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Precision and reliability are essential in industrial measurement, where even minor irregularities can compound into major operational issues. A calibration certificate serves as documented proof that an instrument has been thoroughly tested and verified for accuracy. More than just a piece of paper, it is a critical component of quality assurance systems, a component that supports traceability, regulatory compliance, and confidence in measurement integrity.
Why is Calibration Necessary?
Even if a device is factory-calibrated, its accuracy can drift over time due to exposure to real-world operating conditions—such as vibration, thermal cycling, abrasive media, and harsh environments. These gradual changes may go unnoticed during day-to-day operations, but they can lead to significant measurement errors, safety hazards, and expensive downtime.
Periodic calibration should be a standard part of any process maintenance program.
What is Calibration?
Calibration is the process of comparing the measurement output of an instrument against a known reference standard that is more accurate and traceable to a recognized authority, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S., or another national metrology institute.
These reference standards provide a benchmark against which instruments can be evaluated and, if needed, adjusted. The calibration process ensures that measurement devices operate within their specified tolerances and perform reliably under even extreme operating conditions. Without proper calibration, instruments may yield inaccurate results, undermining process control and product quality.
Who Should Perform Calibration?
Calibration should only be performed by accredited laboratories that operate under strict quality standards, such as ISO/IEC 17025. These labs ensure traceability, environmental controls, and proper calibration procedures.
When a lab is ISO-certified and traceable to NIST or another national standards body, it means the results can be trusted and the data can be used for audits, quality control, or compliance reporting.
How is Calibration Performed?
- The device under test is subjected to a series of known input values across its entire operating range.
- Its output is compared to that of a reference standard.
- If deviations are found, the device is adjusted or flagged for servicing.
This process ensures that the instrument delivers reliable and accurate data in real-world applications.
What is a Calibration Certificate?
After calibration, the lab issues a calibration certificate, often referred to as a "cal cert." This document is critical for compliance and auditing. It includes:
- A unique certificate number
- Description of the device
- Customer and lab information
- Calibration procedure used
- Reference standards and traceability
- Environmental conditions during testing
- Calibration results
- Name and signature of the technician who performed the work
Calibration certificates serve as proof that your device was accurately tested and calibrated to traceable standards.
How to Manage Calibration Records
Keep calibration certificates organized and easily accessible for each instrument in your system. These documents are not only essential during regulatory audits and internal quality checks—they also serve as historical records that track calibration intervals, methods, and performance trends over time. A well-maintained archive of calibration certificates helps facilities plan preventative maintenance, anticipate equipment drift, and ensure that no device exceeds its recommended recalibration window. In critical environments, this kind of documentation control is key to sustaining operational continuity and maintaining compliance.
Need Calibration Support?
DwyerOmega offers ISO 17025-accredited calibration services with traceability to NIST. Our experienced technicians and state-of-the-art lab ensure your devices meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
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