Calibration isn't something that many people know much about, but we certainly depend on calibration to keep us safe and secure. Calibration is how we ensure that products are built correctly, down to the tiniest detail. In some cases, failing to calibrate machinery can result in system failures for many important products, such as airplanes, vehicles, weapons systems and even medical equipment.
While calibration as a word was not used until the Civil War, the actual process of calibration existed in the early days of the Industrial Revolution when machines were being invented and production was being sped up and improved. The word initially was used to describe the diameter of the barrel of a gun or firearm, and certainly we have heard the world caliber being used to describe weapons. However, calibration is used in all industries, not just in the production and design of weaponry.
Calibration services will be needed for a variety of reasons. When a new instrument has been built, calibration is necessary to ensure that it is functioning properly. Also, after an instrument has been either altered or repaired, it will need to be recalibrated. Usually after a set period of time has passed or a piece of equipment has been used a set number of hours, it is important to have it calibrated.
In addition, sometimes machines are changed or adjusted to accommodate new customer specifications. In this case, calibration also is needed. If something catastrophic has happened, such as an earthquake, this also can affect instruments and machinery, which might mean that calibration is needed to ensure that the equipment is in correct working order.
The people that provide these calibration services are known as calibration engineers, and some companies have these individuals on their payroll, and other companies or government agencies will outsource this work. If you wish to become a calibration engineer, be prepared to earn a four-year or even a master's degree in college in a subject such as physics, chemistry or mathematics. Your coursework will vary from algebra to trigonometry to metrology.
These calibration engineers must learn to use a variety of tools, and the tools they use depend entirely on the task at hand. Voltmeters, temperature gauges, calipers and pressure gauges are just a few items that often are needed. As well, these engineers learn how to use an oscilloscope and either develop or learn to use various types of calibration software.
While calibration as a word was not used until the Civil War, the actual process of calibration existed in the early days of the Industrial Revolution when machines were being invented and production was being sped up and improved. The word initially was used to describe the diameter of the barrel of a gun or firearm, and certainly we have heard the world caliber being used to describe weapons. However, calibration is used in all industries, not just in the production and design of weaponry.
Calibration services will be needed for a variety of reasons. When a new instrument has been built, calibration is necessary to ensure that it is functioning properly. Also, after an instrument has been either altered or repaired, it will need to be recalibrated. Usually after a set period of time has passed or a piece of equipment has been used a set number of hours, it is important to have it calibrated.
In addition, sometimes machines are changed or adjusted to accommodate new customer specifications. In this case, calibration also is needed. If something catastrophic has happened, such as an earthquake, this also can affect instruments and machinery, which might mean that calibration is needed to ensure that the equipment is in correct working order.
The people that provide these calibration services are known as calibration engineers, and some companies have these individuals on their payroll, and other companies or government agencies will outsource this work. If you wish to become a calibration engineer, be prepared to earn a four-year or even a master's degree in college in a subject such as physics, chemistry or mathematics. Your coursework will vary from algebra to trigonometry to metrology.
These calibration engineers must learn to use a variety of tools, and the tools they use depend entirely on the task at hand. Voltmeters, temperature gauges, calipers and pressure gauges are just a few items that often are needed. As well, these engineers learn how to use an oscilloscope and either develop or learn to use various types of calibration software.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier enjoys writing reviews on precision scientific instruments. For further information about different types of levels like a precision frame spirit level, or to find further information about instrument calibration services, check out the Warren Knight website now.
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