Calibration of pins and plugs

Calibration of pins and plugs

Calibration services ensure that readings taken from measuring instruments and masters are consistent and accurate, and within specification limits or tolerances.

Why Calibrate?

The main reason for calibration of instruments is that all masters, tools and other items lose their ability to provide accurate measurements over time and with use. A calibration procedure may reveal an underlying problem that could be costly, if left unattended.

  • In manufacturing, items could incorrectly pass or fail inspection resulting in inferior products going to market or costly rework or discard of good items.
  • In product development, inaccurate measurements can distort findings and slow or stall progress.
  • For companies in industries or with customers that require regular calibration of instruments used in production of their products or parts, the penalty for non-compliance could be fines or loss of business.

In general, commerce depends on globally agreed upon standards of weights and measures. Only traceable calibration can ensure adherence to these standards. This means that all equipment used to perform calibration services must also be calibrated to ensure an unbroken traceability back to the standard kept at a national metrology institute.

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Calibration of gage blocks, gauge blocks

Calibration of gage blocks

The calibration of measuring tools, instruments and masters is a comparison of a measurement reading from the item being calibrated with a known value from a reference instrument or standard. Variations between the reading and the known value determine the performance limitations of the tool, instrument or master.

Inception of Calibration

It is often a good policy to calibrate measuring instruments prior to the first use. This will establish a measurement history from the beginning for future reference and comparison. Tracking the history on the instruments to make sure that they have been within the specifications will help in making decisions about calibration frequency or intervals.

Frequency of Calibration

Shorter intervals between calibrations may reduce the risk of questionable measurements. When determining the frequency of calibration, consider factors that may affect measurement accuracy:

  • How often the instrument is used
  • Environmental conditions (e.g. humidity, temperature, vibration) where the instrument is stored and used
  • The required uncertainty in measurement
  • Requirements of your company’s quality program

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Calibration Services and Traceable Calibration

December 20, 2010
linear calibration for length standards

  Calibration services compare a measurement reading from a measuring instrument or tool with a known value from a reference instrument or standard to determine the performance limitations of the tool or instrument. Standards are prepared by various organizations, agencies and governing bodies and are universally used by testing laboratories. A traceable calibration is performed [...]

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