Thursday, September 5, 2013

Understanding Calibration & Its Applications

Understanding Calibration & Its Applications

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.

The process of calibrating objects is not a new task; it actually is an ancient one that became increasingly important after the early days of the Industrial Revolution. Of course, calibration devices are far more accurate today than they were a century ago or even 30 years ago. Calibration is need for just about every device or piece of machinery for most industries. The equipment that creates our food products needs calibration, as does the equipment that makes computers, trucks, cars and even children's toys.

Calibration obviously is important before you use a device the very first time; after all ,you want to ensure that it will work correctly. However, devices and equipment also need to be calibrated every so often as the months and years pass. For some industries, calibration is required in order to gain certification. Whenever an employee notices problems with a device or instrument, it should be recalibrated to ensure that measurements are accurate. Additionally, if the machine is jostled or moved or perhaps there is an earthquake or other type of seismic anomaly, you need to calibrate. Even vast changes in temperature can affect some machinery or devices, and this might mean you need to call in someone to perform calibration services.

Those tasked with calibration tasks use a variety of instruments. These instruments vary depending on the type of calibration that is needed. There are multi-function calibrators that can be used to take several types of measurements, as well as pressure calibrators, block calibrators, black body calibrators, temperature probe calibrators and many more.

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.

Calibration technician is the proper name of a person who performs these types of services and not only does it require several years of training from a technical school, you also have to have about five years of fieldwork before you can earn certification as a Certified Calibration Technician. However, many techs actually have four-year degrees or beyond in majors such as mechanical engineering or perhaps metrology, which is the study of measurements. If you become a calibration technician, you will learn how to use a variety of devices and calibrate all sorts of equipment, from optical devices to electrical equipment to perhaps even chemical equipment.




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