Garber Metrology, a leader in weighing equipment and calibration in the Mid-Atlantic region, has acquired GNH Services, LLC in Barto, PA. By acquiring GNH Services, Garber Metrology is continuing to grow its expertise in calibration services and its reach throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

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Garber Metrology has laboratories in Central Pennsylvania where calibrations can be done in-house. We also offer the ability to calibrate equipment on-site at our customer’s facilities. Our services cover a range of instruments, gages, and equipment, including optical comparator calibration.

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Garber Metrology maintains the highest levels of quality and is ISO 9001 Registered by NQA, and ISO/IEC 17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 Accredited by ANAB.

 

While there are many different types of temperature sensors, they serve one common purpose — measuring the heat fluctuations of a component. According to The Business Research Company, the temperature sensor market will reach $13.55 billion in 2028, indicating a strong reliance on this technology across industries.

By understanding the characteristics and functions of each temperature measurement sensor, you can find the right one for your operations. Learn more about the various types of temperature sensors to ensure your equipment and machinery run smoothly.

What Is a Temperature Sensor?

A temperature measurement sensor is a device that tracks the temperature changes in air, liquid and solids. It houses a temperature probe, which converts input data into electrical signals for readable measurements. Temperature sensors record measurements at regular intervals and often trigger an alarm if readings are beyond the scope of normalcy. By using a hardwire or wireless connection, temperature sensors connect with a company’s computer maintenance management systems (CMMS) for easy tracking.

Businesses rely on temperature sensors for various applications, such as:

• Manufacturing: From fabricating parts to assembling products, manufacturing plants use multiple machines in their operations. Temperature sensors help to monitor the heat from machines for safer workplaces.
• Medical: Life-saving equipment such as ventilators, ultrasound scanners and dialysis machines require temperature sensors for smooth operations.
• Laboratory: Between manufacturing pharmaceuticals and ensuring optimal laboratory conditions, temperature sensors play a vital role in this industry.
• Information technology: Computers generate heat during operation — temperature sensors help to prevent systems from overheating.
• Food and Beverage: Temperature sensors track the temperature across food manufacturing, storage and transportation for optimal quality.

Different Types of Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensor technologies differ vastly to suit the many different applications. Use this overview of the five main types of temperature sensors to understand how they work and their relevant capabilities:

1. Thermocouples

Thermocouple temperature sensors commonly fall into two categories — base and noble metal types. Both variants consist of two contrastive wires that connect at two opposing points. The wires measure voltage, which correlates to temperature changes.

While the accuracy of thermocouples is slightly lower than other temperature sensors, they have a much wider temperature range. Base thermocouples reach up to 2,552 F, and noble metal types measure up to 5,432 F. In addition, they’re a cost-effective option for industrial, automotive and household applications.

Varying temperatures increase the likelihood of thermocouple deterioration. If you notice an open circuit, low electrical isolation or inconsistent results, schedule a professional calibration service. This will help ensure the accuracy of your results and increase your sensor’s life span.

2. Thermometers

One of the most recognizable temperature sensors is the thermometer. These devices measure the temperature of gas, liquid and solids, making them an effective option for numerous applications. The three core thermometer types measure temperature in the following ways:

• Liquid or gas thermometers: When these thermometers come into contact with a heat source, the gas or liquid expands and moves the needle to the corresponding temperature reading.
• Digital thermometers: These thermometers leverage a resistance temperature detector (RTD) or thermocouple to display digital readings.
• Infrared thermometers: The thermometer lens focuses infrared light from an object onto a thermopile. The thermopile converts the infrared radiation into heat, allowing you to track the reading.

Thermometers — like all temperature sensors — need regular calibration to ensure accurate results. Each thermometer type will have different calibration requirements, but the process typically involves placing the device in a temperature-controlled area and accessing its readings. Professional calibration technicians will adjust its settings to ensure greater accuracy.

3. Resistance Temperature Detectors

As the name implies, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) feature a resistance element. When the detector comes into contact with heat, the temperature increases, triggering a rise in electrical resistance. The sensor converts the electrical signals into readings.

RTDs consist of a film coupled with a glass or ceramic core encased in wire. They are on the higher end of the sensor pricing scale, yet they deliver exceptional accuracy across a temperature range of minus 382 F to 1,112 F.

4. Semiconductor-Based Sensors

Semiconductor-based sensors work in conjunction with integrated circuits. These temperature sensors house two congruent diodes with temperature-sensitive voltage and current capabilities.

Despite their slightly lower response rate, semiconductor-based sensors are a common choice in technology applications. For example, these sensors form part of navigation systems, mobiles, computers and more.

5. Negative Temperature Coefficient Thermistors

Just like RTDs, negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors use resistance to reflect temperature. However, they follow a nonlinear process — as the temperature decreases, the restriction increases.

These sensors are most effective across a temperature range of minus 58 F to 212 F. Their construction of glass-covered polymer or ceramic makes them a cost-effective and accurate sensor for medical, environmental and aerospace applications.

Importance of a Temperature Sensor

By using temperature sensors to obtain accurate readings, businesses have more control over their operations. They can experience the following benefits:

• Improved safety: Monitoring the heat of equipment enables businesses to react quickly to hazardous situations. Responding to potential dangers when they arise helps to ensure the safety of workers.
• Energy savings: According to the Department of Energy, the industrial sector loses between 20% and 50% of total energy input. Measuring the temperature of your components helps you identify insulation opportunities for energy savings.
• Equipment longevity: Repairing equipment on the onset helps to ensure a longer life span. High or low temperatures help businesses take fast corrective action.
• Precise results: Outlying temperatures indicate malfunctioning equipment. In the medical context, poor-performing equipment could impact the success of the procedure. By frequently measuring the apparatus temperature, there is a higher level of accuracy across operations.
• Efficiency: Stable temperatures help to improve each stage of the production process, enabling your team to meet targets and establish a reputable brand image.

Contact Garber Metrology to Calibrate Your Temperature Sensor

Temperature sensors offer many benefits for your business, but only if they deliver accurate results. While choosing the right temperature sensor for your application offers better accuracy, you also need to ensure accurate calibration.

Garber Metrology provides a wide range of temperature calibration services that meet high-accuracy standards. We ensure this by selecting a team of professional technicians with extensive experience in calibrating thermometers, thermocouples and many other temperature sensors. We are ISO 9001 Registered by NQA and ISO/IEC 17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 accredited by ANAB.

Whether you choose our in-house or on-site services, you can experience greater peace of mind using your temperature sensors. Contact our team today for more information and start experiencing the benefits of effect temperature sensors in your operations today!

Garber Metrology, a leader in weighing equipment/calibration in the Mid-Atlantic region, has acquired Qual Tech Labs, Inc in Exton, PA. This strategic acquisition by Garber Metrology expands its expertise in calibration services and its footprint in the Mid-Atlantic region.

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Garber Metrology’s calibration services are done through our in-house laboratories in Central Pennsylvania and on-site at our customer’s facilities. These services cover a range of instruments, gages, and equipment.

View our full list capabilities →

Garber Metrology maintains the highest levels of quality and is ISO 9001 Registered by NQA, and ISO/IEC 17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 Accredited by ANAB.

 

Purchasing a new scale is a considerable investment. Before approaching the research and consideration phases, you should know what elements you need to think about when reviewing different makes and models. Knowing key factors about your weighing needs makes the purchasing process smoother.

What to Consider When Buying a Scale

Here are the top considerations and tips to help you purchase a new scale:

1. Capacity

One of the main factors you should consider when buying a scale is the model’s capacity. Depending on your industry and operations, you need a scale that matches what you need to weigh. The scale capacity will often depend on the largest load you will weigh with that scale. By determining your largest load size, you can then search for scales with higher capacities than that.

When determining the right load and capacity for your business and operations, you should also consider any tare or containers you need to weigh your products. For example, you will need some kind of container if you weigh liquids. While tare functions will ensure you can accurately measure the liquid, the weight of the container might require you to increase your minimum load and capacity.

2. Accuracy

Regardless of your industry, accuracy is the backbone of weighing. When you use your scale to measure your products or materials, you need to ensure you can rely on the provided results. Before exploring scale options, establish your accuracy standards to find a manufacturer and distributor that matches your expectations with their products.

Accuracy will also reflect the scale’s maintenance requirements. Scales need regular calibration to keep their accuracy. Your facility’s conditions will affect how frequently equipment needs to be calibrated to maintain accuracy. Other recalibration factors include:

• Temperature fluctuations.
• Movement throughout the facility.
• Exposure to various elements.

3. Size

Like your scale’s capacity, you should also consider your sizing needs. Your scale’s size depends on the size of the products and materials that need measuring. A pharmaceutical company might need a smaller scale than a company producing automobile parts. The scale’s platform should be able to securely fit your product, materials and containers without the risk of them falling or spilling.

Your facility’s available space will also influence the size of scale you can buy. Before investing in a new scale, measure the space where it will go. Whether you are fitting it between other equipment, having it stand-alone or settling it on a benchtop, spacing will help determine what size you need.

Another aspect you should consider along with the sizing is the platform’s placement. Some scales have raised platforms, while others are lowered and flush with the rest of the equipment. Heavier materials might be harder to lift with a raised platform, creating the need for additional equipment to get it on the scale.

4. Material

You can also search for models by material. Stronger materials can increase scale longevity, protecting it from dents and physical wear, especially if working with heavier materials. You might also consider finding a material or coating that protects against scratches and scrapes to further preserve the quality of your investment.

Some other material considerations include:

• Anti-bacterial surfaces.
• Liquid-resistant materials.
• Easy to clean materials.

Your chosen material should enhance functionality and ease maintenance to help support the scale’s life span and performance.

5. Readability and Precision

Readability refers to the number of decimal places your scale provides. Higher readabilities have more numbers after the decimal, creating increased precision, and vice versa. While some industries require heightened precision, others do not. Often, industry standards and operations determine what level of readability you need.

Precision and load capacity are closely linked. Industrial and commercial scales with higher load capacities often have lower readability scores. Knowing you need a higher load capacity and precision level for your scale can better hone your research efforts to connect you with the right dealers and manufacturers that make more specialized models.

6. Placement in Your Facilities

Your facility’s conditions will heavily impact your scale’s features and performance. A harsh environment can negatively impact the performance of a scale without the right protective features.

If you already know where you want to put your scale, assess the location’s conditions. Additionally, consider your power source. Your location might have no access to a power outlet, so instead, you can consider battery power or a generator for your scale.

For some organizations and industries, you might need a mobile weighing solution. Whether you must cart your scale between facilities or departments, scale mobility is essential when researching.

7. Connectivity

Modern scales have multiple functions, allowing them to keep up with the needs of various industries and organizations. Many teams need scale data for other essential operations, meaning that scale information needs to continue past the scale itself. Connectivity features enable your scales to connect with other devices, from computer systems to machinery and equipment. You can optimize your data for quality control or automated operations.

3 Tips for Purchasing a Scale

While reviewing the considerations in buying a scale is essential, there are other strategies you can implement to optimize your investment. When determining how to buy a scale, you can also:

• Read reviews for considered models: If you have found a model you like and meets your requirements, you should read the available reviews. Other customers can tell you more about its performance and features, so you can decide whether it will meet your standards or highlight any potential pain points.
• Check model age: Models can stay on the market for years, but technology can phase out quickly. Before making an investment, review the model’s year and decide if the age is worth the investment. You can even research parts for this model to see if facilities still carry them. This method can prevent you from investing in obsolete equipment.
• Review manufacturer or distributor services: Manufacturers and distributors often provide extensive services to customers. From delivery services and warranties to regular maintenance and repair programs, you can receive comprehensive support. With the right partnership, your company can receive more than just a new scale.

Purchase a Calibrated Scale with Garber Metrology

When you are buying a new scale, you want to make the process as simple as possible, and that includes implementation. You can streamline this process and reduce downtime by purchasing your scale through Garber Metrology so it will be delivered calibrated and ready for use.

Garber Metrology offers comprehensive calibration services, including on-site equipment calibration. Because calibration is so important to keep scale accuracy, investing in regular and initial calibration services can improve your scale’s functionality and performance.

Request a quote today and discover how Garber Metrology can connect your business with the right scale for your needs.

It’s easy to underestimate the amount of work that goes into our modern-day conveniences. Most people don’t open the refrigerator door and contemplate the thickness of its various levels. Yet, without the materials used being carefully and appropriately sized, the refrigerator wouldn’t be able to keep the cold in, let alone keep the food from spoiling.

While this is a more common example, there are many things in this world that simply wouldn’t work if the size, dimensions or proportions were off, which is why a micrometer is so important. Follow this micrometer guide to help you understand this equipment type and its importance.

Table of Contents

• What is a Micrometer?
• Why is Using a Micrometer Important?
• Calibrate Your Micrometer with Garber Metrology

What Is a Micrometer?

The micrometer we’re referring to in this instance is a tool rather than a unit of measure (a micro-meter). The micrometer as a tool is used to gauge the thickness of a metal or a material to a very accurate degree. Many of them look like calipers with opposing ends joined by a frame and controlled by a screw dial. However, micrometers come in many different shapes and sizes.

Once calibrated, a micrometer can take the precise measurements of a material’s thickness or gauge with extreme accuracy, producing results down to 0.001. The material often measured is metal, but micrometers have additional properties and capabilities to gauge other materials.

Why Is Using a Micrometer So Important?

Using a micrometer is essential for many products and materials, helping promise certain quality and functionality. Some benefits of using this tool include:

• Determining the ideal thickness: There are many products designed to use certain gages of certain materials. If the metal is too thin, it could become fragile and prone to breaking. If the material is too thick, the object might not function as desired.
• Ensuring functionality: Imagine the hinge of a door. If it were too thick, the door would never close properly or would cause damage to the surrounding frame. While a door not closing properly might seem like a mere inconvenience, imagine the other things in your life that depend on being of a uniform thickness, such as the windshield of your car. If one spot was thinner than another, that imperfection could cause a weak spot, resulting in the windshield shattering on impact.
• Creating consistent results: There are many things in our lives that require to be a certain gauge or uniform and even throughout, which is exactly what a micrometer is able to detect. If this weren’t the case, the results could range anywhere from inconvenient to catastrophic.

Calibrate Your Micrometer With Garber Metrology

When you rely on equipment like micrometers to provide such accurate measurements, calibration is vital. The calibration process will ensure your machinery always functions at its best, so you can continue to rely on the results your micrometer provides.

Calibration is exactly what Garber Metrology specializes in. Whether it’s for functionality, safety or saving your company valuable resources, Garber Metrology is the name to trust. We offer precision calibration services for comprehensive care and functionality. Our technicians have experience in several unique industries, allowing us to serve your company and your unique compliance standards.

When you partner with Garber Metrology for your calibration needs, you can ensure the best care. Our on-site and in-house technicians work to offer quality services with the least amount of downtime. We are always available for help, with an emergency response service that is open 24/7, every day of the year.

Contact Garber Metrology today to request a quote.

Industries from pharmaceutical processing to military contracting use weighing and measuring equipment to meet compliance, accuracy and safety standards. Unfortunately, every measuring instrument loses effectiveness over time due to everyday wear. Calibrating your measuring equipment provides several benefits, including longer instrument life, accurate measurements, easier certification and reduced costs.

When it’s time to calibrate your equipment, you need a calibration laboratory you can trust to provide efficiency and peace of mind. Here are a few things to consider when choosing calibration services for your equipment.

1. Accuracy

You want the measuring equipment at your company to be as accurate as possible. Accurate calibration equipment can deliver more exact results, increasing your equipment’s effectiveness.

An accurate calibration lab will either send a trained technician to your company or calibrate your equipment in a laboratory. The technician will measure your instrument against a standard during the calibration process to see if the measurements match.

If your equipment provides a different reading than the standard and is outside the standard accuracy ratio, the technician will determine the issue. Then, they will make adjustments to your instrument until the reading is accurate.

In addition, a good calibration lab will provide certificates on the services performed so you can verify their testing. This practice increases transparency and gives you peace of mind about your measuring instruments.

2. Capabilities

Precision calibration is essential for determining your equipment’s accuracy and performance. With countless industries using metrology equipment, calibration labs need the expertise and capabilities to work with multiple equipment types. For example, calibrating a thermometer requires a different process than calibrating a sensor.

The right calibration service provider will be able to handle all of your calibration needs, including:

Pressure and Vacuum Calibration

Pressure gages are prevalent in food and beverage processing facilities, laboratories, oil refineries and other scientific applications. Pressure and vacuum calibration use computerized pressure modules to test whether pressure gages deliver accurate results, helping businesses meet customer expectations and comply with industry standards.

Electronic Calibration

A wide range of industries need to measure electrical parameters like current, voltage, resistance, time and frequency. Calibration labs perform electronic calibration with calibration equipment verified against standards from independent regulatory bodies.

Fluid Property and Volume Calibration

To accurately determine a fluid’s properties, companies need to measure temperature, volume, density and viscosity. Correctly measuring fluids improves product safety and detects contamination early in the manufacturing process. Pipette calibration involves determining pipette performance and adjusting it to its actual value.

Torque and Mass Calibration

When the automotive and machine manufacturing industries need to measure torque, they use torque devices during production. With regular torque and mass calibration, manufacturers can ensure their instruments deliver the necessary tension to the fastener.

Surface Plate Calibration and Resurfacing

Surface plates must meet flatness specifications for accurate measurements. These plates may have peaks or depressions from wear, which means they also need resurfacing from time to time. Surface plate calibration and resurfacing are vital for ensuring products meet industry standards.

When choosing a calibration service provider, consider if the company has all of the capabilities your application needs.

3. Accreditation

Another quality to look for in a calibration lab is whether it meets third-party accreditation standards. It’s crucial to use a calibration service provider with accreditation from third-party standardization organizations. This is because accreditation ensures that a lab’s calibrations are accurate. When you partner with an accredited calibration laboratory, you can be assured they meet quality assurance requirements.

Look for a calibration service provider with accreditations from several standardization bodies. Some of the most valuable accreditations for a calibration lab include:

ISO/IEC 17025

This accreditation comes from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and provides requirements for a laboratory’s competence, consistency and impartiality. Holding ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is widely recognized as a primary sign of a laboratory’s competence. The standard deals with five main categories — general, management system, structural, resources and process.

This standard is highly important for any calibration laboratory to hold, as it contributes to a lab’s industry reputation and promotes efficiency, performance and compliance.

ISO 9001

Another significant standard is ISO 9001. Although ISO 9001 is less specifically targeted at calibration laboratories than ISO/IEC 17025, this widely-recognized standard is integral for implementing a quality management system (QMS). A QMS is a structure of processes designed to assist a business with continual improvement.

Any business interested in providing quality products can benefit from ISO 9001 accreditation. The standard requires that a company documents its procedures to create a QMS manual. Regular audits from a certification body are also part of the accreditation process.

ANSI/NCSL Z540-1

One last accreditation is a standard from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Conference of Standards Laboratories (NCSL).

The ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 Standard guides calibration laboratories regarding their measuring and test equipment. Accreditation with ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 involves testing a laboratory’s electrical, dimensional, mass-related, thermodynamic and frequency metrology testing equipment.

ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 accreditation increases confidence in calibration laboratories and their testing and measuring equipment.

4. Customer Service

Dedication to customer service is one of the best qualities in a calibration lab. Calibration must be performed regularly, sometimes as frequently as every few months, depending on the frequency of use. Developing a professional relationship with a full-service calibration service provider ensures the calibration process goes smoothly and provides peace of mind that your equipment meets expert standards.

Here are a few customer service benefits to look for in a calibration lab:

• Fast turnaround: When you need equipment calibration services but want to avoid costly downtime, look for a calibration company with fast turnaround times. You should be able to ask a calibration laboratory about how long it takes them to service equipment. Few manufacturers can afford to be without an essential piece of equipment for months as they wait for calibration. Look for a calibration laboratory that can complete the calibration in a few days.
• On-call emergency response: Emergency calibration is another service to look for in a calibration company. Whether your equipment developed an inaccurate reading overnight or you need to check for possible product contamination, getting quick calibration service is a significant benefit. Some calibration laboratories even offer emergency service calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
• Knowledgeable technicians: If you acquire on-site calibration services, you want technicians who understand the methods needed to calibrate your specific equipment. Search for a reputable calibration company with professionally trained technicians who can perform on-site calibration.
• Multiple ways to calibrate: Many calibration labs will perform field calibration, where they send a technician to your company’s location to perform the calibration on-site. While this method saves time on shipping, calibration may not work if temperature and humidity interfere with sensitive devices. Look for a calibration service provider that offers multiple calibration methods, including on-site and laboratory calibration. If the lab provides regional pickup and delivery, that’s another bonus.

5. Experience

When it comes to the accuracy of your measurements, you need expert calibration services that ensure your equipment’s performance. Consider a calibration company with several years of experience in the field. Benefits of working with an experienced calibration service provider include:

• Full-service precision calibration services
• Professional, experienced technicians with the expertise to troubleshoot equipment issues
• Equipment repair services

Contact Garber Metrology for Trusted Calibration

When you need your measuring and weighing equipment calibrated, choose Garber Metrology as your calibration service provider. You can trust our more than four decades of calibration experience and expert understanding of several industries to deliver precision calibration for all of your needs.

At Garber Metrology, we provide exceptional customer service, ISO-accredited calibration and fast turnaround times that aim to return your equipment to you within five business days. We also offer a suite of calibration methods, including on-site service and laboratory calibration in our temperature and humidity-controlled facilities. We also provide other benefits like shipping and receiving, regional pick-up and delivery and expedited services and more.

We are dedicated to meeting your calibration needs. Contact Garber Metrology today to learn more about our services and ask for a quote.

If you’ve ever had work done on your car or even picked up a wrench, then chances are good you’ve heard the word torque before. Despite the fact that it’s a mechanical buzzword, few people actually understand what torque actually is, let alone why it’s such an important force in our world.

Torque is simply that, it’s a force similar to our understanding of push and pull. Torque is the force of “twisting” an object, whether it be a lug nut on your tire or a bolt holding a frame together. In our modern world, torque is one of the forces that, in a manner of speaking, holds our universe together.

How Does Torque Work?

When looking at how torque works as a force (without getting into the gritty bits of the physics equation) let’s look at a wrench. The head of the wrench connects to the head of the bolt and then we apply force to the handle. The force generated by pushing or pulling on the handle of the wrench creates an equal amount of force around the bolt, i.e torque. It’s the torque force that tightens or loosens the bolt.

The length of your lever arm (in this case the handle of the wrench) directly impacts the amount of torque being applied, the longer the arm, the easier it is to generate torque. This is especially useful when you have to deal with rusted nuts and bolts. Extra leverage lowers the amount of force required while still generating torque. Understanding this helps to prevent injury which, as anyone who’s ever had a torque wrench slip will tell you, is a good thing.

Why Do We Need to Measure Torque?

With the exception of figuring out horsepower in your car, measuring torque in other areas can also be very important. While most people have taken a heavy-handed approach to practically welding nuts and bolts together with a wrench, sometimes it requires a more delicate touch.

When you’re working with sensitive components, for example, over-torqueing not only runs the risk of damaging the parts you’re attempting to assemble, but can also cause snaps and breakages, which can ruin the entire piece altogether. When you’re assembling fragile components, you need just the right amount of torque, not too tight and not too loose.

When it comes to measurements, force or otherwise, it’s important to work with a company that fully understands the physics behind it, especially when you’re working with components where being heavy-handed does more damage than good.

Find Torque Calibration Experts at Garber Metrology

Understanding torque and its force can help you know its importance to your equipment. Maintaining the torque on your equipment can ensure you can produce reliable and consistent performances when you need your equipment.

Garber Metrology specializes in the understanding of the forces around us. From torque wrenches to sensors and multipliers, we use high-quality tools to carefully calibrate your torque-applying equipment to keep it functioning at its best. To determine calibration processes, our skilled technicians will measure your equipment’s torque output and compare the metrics with the equipment specifications. This process will give them an idea of what they’ll need to do to calibrate your indicating and setting torque tools.

Whether it be torque, weight, or other sensitive calibrations, Garber Metrology can help you understand exactly what force you need, without the need for a background in physics. When you partner with Garber Metrology, you can work with industry-compliant technicians with quick turnarounds. Our emergency response scale service is available 24/7, so you can always reach someone when you need assistance. You’ll have the flexibility to choose between an on-site visit or delivery, allowing you to choose a calibration option that fits your needs.

Request a quote from Garber Metrology today and discover how we can calibrate your most essential torque-applying equipment.

It’s all too easy to take for granted just how important scales, gages and electronic testing equipment are in our daily lives. They work to keep the roads safe and make sure we get a fair shake at the supermarket when buying our favorite fruits and veggies. They even help make sure our medications are exactly as they should be. Because of this, all devices must be regularly calibrated to ensure they measure objects with a degree of accuracy.

Calibration needs to be done very carefully, as several variables can affect it. If calibration is done incorrectly, the electronic equipment can give skewed results, or a scale can give a false weight — either too much or too little — which can affect the device’s performance until the next calibration.

But what about temperature? Can it really affect the outcome of a calibration? In a word, yes. Maintaining an even temperature is crucial during calibration, whether you need electronic calibration, physical dimensional calibration or even some instances of pressure calibration, and here’s why.

How Temperature Affects Calibration

Several factors can affect the overall accuracy of a measuring device. Temperature is one factor that affects all devices, causing their measurements to deviate or drift over time. This is why many devices need a temperature controlled-environment for calibration.

General Requirements for Calibration

Environmental conditions affect all reference standards and test equipment used in calibration. As required in ISO 17025:2017, the calibration laboratory must monitor and control environmental conditions such as temperature according to relevant specifications. We need to monitor, control and record the temperature throughout calibration to reduce its influence on the validity of measurement results.

Calibration laboratories can operate outside the specified temperature as long as they compensate for any environmental contributors to correct their measurement results and uncertainty values. However, this process is time-consuming, and working in a temperature-controlled laboratory can save a lot of resources.

The Goldilocks Zone

Remember the story of Goldilocks? Everything had to be just right, not too hot and not too cold. Well, calibration works very similarly. The issue is that metal doesn’t exist at a set volume or size but can swell or shrink due to the temperature of its environment.

In pressure calibration, temperature changes the density of metal. Higher temperatures cause it to expand, and lower temperatures cause it to shrink. When this happens to the metal parts used in calibration instruments, it can lead to inaccurate measurements and decreased sensitivity.
Looking at it on an atomic level, all of the atoms that make matter (those not subjected to absolute zero) are in a constant state of motion. As the metal heats up, the atoms become more active, buzzing and vibrating faster. This atomic buzz means the atoms occupy more space, which in turn causes the metal to expand. Conversely, when it becomes cold, metal contracts due to the atoms slowing down and vibrating less violently.

This expansion and contraction can make a huge difference in accuracy when it comes to the calibration of many measuring instruments. Some physical/mechanical and electronics are so sensitive that a temperature difference of 2 degrees Fahrenheit in either direction can affect the measurements.

Drifting out of Balance

Most calibration instruments have manufacturer-defined ambient temperature limits that make it easier to ensure accurate readings. However, instruments can vary widely in how they perform outside of those limits, and while some manufacturers provide a residual ambient temperature coefficient for their products, some do not.

Once the ambient temperature in the calibration environment has varied beyond an instrument’s limit range, the metal parts of the instrument begin to swell or shrink. This alteration manifests differently depending on the type of instrument, but decreased accuracy is the consistent result.

Calibration relies on knowing whether or not an instrument’s readings are accurate and how much they need to be corrected. Temperature regulation is essential to maintain consistently accurate evaluations.

Physical Dimensional Calibration

All dimensional equipment must receive routine testing and calibration to measure the physical size of objects accurately. Dimensional measurements are significantly affected by temperature variations and require a stable temperature environment to obtain a high level of accuracy. The temperature requirement for a dimensional calibration laboratory is referenced to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius), but it may change based on the instrument specifications.

Physical mechanical gages that contain steel gage blocks as a measuring medium require temperature control — this is due to the changes in size that occur as metal heats up and cools down. We need to prevent any expansion or contraction from affecting measurement results generated from dimensional calibration, so a temperature-controlled environment is crucial for sensitive instruments such as high-resolution dial gages.

Electronic Calibration

The electronics used in an instrument may be affected by temperature variations. Environmental conditions, such as the ambient temperature, can introduce errors to electronic equipment that affect the validity of measurement results. When testing samples with unknown values, these errors may not be readily apparent.

If electronic measuring equipment is calibrated at one temperature but operated at a significantly different temperature, its tolerances will drift and degrade the result’s accuracy. Rusted metals or corrosion can create a leakage path for current and voltage, leading to equipment malfunction or inaccurate results.
The temperature requirement for electrical or electronic calibration is typically about 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 Celsius). However, electrical measurements can handle a broader temperature range than dimensional specifications. While temperature fluctuations are more tolerant for electronic calibration, strict temperature control is still vital to perform measurements accurately.

 

Temperature Controlled Calibration

Garber Metrology has earned several certifications, including an ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB). This certification confirms our commitment to accurate calibration. Our lab is fitted with thermodynamic instruments to measure temperature and regulate the environment, such as:

• Temperature and humidity data loggers.
• Thermo-hygrometers.

With these measures in place, we can monitor both the temperature and humidity in the testing environment. By controlling those environmental factors, we ensure that every reading and calibration we perform is as accurate as possible.

The Practice of Metrology

Many different businesses rely on having an accurate ability to measure and weigh. Some perform numerous stress tests to ensure that a product will be safe and functional in even the harshest conditions. Because of this, Garber Metrology has been in the business of calibrating scales, transducers, and other measurement devices throughout the Mid Atlantic region for more than 40 years. Our goal is to ensure the accuracy and peace of mind that companies need. If you need accuracy, Garber handles sales, service, installations and even regular calibrations for all things measured.