National Physical Laboratory

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Guides

 

Mass & Weight
Author: Armitage, D
Source: Guide 100, NPL, 1998,
Abstract: The Mass & Weight Guide offers valuable information about a wide range of issues affecting weighing from traceability to practical aspects of weighing. It encompasses aspects of mass metrology from microbalance applications to weigh bridges with a number of examples provided.

Pressure & Vacuum.
Author: Simpson, D
Source: Guide 101, NPL, 1998,
Abstract: This guide provides advice for those wishing to select and use instruments for measuring pressure or vacuum. It introduces the main concepts and practical techniques involved in making valid and meaningful measurements in the range 10(-8) Pa (ultra-high vacuum) to 10(9) Pa (10 000 bar), including absolute-mode, gauge-mode and differential-mode measurements. A comprehensive glossary of terms and definitions is included, together with a list of commonly misused terms.

Force.
Author: Jenkins, R, Knott, A J
Source: Guide 102, NPL, 1998,
Abstract: The guide aims to help anyone wishing to measure force in any industrial or laboratory environment. It is primarily a guide for the user of the measurement and should help him or her to understand the range of measurement techniques available, how to characterise the requirements of his or her particular problem and how to communicate those needs to manufacturers and suppliers of force measuring equipment. It also aims to give understanding of the need for and methods of calibrating , operating and maintaining force measurement systems.

Guide to the Measurement of Humidity
Author: Bell, S A
Source: Guide 103, NPL, 1996,
Abstract: A detailed guide to many aspects of humidity measurement. It covers humidity concepts and definitions, methods of measurement, instrument performance and calibration, and good measurement practices for humidity. Worked examples illustrate the effects of temperature and pressure changes on humidity. Includes tables, charts and formulae and extensive bibliography.

Human factors in measurement and calibrations.
Author: Thomas, C, Daly-Jones, O, Harry, A
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 8 ,December 1997.
Abstract: This guide takes as its central theme the impact of human strengths and weaknesses on the accuracy and efficiency of measurement calibration services. It provides practical guidance on making the best use of the people, tools and process involved in measurement and calibration, and provides checklists for managers to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their organisation.

A beginner's guide to uncertainty in measurement.
Author: Bell, S A
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 11 , (Issue 2) ,March 2001.
Abstract: A gentle and short introduction to uncertainty of measurement for beginners, including laboratories preparing for UKAS accreditation. The guide explains the concept and importance of measurement uncertainty, using examples from everyday life. It illustrates how to estimate uncertainty in real measurement situations, showing a detailed uncertainty calculation step by step.

Calibration and use of Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR ).
Author: Walker, B
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 31 ,April 2000.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This document describes the calibration of Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR). It also describes the principle of their operation and the performance parameters used to specify them. It gives guidance on how to use them to obtain the most accurate results and details of artefacts available to help to do this.

Estimating uncertainties in testing
Author: Birch, K*
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 36 ,March 2001.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: The generally accepted approach to evaluating and expressing uncertainties in measurements undertaken by testing and calibration laboratories is given in The Guide to the expression of Uncertainty in Measurement, first published in 1993 by ISO, Geneva. That document, frequently referred to as The Guide or the GUM, presents a comprehensive study of these principles which, if followed, will ensure that measurement uncertainty is calculated and stated in a consistent manner in all situations. It is, however, a complex document and it has been found necessary to supplement it with simplified guidance for specific fields of measurement. This publication is one such guidance document that follows on from Stephanie Bell’s A Beginner’s Guide to Uncertainty of Measurement, developing treatment of the subject to a level intended for testing laboratories. It presents principles and guidance for the estimation of measurement uncertainty which are applicable to most fields of testing but is not intended for calibration laboratories, which normally need to have a greater depth of knowledge of these principles than is presented here. The principles and guidance given here are consistent with The Guide and with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories where they relate to estimating and reporting uncertainty of measurements.

Dimensional measurement using vision systems.
Author: Rodger, G
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 39 ,July 2001.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This guide provides information on the components that make up vision systems used for microscopic and macroscopic dimensional measurements. It also included generalised measurement good practice and describes the various processes and techniques required to perform accurate and traceable dimensional measurements using these systems.

Callipers and micrometers.
Author: Flack, D
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 40 ,July 2001.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This guide covers the use of callipers and micrometers for internal, external and depth measurements. The issues covered include the effect of measurement force, both when a ratchet is present (e.g. micrometers) and when it is not, particularly when measuring soft materials; use and general care, support and handling of micrometers and callipers; guidance on choosing the most appropriate equipment type for the measurement; advice on calibration and verification methods and how to generate an uncertainty budget for a measurement; use of electronic instruments, fault awareness, temperature effects; awareness of errors introduced into internal knife edge jaws as external/internal jaws wear; and standard calibration methods and reporting of results.

CMM measurement strategies.
Author: Flack, D
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 41 ,July 2001.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This guide covers the selection of the number of measurement points when using Co-ordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) and gives advice on the compromise between accuracy and speed. It provides guidance on sampling criteria for standard features and advice on measurements that involves projections of features over long distances. It covers cleanliness, part loading/alignment and the effect of temperature, surface finish and geometry on the final results. It also contains information on basic measurement principles, common measurement requirements, CMM software functionality in relation to drawing requirements and good metrology practice when using CMMs with CAD data to inspect parts.

CMM verification.
Author: Flack, D
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 42 ,July 2001.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This guide covers performance assessment of CMM accuracy, use of everyday artefacts for regular CMM checking, methods of monitoring machine performance between formal verification intervals, and traceability.

CMM probing.
Author: Flack, D
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 43 ,July 2001.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This guide is a general guide on probes and probing. It covers probing practice; types of touch probes, their advantages and disadvantages and how they work. It also covers the advantages and disadvantages of various stylus configurations; choosing the appropriate probing sphere size; and the use of non-contact sensors on CMMs.

Polarisation effects and measurements in optical fibre systems.
Author: Ives, D J
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 67 ,April 2004.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This document has been written to give guidance and understanding to the array of polarisation properties and effects found within optical fibres, optical fibre components and optical fibre systems. The various polarisation properties and effects are described along with measurement and calibration techniques.

The calibration and use of piston pipettes.
Author: Blues, J*, Bayliss, D J, Buckley, M*
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 69 ,July 2004.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This publication is intended as an introduction and practical guide to the use and checking of piston pipettes by scientists, technicians and other laboratory workers. It covers single and multi-channel manual and automatic pipettes dispensing volumes ranging from 0.1 microlitre to 10 ml, but does not extend to medical syringes of the type used for giving injections.

The measurement of mass and weight.
Author: Davidson, S, Perkin, M, Buckley, M*
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 71 ,June 2004.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This Good Practice Guide is intended as a useful reference for those involved in the practical measurement of mass and weight.

Fundamental good practice guide in the design and interpretation of engineering drawings for measurement processes
Author: Flack, D R, Bevan, K*
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 79 ,July 2005.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This good practice guide is written for engineers, designers and metrology technicians who wish to understand the basics of the interpretation of engineering drawings in relation to the measurement process. After reading this guide designers should have a better understanding of the measurement process and metrology technicians should be in a better position to interpret the aims of the designer.

 

Fundamental good practice in dimensional metrology.
Author: Flack, D R, Hannaford, J Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 80 ,January 2006. ISSN: 1368-6550 Abstract: This good practice guide is written for those who need to make dimensional measurements but are not necessarily trained metrologists. On reading this guide you should have gained a basic knowledge of fundamental good practice when making dimensional measurements. An introduction to length units and key issues such as traceability and uncertainty is followed by some examples of typical sources of error in length measurement. Checking to specification, accreditation and measurement techniques are also covered along with an introduction to optical measurement techniques. 

 

Good practice guide for the measurement of gloss.
Author: Hanson, A R
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 94 ,April 2006.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This guide describes how gloss is specified and measured. It contains recommendations on how to obtain the suitable results for a given application, including descriptions of technology and the assessment of uncertainties.

Uncertainties in surface colour measurements.
Author: Gardner, J L
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 95 ,October 2006.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: In this Guide, we describe the methods to estimate the uncertainties in surface colour quantities derived from reflectance measurements, based on component uncertainties in both the measurement process and the reference reflectance values used to calibrate the spectrophotometer.

Surface colour measurements.
Author: Clarke, P J
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 96 ,October 2006.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This document is a guide to the measurement of surface colour. It is primarily concerned with visible wavelengths of light in the range 360 nm to 780 nm. Methods of assessing and applying instrumental corrections to the underlying reflectance or radiance factor data are detailed.

Regular transmittance measurements.
Author: Clarke, P J
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 97 ,October 2006.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This document is a guide to the assessment of spectrophotometers that are used to make regular transmittance measurements of optical radiation at ultra-violet (UV), visible and near infrared (NIR) wavelengths from 200 nm to 3000 nm. Good practice is covered along with guidance on the assessment of uncertainties in the measurements made.

Guide to the calibration and testing of torque transducers.
Author: Robinson, A
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 107 ,March 2008.
ISSN: 1368-6550
Abstract: This guide describes a collection of methods for the calibration of a torque transducer. It encompasses transducers based on different technologies and transducers that operate in both static and dynamic applications. The user is expected to select the tests suitable for their requirements.

Best Practices in testing and reporting performance of biometric devices
Author: Mansfield, A J, Wayman, J L
Source: Biometrics Working Group
Abstract: This document summarises the current understanding by the biometrics community of the best scientific practises for conducting technical performance testing toward the end of field performance estimation.

UV embossed optical microstructured surfaces.
Author: Hutley, M C, Holmes, N*, Harvey, T*, Carter, N*
Source: Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 6 ,June 1997.
Abstract: The purpose of this guide is to draw attention to the possibilities and benefits of using UV embossing process for the production of optical microstructured surfaces. It offers guidance in designing systems to obtain the best results.

Case Studies

Good Practice Online Guides

An introduction to the concept and importance of measurement uncertainty

Videos

  • The candela is the SI base unit relating to luminous intensity.
  • Paul Miller talks about measuring the quantity and quality of light from different light sources.