Accurate measuring instruments are essential in any engineering and scientific application. Do you fully understand the difference between calibration and adjustment? This understanding can significantly improve the reliability of your equipment.
The difference between calibration and adjustment
Calibration is the process of comparing the measured values of an instrument to a standard of known accuracy. The purpose of calibration is to establish how accurately the instrument measures. Calibration records any discrepancies between the instrument's measured values and the actual values (as established by the standard).
Justering (or adjusting) is the process of adjusting the instrument so that it falls within the desired specifications. This means that if calibration shows that the instrument does not measure accurately, adjustment actually intervenes in the instrument to correct these deviations.
The difference between traceable and accredited ISO17025 calibration
Accredited calibration is performed by a laboratory formally recognised by an accreditation body to perform certain parameters. (BELAC in Belgium, RVA in the Netherlands, DAkkS in Germany, ...). These institutions ensure that the laboratory meets the international ISO/IEC 17025 standard, which means that the laboratory is competent to perform calibrations of a given parameter and that the calibration results are internationally recognised.
Traceable calibration refers to a calibration process in which measurement results are traceable to recognised references, usually national or international standards, through a continuous chain of comparisons. A traceable calibration ensures that measurements are traceable to standards, but the laboratory does not necessarily undergo the external audits and quality checks that come with accreditation.
