The truth about calibration and accreditation

There is a myth about calibration — that it’s not necessary. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Everything that is manufactured must be measured to ensure quality. 

Calibration is responsible for the quantification, consistency and authentication of the measurement results acquired from processes, which determines the characteristics and value of what is sold to the consumer. It is the only methodology available today to confirm the instrumentation used in the manufacturing of all products and services. 

An instrument is considered properly calibrated only if the data obtained can be used effectively to accurately measure, control and quantify the end product. And only when the calibration system is accredited can the values obtained be useful. 

It is important to select a qualified commercial laboratory to conduct these calibration tests, because an accredited laboratory must also prove technical competency by having its scope of accreditation verified by an approved third party. 

“You have to have a third party verifying your process, and it’s very important that that process is authenticated and validated, so that when you give the data to a client, they can use it effectively in their measuring capabilities,” explains Bassant Gobin, CEO for Digital Measurement Metrology (DMM) in an interview with 21st Century Business Television. 

DMM, a Canadian-owned and operated company, offers sales of new metrology products, service, installation and accredited calibration for the manufacturing industry. Its Brampton, Ont.-based lab is accredited to ISO:17025-2005 by the Laboratory Accreditation Bureau (L-A-B) to perform calibrations, testing and dimensional inspections. 

DMM provides a wide range of services performed in a sensitive, environmentally controlled laboratory using updated equipment. The company calibrates test and measuring equipment for companies across Canada to the ISO 17025 standard, NIST traceable. Through practice, years of experience and automated equipment and comparators, DMM is able to provide clients with accredited calibration of various instruments using manufacturer's specification and ISO standards as reference. The company also performs laser calibrations and other services at the customer's location using specialized portable, computer-controlled equipment. 

“Metrology is a very, very serious subject when it comes to manufacturing,” says Gobin. “The people who take control and understand it are able to use it effectively by creating better products, less expensive products and…set themselves apart from the competition.”

• Tweet