Metrology is classified in three main fields:
Scientific Metrology,
Industrial Metrology
Legal Metrology
Measurement impacts on all facets of life:
There are different specialist areas of metrology, for example:
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Mass metrology dealing with mass measurements;
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Dimensional metrology dealing with length and angle measurements;
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Temperature metrology dealing with temperature measurements;
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Electrical metrology dealing with electrical measurements;
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Chemical metrology dealing with measurements in chemistry
Metrology is 'the science of measurement'. It covers both the theoretical and the practical issues related to measurement. The aim of measurement is to determine the value of a quantity, for instance length, temperature, time, electrical resistance or the amount of substance of a certain material. Several basic elements need to be available to carry out an accurate measurement. First of all measurement standards are needed, by which the measurement equipment to be used, can be calibrated. The measurement has to proceed according to a specified protocol.
Measurement Standards
For example the platinum-iridium kilogram or the Caesium 133 atomic clock .
Measuring instruments and their characteristics
Such as measurement systems in production and control processes.
Measurements
Including the methods of measurement, estimation of uncertainty and deviation, and environmental effects.
Legal metrology
The part of metrology that relates to statutory requirements and legislation.
Calibration
The process by which measurement and test equipment is checked for accuracy by comparison to National or International standards.
Why the need to Calibrate?
With the increase in international economic relations allowing for the freer availability of foreign products on our markets and with the demands by customers for safe and reliable products, local manufacturing are now more than ever, increasingly relying on Quality Management Systems to produce internationally competitive, superior products. Therefore, the testing and inspection of raw materials, coupled to the routine calibration of testing equipment, has become an indispensable necessity in maintaining a ISO Quality System.