The dilatometer is a precision instrument used to measure the linear or volume expansion coefficient of solid, liquid or powder materials as the temperature changes. In order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results, its calibration is a key step to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the measured data. The calibration of the dilatometer is usually carried out in the following situations:
1. Initial calibration: The initial calibration is required before the first use of a newly purchased instrument or when the instrument is restarted after a long period of unused. This is to ensure that the various parameter settings of the equipment are consistent with the factory standards and eliminate the effects that may occur during manufacturing errors and storage.
2. Regular calibration: Even under normal use, the instrument may gradually deviate from the initial standard value due to various factors. Therefore, it is very necessary to perform regular calibration at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer (usually once a year). This can promptly detect and correct small deviations accumulated over time, ensuring the consistency and traceability of the data.
3. Environmental changes: Changes in environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and vibration may affect the accuracy of the instrument. For example, temperature fluctuations can cause changes in the metal components of the instrument itself, thereby affecting the measurement results. Calibration should be performed after moving to a new geographical location or when the environmental conditions are significantly different due to seasonal changes.
4.Repair or replacement of parts: When the instrument undergoes major repairs, especially when it involves the replacement of key parts, calibration is almost necessary. Even minor changes, such as replacing sensors or circuit boards, may cause parameter drift.
5. Performance degradation: In daily use, if the measurement results of the instrument are found to be abnormal, such as large fluctuations, poor repeatability, etc., calibration should be carried out in time. This may be caused by accumulated dust, wear or other unknown factors. Calibration can help restore the normal function of the instrument.
6. Regulatory requirements: Many industries and application fields have strict safety and quality control standards, requiring instruments to be regularly calibrated by third parties and retain calibration reports. For example, standard specifications in industries such as medical equipment, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals usually have clear calibration cycles and accuracy requirements.
7. User needs: Finally, sometimes the user’s specific needs can also become a reason for calibration. For example, in the early preparation of a critical project, in order to increase the credibility of the data, additional calibration may be actively requested, even if there is no obvious sign that there is a problem with the instrument.
In short, regular and timely calibration is not only the basis for maintaining the measurement accuracy of the thermal expansion instrument, but also a necessary measure for enterprises to maintain their reputation and ensure the smooth development of their business. In uncertain situations, it is always a wise choice to seek advice from professionals.