When Error is Not an Option: Calibration and its Importance to your Operation

Calibration is a comparison between a known measurement (the standard) and the

measurement using your instrument. Typically, the accuracy of the standard should be

ten times the accuracy of the measuring device being tested. However, accuracy ratio of

3:1 is acceptable by most standards organizations.

Calibration of your measuring instruments has two objectives. It checks the accuracy of

the instrument and it determines the traceability of the measurement. In practice,

calibration also includes repair of the device if it is out of calibration. A report is

provided by the calibration expert, which shows the error in measurements with the

measuring device before and after the calibration.

Why calibration is important?

The accuracy of all measuring devices degrades over time. This is typically caused by

normal wear and tear. However, changes in accuracy can also be caused by electric or

mechanical shock or a hazardous manufacturing environment (i.e., oils, metal chips

etc.). Depending on the type of the instrument and the environment in which it is being

used, it may degrade very quickly or over a long period of time. The bottom line is that,

calibration improves the accuracy of the measuring device — and accurate measuring

devices improve product quality.

Your measuring device should be calibrated regularly, as specified by the manufacturer,

or after any mechanical or electrical shock. The potential costs and risks associated with

an uncalibrated measuring device could be much higher than the cost of the calibration.

Itself.

At DeltaTrac, we believe in accuracy and offer a full spectrum of finely-tuned calibration

equipment, along with the service and training that goes with it. Quality is our mission

and no matter what you’re looking for, we’re committed to bringing you exactly what

you need — when you need it. For more information, give us a call today.