Calibrators | <p><strong>Calibration is vitally important wherever measurements are important, it enables users and businesses to have confidence in the results that they monitor, record and subsequently control.</strong></p><p>In general use, calibration is often regarded as including the process of adjusting the output or indication on a measurement instrument to agree with value of the applied standard, within a specified accuracy however this is actually two processes: calibration and adjustment. It is important therefore to understand exactly what service you require. It is also important to understand what is being calibrated and how the calibration is being performed.</p><p>As an example, consider a digital thermometer that uses an external temperature probe; some calibration service providers will perform the calibration using a simulated temperature value that is applied to the thermometer only (i.e. without the temperature probe). Here, a test instrument is attached to the digital thermometer and a voltage equivalent to a specific temperature is applied to the digital thermometer. The result is recorded, and the thermometer is then considered to be calibrated.</p><p>Calibration defines the accuracy and quality of measurements recorded using a piece of equipment. Over time there is a tendency for results and accuracy to ‘drift’ when using particular technologies or measuring particular parameters such as temperature and humidity. To be confident in the results being measured, there is an ongoing need to maintain the calibration of equipment throughout its lifetime for reliable, accurate and repeatable measurements.</p><p>The goal of calibration is to minimise any measurement uncertainty by ensuring the accuracy of test equipment. Calibration quantifies and controls errors or uncertainties within measurement processes to an acceptable level.</p>