Calibration services
Definitions

Calibrate, adjust, verify or standardize?

What does "calibration" actually mean?

Calibration is the act of determining and documenting, in a traceable manner, the deviations between a measuring instrument called device under test (DUT) and a reference device called reference standard.

The result of this comparison shows the measuring deviations at different measurement points and can be provided in absolute or relative form. The regular calibration of measurement instruments ensures the precision and reproducibility of the measurement data. The reference measurement is made with a reference device.

Traceability refers to the uninterrupted chain of comparative measurements related to the measuring results of a measuring instrument and the specific, higher-ranking national standard.

The resulting hierarchy is based on accreditation, i.e. the calibrating authorities have been assessed for their technical competence and thus formally recognized. The highest-ranking national authorities for metrology are the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the USA. These bodies provide reference standards of the highest accuracy, such as the standard meter or standard foot, for all physical and legally required quantities for use in calibration.

What is meant by "adjustment"?

As opposed to calibration, adjustment is the act of setting a measuring instrument to a measurement deviation that is reduced as much as possible in order for the deviations to stay within the limits of error. Thus, adjustment requires an intervention on the measuring instrument, which usually results in permanent changes to the device.

What is "verification"?

Verification is about providing objective proof that a measuring instrument meets specific requirements.

As opposed to calibration, uncertainty of measurement is not indicated, only a pass or fail statement is made. Verification can cover secondary measurands such as the sensor, the transducer or I/O modules via test signals.

What is meant by "standardize"?

Standardization means performing legally required checks of measuring instruments, e.g. scales used in food retailing, that are subject to public interest and are used to set prices. Standardization is performed by specific authorities and is thus governed by severe regulations.