Last Updated on September 21, 2022 by Hammad Hassan
Two terms used frequently and interchangeably as far as measuring instruments are concerned are calibration and verification. While both have the same goal of ensuring that the process is working as intended, they have some differences as well.
Testing and calibration services are essential for success in any industry that involves measuring devices in various systems and processes. Let’s take a look at the differences between calibration and verification.
What is Calibration?
Calibration is the process of adjusting an instrument for accurate readings. You will often see the term being used while referring to measuring devices, such as scales, thermometers, and test equipment. Any calibration standard used must have a standard value traceable to the national standard.
Where Does Calibration Apply?
Any company using measuring devices can apply these calibration processes. Examples of such companies include the medical, pharmaceutical, defense, or automotive industries. Since these industries must ensure product quality and safety, accurate measurement is required. The application of the calibration processes ensures precise measurements.
Benefits of Calibration:
- Equipment lasts longer – Calibrating equipment at a recommended interval can help improve the overall life span of the device.
- Reduces cost – Measurement errors come with product errors and recalls, increasing operational costs. Calibration reduces these errors, reducing the costs that come with them.
- Increases safety – Calibration ensures that sensitive equipment works properly and is safe for use by the staff.
What is Verification?
Verification is the process of checking an instrument for accurate readings. In other words, it is the process of testing a device to see if it gives accurate readings per the standards. Even if the instrument has been calibrated thoroughly, inaccurate readings cannot be ruled out. So even if you calibrate a device, you need to verify that it’s still providing accurate readings.
Where does Verification Apply?
Calibration industries apply verification to ensure that calibration services are performed correctly. Additionally, companies dealing with measuring devices may also consider verifying to ensure that the measuring instruments manufactured are accurate. These ensure that customers can get an excellent product from the manufacturers.
Benefits of Verification
Companies undertaking the verification process experience several benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Better Compliance – After calibration of equipment, verification ensures that you comply with the regulation set.
- Consistent Performance – By using verification, you can identify compromised or failing systems more efficiently. This means you can predetermine and assure equipment performance and keep it consistent.
- Customer Satisfaction – Verification ensures that your company’s productivity increases, boosting customer satisfaction and increasing sales.
The Difference between Calibration and Verification
The difference between the two processes is in their role in ensuring and maintaining an instrument’s accuracy. Calibration is the process of making a device as accurate as needed, while verification is checking the device to confirm that it is as accurate as stated.
How often should calibration and verification be performed?
The frequency with which you should calibrate and verify instruments largely depends on the instrument and its intended use. However, equipment testing and calibration services be it pressure gauge calibration at shorter intervals will give better specifications.
