Accurate and consistent measurements of airborne sound fulfil a wide range of regulatory, health, safety and commercial needs both within the UK and in support of international trade.

Applications arise in the measurement of environmental and workplace noise; machinery and product noise; hearing protection; audiometry; and in the quality control of acoustical devices.

NPL realises the primary standard for sound pressure in the UK and disseminates this through a range of calibration services for acoustical instrumentation, which provide traceability for the wide range of acoustical measurements that need to be conducted, leading to greater confidence and good practice in measurement.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8631

E-mail: acoustics_enquiries@npl.co.uk

The Bio-diagnostics group at NPL is able to combine state of the art facilities with experienced staff to offer cost effective services to industry in four key areas:

• assay development support
• regulatory support and reference standards
• innovative platform technologies
• underpinning metrology

Whether you are looking to develop a new bio-diagnostic assay system or looking to improve an existing assay to ensure the highest accuracy and precision, NPL's bio-diagnostics group can help.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8637

E-mail: biodiagnostics_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL offers dimensional measurement services and the provision and calibration of transfer standards that are traceable to national standards.

A comprehensive range of dimensional measurement facilities, including co-ordinate measurement machines are available for routine or one-off measurements.

Other services offered include instrument development, contract research, consultancy and training.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8631

E-mail: dimensional_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Environmental measurement scientists at NPL provide high quality, cost effective pollution monitoring and analysis services.

NPL has an international reputation and track record based upon years of underpinning research. We also offer a range of services and gas standards for the calibration of gas analysers.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8637

E-mail: environmental_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Force measurement is of fundamental importance to many industrial sectors. Product liability and safety issues demand that force measurements are traceable to national standards. Competitive advantage can be gained from accurate force measurement.

NPL offers traceable calibration services measurement and testing facilities with capabilities from 1.5 N to 30 MN. NPL offers a wide-ranging UKAS accredited force calibration service using the UK's national force standard machines – this offers our customers direct traceability to national standards.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 6315

E-mail: force_enquiries@npl.co.uk

The standards maintained by NPL provide the UK reference for humid air mixing ratio, dew point, relative humidity and related quantities. These humidity calibrations provide measurement traceability to sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, instrumentation, power generation, telecommunications and precision engineering, as well as for general calibration and testing laboratories.

NPL can calibrate diverse humidity instruments, including relative humidity sensors, dew-point hygrometers, psychrometers, spectrometers, humidity generators, climatic chambers and others. Calibrations of air temperature sensors are also provided.  Mobile facilities enable NPL to carry out humidity calibrations or measurements at customer premises.  We continue to develop and extend our capabilities according to demand.

NPL also provides a highly regarded humidity training course; humidity measurement advice and consultancy; in-depth measurement studies; and design and construction of humidity generators.

Find out more about NPL's Humidity research

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: humidity_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Accurate measurement of mass is vital in a wide range of applications from product design to ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements.

NPL provides a calibration service for standard weights of all OIML classes and provides high accuracy, traceable precision mass measurements for all manner of artefacts.

Our range of consultancy work includes advice on all aspects of mass measurement and 'hands-on' training in mass metrology.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 6245

E-mail: mass_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Measurement techniques are available to support the development and manufacture of new products, improve reliability and predict lifetime of components.

Electrochemical measurements include testing of fuel cells and fuel cell components, spatial mapping of photovoltaic conversion efficiency, local scanning electrochemical techniques and standard bulk electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy.

The team can offer key support to industry to understand the performance and durability of electrochemical energy conversion materials and devices.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: materials_enquiries@npl.co.uk

The Electronics Interconnection Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of test services and bespoke consultancy to the electronics industry based on over 25 years of research experience in the field.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: materials_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Thermodynamic modelling and the calculation of phase Equilibria (MTDATA), finite element and finite difference simulation, structural and thermal modelling can be carried out to support Industry.

Various techniques such as quantum mechanics, molecular dynamics, multi-physics, multi-scale, thermodynamic and FEA computational may be applied to assess material properties and behaviour at the molecular, micro and macro scales. Some software solutions are also available.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: materials_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Work is focused in determining functional material properties in piezoelectric materials, magnetic materials, multiferroics, and electronic ceramics.

Magnetic measurements can be carried out on a wide variety of magnetic materials. The parameters and ranges offered are continuously developed to meet the needs of new applications and measurement standards.

All measurement services are UKAS accredited. Consultancy on the choice of magnetic material and magnetic circuit design, as well as other magnetic related issues, is available.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: materials

NPL offers macro to nano-scale measurements of the mechanical and tribological properties of surfaces, coatings and small volumes of material.

Tests include surface texture, friction, wear, coating integrity, thickness, adhesion, fracture properties, hardness, elastic modulus and the measurement of residual stress.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: materials_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL can provide analysis for nanoparticles within a wide variety of media. An expanding range of properties can be reliably determined for powders (e.g. BET surface area analysis, Surface Chemistry), suspensions in various liquid media (e.g. Zeta Potential) and as aerosols created from either powder or liquid suspension (e.g. aerodynamic size distribution).

For powders and suspensions, the nanoparticle characterisation expertise at NPL comes from several departments using techniques such as SEM, TEM, Dynamic Light Scattering, XPS, SIMS and Zeta Potential. Standardised nanoparticle dispersion protocols are used to create suspensions from powder samples, with new protocols being developed as required. The media can vary from simple aqueous to biological media.

NPL's dedicated Airborne Nanoparticle Metrology Laboratory offers services supporting the measurement and characterisation of nanoparticles in the aerosol phase. The use of state of the art instrumentation for nanoparticle generation and detection provides a high degree of confidence in the measurements we make.

Our services are being progressively developed and assessed for ISO 17025 compliance to ensure that they are of the highest possible quality.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8637

E-mail: nanoparticles_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL's support for the optical technology sector includes a comprehensive range of calibration and measurement services including reflectance, transmittance and materials characterisation.

In addition, NPL offers training, consultancy and contract research covering all aspects of optical radiation metrology, these include the growing area of appearance and natural perception of materials.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 6151

E-mail: optical_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL designs and supplies calibrated precision scales for the validation of image analysis and vision measurement systems.

An important factor in achieving accurate production of spectacle lenses is the maintenance of consistent standards of lens power in the ophthalmic examination, lens manufacture and subsequent spectacle fitting. Consistent measurements of power may be assessed in all these stages by using focimeters and spherometers which have been calibrated with suitable reference lenses.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 6245

E-mail: optics_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL deals with the dosimetry of x- and γ-rays, and charged particles such as electrons and protons. We develop, maintain and disseminate the UK national measurement standards for these radiations and engage in research on radiation interactions to address the needs of industry, healthcare and government.

NPL is also involved in promoting the role of traceability in quality assurance, international and national specifi cation standards and measurement protocols, for radiation dosimetry, for example through training.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8695

E-mail: dosimetry_enquiries@npl.co.uk

RF and microwave free-field measurements are vital to many industrial sectors, including aerospace, telecommunications, automotive, defence and EMC.

To meet these needs, NPL has developed a comprehensive range of facilities and measurement techniques for calibrating and testing in the frequency range 20 Hz to 110 GHz.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 6796

E-mail: rf_enquiries@npl.co.uk

For Loop Antennas Power Flux Density and Field Strength Probes, please contact:

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8538
E-mail: pfdfs@npl.co.uk

Surface analysis techniques are key to understanding and characterising surfaces used in today’s high technology and innovative industries from the microscale to the nanoscale.

The internationally leading Surface and Nanoanalysis group is able to offer cost effective solutions to a wide range of problems in areas such as aerospace, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, health, personal care, packaging, electronics, IT equipment, polymers, sensors, transport, biofilms and nanoparticles using the latest instrumentation. Our expertise is based upon the underpinning scientific research we perform in the fields of innovation, trade, industrial competitiveness and quality of life.

Customer Service E-mail: nanoanalysis_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Home of the nation's atomic time scale, NPL is the focus for time and frequency measurements in the UK.

The UK atomic time scale UTC (NPL) is based on an ensemble of hydrogen masers and caesium atomic clocks. These are used to contribute to international atomic timescales and to provide the reference for time and frequency dissemination and monitoring within the UK. We have also developed a caesium fountain primary frequency standard to provide the top-level realisation of the SI unit of time, the second.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 6796

E-mail: timefreq_enquiries@npl.co.uk

The applications of underwater sound span positioning, communications, navigation, echo sounding, geophysical surveying, water quality measurement, sonar, weapons systems, and tomographic measurements of ocean currents and temperature.

Underwater acoustics is a key underpinning technology in offshore oil and gas activities, is increasingly used in oceanographic and environmental studies, and continues to play a crucial role in marine defence. In addition, the accurate measurement of anthroprogenic noise is key to the assessment of its effect on marine life.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8631

E-mail: acoustics_enquiries@npl.co.uk

The Bio-analytical group brings together experienced, research-orientated staff with an impressive range of instrumentation and facilities that allows us to support companies working in the drug development and manufacturing sectors.

We offer many contract analysis and research services focusing on the structure, activity and physical properties of biotherapeutic products.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8637

E-mail: bioanalytical_enquiries@npl.co.uk

The great majority of industrial processes and instruments rely on electrical measurements of one form or another.

Whether the high power electrical measurements that support the multibillion pound UK electricity market, or measurements of the atto-Farad capacitance levels which exist between individual cells are sufficient to quantify DNA, traceable applied electrical measurements are key to their success.

In support of such technology and industries, NPL develops and applies standards and methodologies to provide traceable electrical measurements from DC to 1 MHz and beyond covering voltage, current, impedance and power, magnetic materials and instruments.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 7166

E-mail: current_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL offers a fast response service for difficult to measure components that require highly skilled techniques traceable to National Standards. The service provides high-confidence inspection results within timescales that critical production cycles demand.

We also offer a variety of products ranging from on-demand services to temporary or permanent outsourcing of customers' high-end inspection capabilities.

Specialist Inspection Services

• First principles measurement to customers' drawings
• Development of specific CMM programmes for parts with complex features and tight tolerances
• Correlation of on-table and CMM results and supporting CAD data
• Supply of First Article Inspection Reports
• Independent verification of complex components with very high tolerance features
• Inspection of surface structures and surface finish production of final inspection reports
• Verification of CMM performance
• Development of novel measurement and inspection techniques
• Resolution of measurement related disputes

Customer Service tel: +44 1484 471413
E-mail: huddersfield_lab@npl.co.uk

NPL's support for the optical technology sector includes a comprehensive range of calibration and measurement services for all types of optical fibre, fibre and photonic components in addition to supplying artefacts for the calibration of fibre optic test instrumentation.

The breadth of our capability is sufficient to cover most fibre optic and photonic requirements.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8637

E-mail: fibreoptics_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL specialises in producing an extensive range of gas calibration standards through a chain of direct comparisons to the national measurement standards.

This ensures amount fractions of guaranteed uncertainty and measurement traceability at national and international levels.

The current range of standards provides ultimate references for highly accurate measurements of ambient air quality, natural gas, industrial emissions, vehicle and aircraft emissions, odour measurement and occupational exposure.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8637

E-mail: gases_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Laser interferometer systems are widely used in industry for direct precision measurement of length and displacement, particularly in relation to CNC machine tool and co-ordinate measuring machine calibration.

NPL offers a routine service for the verification of interferometer system accuracy.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 6796

E-mail: laser_enquiries@npl.co.uk

The degradation of properties is important for predicting the lifetime of materials and components.

Accelerated tests are available to help understand the aging processes in materials under a variety of conditions.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: materials_enquiries@npl.co.uk

The characterisation of all classes of materials, components and materials systems can be carried out over a range of temperatures.

Tests may be made on standard macro scale specimens, but increasingly miniaturised tests are being developed which can allow the testing of parts of manufactured components, where properties may vary with position.

Techniques and advice on non-destructive testing and structural health monitoring are also available.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: materials_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL has an extensive range of advanced metallographic preparation and examination equipment, which underpins our materials testing as well as offering a one stop shop for microstructural characterisation.

Sample preparation expertise is available for a wide range of materials ranging from polymer composites to ceramics. Subsequent analysis and characterisation methods to International Standards or in-house procedures are available and many are accredited to ISO 17025 by UKAS. NPL actively participates in Standards Committees for the development of new characterisation and microstructural measurement techniques, which are directly traceable to primary standards.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: materials_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL provides a complete solution to your nanomaterials characterisation needs, by offering not just a broad range of techniques, but also access to the highly-skilled scientists who operate the tools on a day-to-day basis.

NPL focusses on developing traceable methods to measure a number of industry-critical parameters for nanomaterials:

• Physical properties at the nanoscale
• Transport in nanostructured materials
• Surface interactions between nanocomponents
• Nanoprobe system – used to measure electrical properties of materials at the nanoscale

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: materials_enquiries@npl.co.uk

A range of measurements are available to provide data on thermal and fluid flow properties from sub-ambient to extremely high temperatures, under controlled atmospheres, for a wide range of materials.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: materials_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL provides comprehensive, world class facilities (a number being unique within the UK) for measuring thermal properties including: thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, thermal transmittance, heat capacity and thermal expansion. Measurements are available from sub-ambient to extremely high temperatures, under controlled atmospheres, for a wide range of materials.

NPL provides technical experts on thermal measurement to a wide range of CEN, ISO, CIPM and Euramet Working Groups and has UKAS accreditation to ISO Guide 34 for the provision of reference materials and transfer standards used to calibrate commercial measurement apparatus. We are also a notified laboratory under the Construction Products Directive and can provide measurements suitable for certification of construction products.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: thermal_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL hosts world-leading facilities for measuring the neutron emission rate from radionuclide sources and for performing fluence and dose equivalent calibrations with monoenergetic neutrons, thermal neutrons, and broad energy range neutrons from radionuclide sources or a simulated workplace field.

Services include the characterisation and calibration of neutron detecting devices, in particular personal and area dosemeters, the measurement of radionuclide neutron source emission rates and anisotropy, and also field measurements of neutron spectra and dose equivalent quantities.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8637

E-mail: neutron_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL's support for the optical technology sector includes a comprehensive range of calibration and measurement services, including photometry and spectroradiometry, and displays.

In addition, NPL offers training, consultancy and contract research covering all aspects of optical radiation metrology - these include the growing area of low energy lighting and support to the requirements arising from the Artificial Optical Radiation Directive.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 6151

E-mail: optical_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL offers consultancy services, pressure standards for other laboratories, and an enquiry service for pressure and vacuum related issues.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8681

E-mail: pressure_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL is responsible for maintaining the UK primary standards of radioactivity, and disseminating these standards to users of ionising radiation in fields such as nuclear medicine, environmental radioactivity monitoring and nuclear decommissioning.

NPL also provides products and services to enable organisations to comply with legislation and good practice related to ionising radiation.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8695

E-mail: radioactivity_enquiries@npl.co.uk

RF and microwave guided wave measurement standards apply in transmission media, such as waveguide, coaxial lines, and planar lines in high frequency integrated circuits.

Power, attenuation, impedance and noise are the four main measurement parameters within this area, all of which underpin RF and microwave manufacturing and industry.

NPL offers a number of services within this sector at frequencies up to 110 GHz. NPL also offers measurement services for ultrafast (< 1 ns) electrical pulse generators and photodiodes, as well as high bandwidth (≥ 1 GHz) oscilloscopes.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 6796

E-mail: rf_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Temperature is one of the most commonly measured properties in industry, medicine, meteorology, and everyday life. Accurate and traceable measurements affect many aspects of business such as materials processing, energy efficiency, medical diagnostics and food safety.

NPL offers the calibration of a range of temperature measuring devices including contact and non-contact instruments.

We also run training courses in temperature calibration techniques.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 6315

E-mail: temperature_enquiries@npl.co.uk

NPL provides a comprehensive range of Ultrasound calibration, measurement and consultancy services.

These cover hydrophones, transducers, radiation force balances and characterisation of medical and industrial ultrasonic equipment to meet the stringent requirements of testing for compliance with regulatory, safety and quality standards. They provide manufacturers and users with acoustic output information at all stages of product development and manufacture.

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8631

E-mail: acoustics_enquiries@npl.co.uk