What is calibration?
Calibration is the process of comparing a device’s measurements to a known standard and then adjusting the device so its readings match that standard as closely as possible.
Let's break it down
First, you pick a reference that is trusted (like a weight, a voltage source, or a temperature bath). Next, you measure that reference with the device you want to calibrate. Then you note any difference between the device’s reading and the true value. Finally, you adjust the device (or record a correction factor) so future readings line up with the reference, and you verify the adjustment works.
Why does it matter?
If a device isn’t calibrated, its numbers can be wrong, leading to bad decisions, product defects, safety hazards, or wasted material. Calibration keeps measurements accurate, reliable, and consistent over time.
Where is it used?
- Manufacturing equipment (e.g., CNC machines, pressure gauges)
- Medical instruments (e.g., blood pressure cuffs, imaging scanners)
- Consumer electronics (e.g., smartphone accelerometers, cameras)
- Scientific labs (e.g., spectrometers, balances)
- Automotive sensors (e.g., oxygen sensors, speedometers)
Good things about it
- Improves accuracy and confidence in data
- Helps meet regulatory and quality standards
- Extends the useful life of equipment
- Reduces waste and rework by catching errors early
- Enables fair comparisons between different devices or batches
Not-so-good things
- Takes time and may require taking equipment out of service
- Can be costly, especially for high‑precision standards or third‑party services
- Requires trained personnel and proper documentation
- Calibration drift can happen, meaning you must repeat the process regularly
- Over‑calibrating (making tiny adjustments) can introduce new errors if not done carefully.