You are on page 1of 2

WHAT IS CALIBRATION?

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, micrometres, 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.

Not sure where to start? Check out: http://www.laboserv.co.zw/

You might also like