Calibration vs CertificationMost owners or users of Coordinate Measuring Machines believe they are getting full and complete CMM calibration and certification when they have their machine serviced annually. Think again! Most CMM users do not understand the difference between Calibration and Certification. Most people consider these two terms to be synonymous, but they are two totally different distinct operations. As defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Calibration is to determine and correct errors. Certification is to attest to formally or authoritively the deviation from a known standard. Anyone can attest to error on a CMM, but it takes knowledge, skill, expertise and the right equipment to find and correct all of the geometry errors found throughout the entire measuring volume. These errors include Linear Accuracy, Squareness, Pitch, Roll, Yaw and Volumetric Accuracy. To perform a complete CMM Calibration and Certification, the machine must be evaluated according to the OEM specifications (including the Volumetric Accuracy, if applicable). After all of the data is collected the machine must be adjusted to within those specs, requiring extensive mechanical, electronic and intricate error correction data in the measurement processors (such as those found in most newer CMMs). This process requires expertise and training that you just can't get off the street. If you have any questions concerning the calibration and certification of your CMM, please call us and we will be happy to help you. Midwest CMM Services
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