Basic Information Regarding Calibration

By Carey Bourdier


Calibration, in basic terms, is simply a comparison between two measurements. One of the measurements has a known correctness and the other measurement is that of the device you are testing. Calibration is needed to ensure that the known correctness measurement matches that of the test subject.

Ever since the days of the Industrial Revolution, the process of calibration has been improving. It's extremely important that machines, instruments and devices are calibrated to ensure that products are assembled correctly and that measurements are taken correctly. Every type of industrial endeavor has need of calibration, whether you are creating packaging for a toy, building vehicle parts or even doing some type of medical testing.

Instruments need calibration on many occasions, not the least of which is before they are used for the first time. Most industries must have their equipment calibrated from time to time and receive calibration certification. In addition, calibration is needed if employees notice abnormalities or data inaccuracies. Calibration also is needed when any adjustments are made to the equipment. In addition, sometimes a machine might be jostled or moved and calibration will be needed to insure accuracy. Even a sudden change in weather or temperature can have an effect on certain pieces of equipment which will require calibration services.

There are many different instruments that are used to perform calibration services, and the type of instrument used depends on the type of measurements that need to be taken. In general, there are pressure calibrators, temperature probe calibrators, block calibrators, multi-function calibrators and many more. Some are handheld pieces of equipment and others are larger or need to be placed on a level surface in order to work.

While some industries have employees on hand to perform calibration tasks, often experts are called in to perform various types of calibration. These experts are highly trained and many not only take these precise measurements but also complete any necessary repairs or adjustments. Some calibration companies can even provide the proper certification that might be required.

The person responsible for this testing is known as a calibration technician. This is a person who attended technical school in order to earn a basic certificate degree. From there, you need five years of experience before you can earn your Certified Calibration Technician certification. Sometimes calibration techs have degrees either in mechanical engineering or perhaps metrology, which is the science of measurement. If you wish to have a career as a calibration technician, you will be responsible for calibrating and adjusting many types of equipment such as electrical and mechanical equipment as well as optical and chemical equipment.




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