Calibration is the process through which instruments are adjusted to match accepted measurement standards for their specific application. Calibration ensures precision and accuracy, which are essential to the performance of equipment and measurement tools. Calibration is used in the gas, electric, tooling, automotive and many other industries.
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Calibration is the comparison of two measurements between devices: what the device measurement output is and what it should be. Calibrating instruments measure the reading or output of a device and compare it to accepted standards. Measurements must be exact for the application to work at full capacity. Calibration services ensure accuracy and precision, both of which are essential to the performance of measurement tools and other devices in any industry that requires measuring equipment. Those industries may include: chemical, gas, electric, automotive fabrication, temperature and tooling. Accurate and precise calibration allows devices and applications to maintain high quality standards. Once the margin of error has been determined and verified, the device can be adjusted to values identical with the acceptable standard to perform accurately once again.
Calibration can be used industrially, commercially and residentially. Industrially, companies want to make sure their equipment is working up to standards and specifications set by the manufacturer in order to maximize productivity and accuracy. Calibration also assists with maintaining normal wear and tear. For example, if too much water is flowing through a pipe at one time it could be damaging in the long-run. If it is not fixed right away or correctly it could be a costly repair. Calibration also makes sure that equipment is in compliance with the law. Numerous sources are available that contain standardized values for the comparison of materials and components. In the United States, the National Institute of Standards and Technology is the most definitive source on measurement standards. Some instruments that require regular calibration include scales, thermometers, speedometers, commercial ovens, lasers and various gauges.
