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Uncertainty and Traceability Underpin the Reliability of Measurements

Navigating the world of calibration can feel like walking a tightrope. Precision is paramount, yet unseen forces can nudge you off balance. Two of the most critical, and often misunderstood, concepts in maintaining balance are uncertainty and traceability. Far from being technical jargon, they underpin the reliability of measurements. They are the principles of calibration results, impacting everything from product quality to regulatory compliance.

Uncertainty relates to the range of values within which a measurement is likely to fall.  Traceability ensures that measurements can be connected international standards, so we can still have confidence in measurement despite uncertainty.

Uncertainty and Traceability in Calibration

Imaging a high-performance automotive manufacturer building an engine where piston dimensions are critical for efficiency and longevity. They use sophisticated measurement tools, but without understanding uncertainty and traceability, they’re taking a significant game. If they’re micrometers are not calibrated with known uncertainty, or if their calibration standards are not traceable to national metrology institutes, they could be producing pistons slightly off specification. The subtle deviation could lead to premature engine wear or failure, resulting in product recalls, warranty claims and irreparable damage to their brand. This example show that uncertainty and traceability aren’t abstract concepts. The have tangible, real-world impact on product quality, safety and business viability.

Continue reading to learn how uncertainty and traceability underpin the reliability of measurements.

In this white paper, we explore:

1. What is traceability and uncertainty in calibration
2. The interdependence of traceability and uncertainty
3. How they impact the quality and reliability of measurement results

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Unlocking Precision: Your Guide to Understanding Calibration

In a world that relies on accuracy and reliability, calibration plays a central role in quality and performance. From instruments that guide space exploration to the everyday devices that ensure our safety, precise measurements are paramount. But what exactly is calibration?

Calibration means obtaining a measurement with a tool and then comparing that result to a known standard. Knowing that a measurement tool is calibrated correctly, the user can then move forward with confidence. Imagine a dairy producer facing increasing batches of spoiled or inconsistent product, leading to customer complaints and product waste. The hidden culprit? The temperature sensors. One sensor is reading 3°C lower than the actual temperature, while the other is off by 2°C in the other direction. The unseen inaccuracies meant dairy products were produced at incorrect temperatures, compromising quality and consumer safety.

This scenario highlights that even minor inaccuracies in measurement, if left unaddressed, can lead to financial losses, reputational damage and consumer safety hazards. Calibration is essential not just for compliance but for directly ensuring product integrity and operational success.

Elevate Your Understanding of Calibration

Continue reading to understand the basics of calibration, the critical role it plays in industrial manufacturing and learn how it mitigates risks, reduces costs, and ensures compliance.

In this white paper, we explore:

1. The basics of calibration to help industrial manufacturers understand its importance
2. Know what risks to avoid
3. The best calibration processes and standards according to their needs

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How do Accredited and Traceable Calibration Differ? 

Calibration ensures the accuracy of our measurements and thus underpins trust in the world around us. When you request a calibration service, you must choose between accredited calibration and traceable calibration. They both aim to provide reliable results, but they provide different levels of assurance.

Traceable Calibration: Linking Measurements to Standards 

In traceable calibration, the equipment used to perform the calibration is calibrated against recognized national or international measurement standards. You can trace your tool’s measurement results through an uninterrupted and documented chain of calibrated equipment up to the highest international standard.

Think of it like a family tree for measurement equipment, connecting measurements to the ultimate source. You can request the calibration certificates of the standards used for the calibration of your equipment to check the traceability. 

Accredited Calibration: Independent Verification of Competence 

Accredited calibration takes traceability a step further by ensuring the calibration process along with the equipment. It signifies that a national accreditation body has independently assessed the calibration service provider and deemed it competent to perform specific calibrations within a defined scope.

Both types of calibration provide a calibration certificate, but accredited calibration demonstrates the service provider’s adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 standards and provides additional proof of the traceability of the standards.

Which is Right for You? 

The choice between traceable and accredited calibration depends on your specific requirements, industry regulations, and risk tolerance. For many applications, traceable calibration provides sufficient assurance. However, industries with rigorous quality standards and regulatory requirements often mandate accredited calibration for enhanced reliability. When determining whether you need accredited calibration or traceable ask yourself:

1. Is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration mandated by my industry or external auditors? If not, traceable calibration may suit your needs.
2. How critical are my measurements? If the accuracy of your measurements is critical to safety, quality, or has legal implications, then accredited calibration is the way to go. You can select traceable calibration if you use instruments in less critical applications, or the potential impact of an inaccurate reading is low.
3. Do my customers or industry partners require proof of calibration from an accredited laboratory? If yes, choose accredited calibration.
4. What level of detail do I need regarding measurement uncertainty? The level of detail you need will determine if you choose an accredited calibration or traceable calibration service. The evaluation of measurement uncertainties is in accordance with international documents ILAC P14, EA-4/02, GUM and associated documents. Most of the time, you have better uncertainties for accredited calibrations than for traceable calibrations.

All calibrations should be traceable to national or international standards; accredited calibration offers an additional layer of assurance through independent third-party assessment of the laboratory’s competence and quality management system.

Our Laboratories Comply with ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 

99% of Trescal’s international network of in-house and on-site laboratories is accredited to ensure your confidence in your equipment and instruments. We have over 1,100+ accreditations, including ISO 17025, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001, in 28 different sectors. We also provide traceable services so that you can trace the precision of your equipment to international standards without an accredited calibration.