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UKAS-accredited and specialist calibration service

NPL is responsible for the maintenance and dissemination of the UK’s National Standard for mass, which is a platinum-iridium cylinder known as kilogram-18. This is used as the basis for the whole mass scale of the UK.

We are able to provide a full UKAS-accredited calibration service for both individual weights, and weight sets, of OIML class E1, E2 and F1 in the range 50 kg to 1 mg. Weights of class E2 and F1 are normally calibrated by substitution weighing against NPL standards, whilst those of class E1 will normally be calibrated by a method of subdivision from an NPL secondary standard kilogram. In all cases the calibrations are traceable to kilogram-18. The supplied certificate of calibration will provide a value for the measured conventional mass (or weight in air) of each weight together with an uncertainty commensurate with the appropriate OIML weight class.

Set of weightsThe determination of the conventional mass relies upon knowledge of the density of the weight. If this is not supplied by the customer this can be determined by NPLor, in the case of E2 and F1 weights, estimated from knowledge of the weight's material.

Where required, we can also calibrate weights of known density to ‘reference level’ uncertainties lower than those required for OIML Class E1.

With a range of high accuracy automatic and manual comparators, NPL is also capable of weighing non-standard items that may otherwise be hard to calibrate. NPL’s range of comparators allows us to be very flexible to meet our customers’ requirements from large pressure balance ring-weights to performing Centre of Gravity measurements.

NPL can offer training in mass metrology, either in terms of a formal training course or, in what is becoming increasingly popular, by working alongside NPL staff for one or more weeks. The training includes the calibration, use and handling of weights, the assessment of balances, and the theory and understanding of measurement uncertainties and their overall effect on calibration results.

Don’t see what you are looking for? Our diverse skill set enables us to provide bespoke solutions. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

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