Calibration is a term that people often hear, but never truly understand. Calibrate, in our modern vernacular, can mean several different things. The term “calibrate” first came to the American English language around the Civil War as a term for artillery. The process of aiming heavy artillery, calibrating, was to adjust the pitch and direction of fire. Artillery, while devastating, was notoriously hard to aim, and could only be done after observing where the first round landed, hence calibrating.
However, calibration as we know it now, doesn’t refer to adjusting the angle of the heavy fire from a cannon, but rather refers more towards our standard metric for measurements. Many common objects that we use on a daily basis need to be calibrated from time to time to maintain accuracy. These objects can include but are not limited to:
Each of these all bear a great deal of importance and require accuracy. If a scale is off, then either the customer or the store is deprived of an accurate price. If a thermometer is off, you could find yourself with a bad case of salmonella due to undercooked foods.
Now that you understand the meaning of calibration, what about precision calibration? This is the process of evaluating and adjusting metrology equipment by comparing its output against established standards. This process ensures the equipment operates accurately and meets performance specifications. If discrepancies are found, a technician will make necessary adjustments.
While it ultimately depends on the device in question, the process of calibration always has the same result. If there is not active force working against the gage (whatever it may be gaging) then it should “zero” out. A scale is a good example of this, if there is nothing on the scale, then it should read 0. Where it gets tricky, is not everything has a perfect 0 setting like the scale does. The process of calibration and the actual setting can vary depending on the individual device.
Calibration standards are highly accurate devices or instruments used as references to verify the performance and accuracy of less accurate measurement devices. These standards are crucial for ensuring consistency and reliability in measurements. The calibration process involves measuring the output of the less accurate device and comparing it to the known values provided by the calibration standard.
Calibration standards are important for the following reasons:
There are plenty of situations in which a calibration can and should be performed. Here’s a quick guideline as to when you should consider calibrating:
Having a device that reads accurately is very important and has a huge impact on both commerce and safety. If you need to have a device calibrated, then contact Garber Metrology. Not only have they been in service since 1975, but they even make house calls (which can be very beneficial if you have a large device or need a calibration done on the quick.) Garber understands exactly what’s required of your devices and can help you calibrate to you, or your customer’s needs.
At Garber Metrology, we are a trusted provider of calibration services, helping businesses maintain the reliability and accuracy of their measurement instruments. With decades of expertise, we ensure your equipment meets industry standards and regulatory requirements. Count on us for both in-house and on-site calibration services to help you maintain your devices with minimal downtime. Contact us today to learn more about our calibration solutions or request a quote.
