimed at.
4.9.1 Follow procedure as per ASTM E 2624-09 for calibration of torque testing machine.
4.10.1 Components of Uncertainty for Applied Torque with Lever Arm & Dead Weights
4.10.1.a Equation for realization of Torque using Dead Weight and Beam
L= l 0 *(1+β T *δ T )
l0 = length at calibration temperature, T 0 =20ºC
βT = Coefficient of linear Expansion for the material of Arm length
Difference between the Temperature at calibration and during
δT =
calibration
• Uncertainty of Mass, error in Mass, drift or stability in Mass and Mass stack.
• Uncertainty due to gravity and Uncertainty of gravity due to height of the mass
stack.
Where,
uT is uncertainty of Torque,
uF is uncertainty of Force,
ul is the uncertainty of length of the beam
u(α) is uncertainty of cosine error
• Uncertainty due to bending if any should also be taken into account along with
above.
For Force of 10N, we require denomination of weights 1kg, 10g, 5g, 2g, 2g, 500mg,
200mg, 10mg & 1mg to get 1.019716 kg.
The shape of the weights used in the calibration machine should be such that, it
doesn’t affect verticality of the measuring axis and concentric to the applied force.
Otherwise, the magnitude of error of applied force will be more and hence the
uncertainty since, force is a vector quantity.
It is very important to establish the gravitational value of the laboratory since it is one
of the major quantity during realization of force. The effect of not doing this could be
a variation in force produced by the weight perhaps 0.5% of the force. It is therefore
recommended that, the Force calibration laboratory establishes local value of gravity
(g) and use weights that have been calibrated at that gravitational constant.
The weights are used to generate a downward force in air during force calibration (not
in Vacuum). This means that, Archimedes’s principle applies i.e. air pressure under
the weights causes an upward force. This reduces the effective force generated by the
weights and therefore the mass must be increased to allow for this. If the weights are
calibrated on conventional mass basis under standard conditions of air density of 1.2
kg/m3 at 20°C and density of weight 8000 kg/m3. The increase is required by a factor
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
Doc. No: NABL 122-07 Specific Criteria for Calibration Laboratories in Mechanical Discipline –UTM, Tension Creep and Torsion Testing
Machine
Issue No: 05 Issue Date: 12.08.2014 Amend No: 00 Amend Date: - Page No: 27 of 29
of 0.012% - 0.015%. Because, realization of force is a product of true mass local g and
local air density.
• The weights and the hanger used are of steel material. The variation of temperature
changes the volume of the material due thermal expansion and affects the value of
mass as it is a function of density and volume.
• The variation of temperature affects the air density, which is used in buoyancy
correction. Hence, change in temperature affects in realization of force values.
• Apart from the above, it affects change in length also in a lever multiplication
system and there by uncertainty due to thermal expansion depending on the
material used.
4.11.2 CMC value is not the same as expanded uncertainty reported in the calibration
Certificate/Report. CMC values exclude the uncertainties which are attributed to the UUT (Unit
under test/calibration).
4.11.3 For the purpose of CMC evaluation the uncertainty calculated along with Type A (10 readings
with minimum and maximum) uncertainty is considered.
* Only for Electro-technical discipline; scope shall be recommended parameter wise (where applicable) and
the ranges may be mentioned frequency wise.
** NABL 143 shall be referred for the recommendation of CMC
+
Remarks shall also include whether the same scope is applicable for site calibration as well. NABL 130 shall
be referred while recommending the scope for site calibration.
Signature, Date & Name Signature, Date & Name of Signature, Date & Name of Lead
of Lab Representative Assessor(s) Assessor
• The design of fixtures and interfaces between the calibration device and the machine are critical.
When using elastic torque or force measuring devices use class A or better of Torque transducer
as per ASTM E 2428 or class 0.2 of BS7882: 2008 and Force sensor (Load cell) Class A of
ASTM E74 or Class 0.5 of ISO 376 :2011(E).
• Demonstration of any CMC values doesn't automatically qualify for granting accreditation until
the lab satisfies the stipulated requirement given in this document.