A comprehensive range of services
NPL provides UKAS-accredited calibration services across a wide range of measurement disciplines. As the UK’s national metrology institute, we have traceability directly to the SI units and often have lower uncertainties than those offered by other accredited laboratories.
Why use NPL for calibration?
- Easily accessible, good response times and rapid turnarounds
- Interpretation of results, if required
- Bespoke, as well as standard, calibrations
- Accredited by UKAS to ISO 17025
Services for new instruments or those at the very leading-edge of metrology capability and are delivered under NPL's ISO 9001 compliant quality system.
Arrange your calibration today
We can help you to…
- Calibrate laboratory equipment
- Meet ISO requirements
- Demonstrate measurement traceability
- Improve measurement confidence
- Support accreditation activities
Let us know how we can help and an expert will be in touch.
No results to display
UKAS accreditation
NPL's standard calibration, measurement and testing services have been accredited by UKAS. The accredited capability of those services may be found in the calibration schedule issued by UKAS. A UKAS certificate is issued for the services which have been accredited by UKAS and for calibrations made using these accredited services.
Frequently asked questions on calibration
What is calibration?
For measurements to be trusted they must be comparable to those made by other people or at different times. Calibration is a process in which an instrument or piece of equipment's accuracy is compared with a recognised standard. The timely and correct calibration of measurement equipment is essential for compliance with standards and for trusted measurements. As an NMI, NPL provides calibrations with the lowest measurement uncertainties and with traceability to the primary standards.
What are calibration artifacts?
Calibration artefacts are reference items with known, trusted properties that allow manufacturers to verify and correct the performance of their measurement systems. By comparing an instrument’s readings against an artefact of known size or characteristics, users can identify and reduce bias, ensuring their measurements remain aligned to an agreed reference. This independent check helps confirm that instruments are operating accurately and consistently. They help monitor the accuracy of measuring machines, coordinate measuring machines, multisensor devices, CT measuring machines or surface measuring devices.
Calibration of OTDR reference artefacts
How often should equipment be calibrated?
There are no set rules in place that govern when an instrument should be calibrated. If your organisation carries out measurement using any form of instrument, then you need to be able to prove that the instrument provides accurate and reliable readings. Annual calibration is common practice, or you can follow your own Quality Management Systems. We can help you to determine the recalibration period and then arrange it.
What are reference materials?
Reference materials are stable, well characterised substances with property values known to high confidence. They are used to check, validate and calibrate measurement processes. They provide a trusted benchmark for ensuring accuracy, comparability and traceability. Certified reference materials include documented values, uncertainties and traceability to recognised standards.