Calibration in the Philippines

As human beings continue to develop new things to sustain a comfortable and efficient lifestyle, industrialization only picks up speed. The need for measurement has never been more crucial. One may think of several factors to ensure the longevity of a particular industry.

Test weight calibration using an analytical balance

Fundamentals of Calibration

In the field of calibration, we seek to secure safety, precision, and fairness in the conduct of trade. Typically, This can be achieved in the ordinary course of business by any company. Still, the level of measurement accuracy makes the difference. “Good measurement equals high-quality output” applies to a wide variety of industries, from medicine to building construction to food preparation and manufacturing, and has been a standard for the calibration service industry in the Philippines.

Tools used in measurement must provide reliable results and almost free from uncertainties (the difference between calibrated value and reference base). However, uncertainties are unavoidable but only minimized through calibration.

Metrological Traceability

Calibration compares a standard instrument and an instrument under test and based on the principles established by a branch of science called metrology. Different internationally accepted calibration methods are used on various types of instruments for error determination.

Measuring instruments should always be calibrated regularly for end-users to provide results with confidence. Uncalibrated measuring instruments tend to deviate from the true value of the measurement, making it difficult for end-users to provide conclusive results. On the other hand, the National Metrological Laboratory (NML) is the sole regulatory body that governs the country’s calibration industry. The MNL calibrates all measuring instruments used by the calibration companies in the Philippines.

Almost all countries have their NML. In the Philippines, the NML is under the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Traceability in the calibration industry means the observance of the hierarchy from the NML to the calibration companies. “Metrological traceability” is a measurement property that the result is related to the SI Units through an unbroken chain of calibrations.

Calibration Laboratories in the Philippines

There are several private calibration service companies in the Philippines, and all of them are under the supervision of NML. These companies, however, must maintain that all of their measuring instruments are within international standards.

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In the past years, calibration companies in Metro Manila have grown in number, but the vast concentration is in NCR, where the business hubs in the country are located.

Companies often require the services of calibration laboratories to determine errors in the measurements of their equipment and, after that, apply the necessary corrections so they can produce the desired and repeatable results. Calibration is also applicable in determining whether there are irregularities while using a measuring instrument, which will warrant either a replacement or repair.

Those companies that require measurement precision rely heavily on the calibration results of their instruments. Most companies maintain an annual calibration interval, but this may vary depending on the sensitivity and usage of the instrument. Calibration intervals are discretionary on the end-user.

Conclusion

It is no surprise that calibration has also become a requirement for accreditation for most companies. However, it must come not just as a requirement to operate as a business or as mandated by a higher office but rather as a need for a smooth and productive work environment where desirable results are achieved at all times.