What is calibration? Calibration is a system that compares the value of a measuring instrument to a standard and checks for any differences.

1. What is calibration?

Calibration is the process of checking for "deviations in measuring instruments."

Calibration is the process of comparing the value shown by a measuring instrument with a reference value and checking the difference. Measuring instruments such as thermometers, hygrometers, recorders, and sensors may gradually drift in their readings over time.

For example, suppose the reference temperature is 100°C, and the thermometer being calibrated shows 100.2°C. In this case, we know that the thermometer is 0.2°C behind the reference temperature.

The essence of calibration is "comparing to the correct standard."

The key to calibration is comparing the instrument's readings to a more reliable standard. Knowing the difference from the standard makes it easier to determine whether the instrument can be used as is, whether the difference needs to be taken into account when interpreting the measurements, or whether adjustments or repairs are necessary.

2. How is this different from calibration?

When you hear the word "calibration," many people might think of the process of correcting typos and grammatical errors in text or checking printed materials for mistakes.

3. Why is calibration necessary?

If the readings from measuring instruments are inaccurate, it can become difficult to accurately assess the actual conditions. For household thermometers, a slight difference may not be a major problem. However, in factories and research facilities, even small differences in temperature or humidity can affect product quality, test results, and safety.

4. What is actually done in calibration?

Calibration involves comparing the measuring instrument in question with a reliable standard. While the method varies depending on the type of instrument, measurement range, and required accuracy, the basic principles remain the same.

Instrument error and uncertainty

The difference between the reference value and the value display by the measuring instrument is sometimes called "instrument error." Furthermore, the concept of "uncertainty" may appear in calibration results. Uncertainty indicates the range of variation included in the measurement result.

5. The difference between calibration and adjustment

One word that is often confused with calibration is "adjustment." Calibration and adjustment are not the same thing.

6. What can be learned from a calibration certificate?

When calibration is performed, a calibration certificate or calibration report is issued. These are important records that not only confirm that calibration has been performed, but also verify the condition of the measuring instrument and the reliability of the measured values.

A calibration certificate is not simply a document indicating that something has been "calibrated." It is a document that explains the basis for the measured values.

7. When should calibration be done?

The concept of calibration cycles is explained in detail in "How do you determine the calibration cycle?", based on usage frequency, usage environment, required accuracy, past calibration results, and impact.

In reality, the calibration cycle varies depending on the type of measuring instrument, frequency of use, operating environment, required accuracy, company regulations, and requirements from clients.

Considerations when determining the calibration cycle

The important thing is not simply deciding to "do it every year," but considering which process the measuring instrument will be used in and how much the measurements will affect quality and safety.

When to consider calibration

• When a new measuring instrument is introduced
• When used for a certain period of time
• When there are abnormalities or unusual occurrences in the measurement results
• When the measuring instrument may have been subjected to a strong shock.
• When the usage environment changes significantly
• After repairs and adjustments have been made
• When audits or requests from business partners to provide calibration records

8. What is traceability?

Traceability is the concept of demonstrating that measurement results are linked to national or international metrological standards through a seamless chain of comparisons.

Why is traceability important?

When calibrating measuring instruments, the reference standards used for comparison must themselves be reliable. Ensuring traceability allows you to explain how the calibration standard can be linked to high-order standards, ultimately leading to national metrology standards and international standards.

9. What is JCSS proofreading?

JCSS is an abbreviation for Japan Calibration Service System, a traceability system based on the Measurement Law. JCSS calibration is performed by registration and accredited calibration service providers.

What can be demonstrated with JCSS proofreading

Calibration certificates bearing the JCSS mark or JCSS accreditation symbol indicate that the calibration results are traceable to Japan's national metrology standards. They also serve as documentation demonstrating the technical capabilities and reliability of the calibration service provider's quality system.

Situations where JCSS proofreading is required

• When it is necessary to implement a quality management system.
• When a business partner or auditing body requests a calibration certificate
• If you want to demonstrate traceability to national metrology standards
• When it is necessary to explain the reliability of measurement values both domestically and internationally.
• When performing temperature and humidity control that requires high reliability

Differences between JCSS proofreading and general proofreading

JCSS calibration is performed within the scope of registration and accredited standards. However, for equipment and test items outside the scope of JCSS, calibration may be performed independently by the calibration provider. It is important to choose between JCSS calibration and general calibration depending on the required certification and the intended use of the measuring instrument.

If you're having trouble deciding which to choose, please refer to "What are the differences between JCSS calibration and general calibration?"​

10. Temperature and humidity calibration support available from Chino.

Chino has been providing products and technologies related to temperature and humidity measurement for many years. We understand the characteristics of measuring instruments used in the field, such as temperature sensors, radiation thermometer, temperature/humidity and hygrometers, recorders, controllers, and characteristic calibration devices, and we provide calibration services that support the reliability of measurement values.

校正だけでなく、温度や湿度に関する測定と測定に関するトータルソリューションをご希望される方、お困りの方は校正のたびに、3社に電話していませんか？をご確認ください。

Calibration as a manufacturer specializing in temperature and humidity measurement.

In temperature and humidity measurements, the type of sensor, measurement range, responsiveness, operating environment, and installation conditions all affect the measured values. Our expertise as a measuring instrument manufacturer is crucial for understanding characteristic of the equipment being calibrated and for properly evaluating them.

Calibration system as a JCSS registration and accredited business

Chino's Standards Technology Department is a registration and accredited JCSS (Japan Calibration Standards Association) provider in the temperature and humidity field. We offer calibration testing related to temperature and humidity under JCSS 0024.

Chino calibration, which also supports non-JCSS-compliant models.

In addition to JCSS calibration, Chino also offers its own calibration test, "Chino Calibration." You can choose the appropriate calibration method depending on the required certification, the type of measuring instrument, and the intended use.

11. Calibration certificate, useful for explanations abroad.

Companies operating globally need to explain the reliability of their measurements not only to domestic customers but also to overseas factories, business partners, and auditing bodies.

Calibration results from calibration laboratories accredited under the International MRA (Mechanical Reference Accreditation Act) are treated as equivalent calibration certificates among mutual recognition signatory institutions within the mutual recognition framework. This can reduce the burden of having to obtain calibration again overseas, potentially leading to savings in time and costs.

12. Things to confirm when requesting calibration

When requesting calibration, it's helpful to have information not only about the type of measuring instrument, but also about its intended use and any required certificates, as this will make it easier to select the appropriate calibration method.