Topic 1 : Introduction to

Measurement And Instrumentation

Topic Contents :
1.1 Definition
1.2 The Importance of Metrology
1.3 What is accuracy
1.4 What is precision
1.5 Measurement standard
1.6 System International (SI) Measuring Units
1.7 Testing & Inspection
1.8 Types of Measurement
1.9 Selecting the instruments
1.10 Calibration process
1.11 Handling of Measuring Instruments
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1.8

Types of Measurement

I) DIRECT MEASUREMENT
The length of the work piece is compared directly against
the line of measuring instrument such as vernier caliper
of micrometer.
II) INDIRECT MEASUREMENT
The measuring value is obtained by using an
intermediary (transfer) measuring device such as caliper,
then comparing the measurement obtained against a
scale of measuring instrument such as steel ruler.
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1.8

Types of Measurement

III) COMPARATIVE MEASUREMENT

It is comparison between the standard such as
gauge blocks and the work piece. The gauge
blocks are first set to nominal size of the work
piece. Then the measuring value is obtained
from the dial gauge which shows the
difference between the gauge blocks and the
work piece. This method is the best and very
accurate measurement can be achieved
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1.8

Types of Measurement

1.9

Selecting the Instruments

FACTORS IN SELECTING TESTING INSTRUMENT

Before measurement can be done, the

measurement instrument need to be selected.
A suitable instrument will help in determining
the measurand. The dimension is the
variation within the given tolerance. When
variation can be minimize, the cost of the
measurand also can be reduced.

1.9

Selecting the Instruments

FACTORS IN SELECTING TESTING INSTRUMENT

1) Accuracy:

1.9

Selecting the Instruments

FACTORS IN SELECTING TESTING INSTRUMENT

2) Precision:

1.9 Selecting the Instruments

FACTORS IN SELECTING TESTING INSTRUMENT
3) Repeatability

4) Stability :
How well does this instrument retain its calibration
over a period of time. As the instrument become more
accurate, they often lose stability and become more
sensitive to small changes in temperature and
humidity.
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1.9 Selecting the Instruments

FACTORS IN SELECTING TESTING INSTRUMENT
5) Magnification :
The amplification of the output portion of the
instrument over the actual input dimension. The
accurate the instrument, the greatest must be its
magnification factor, so that the required
measurement can be read out clearly compare with
the desire standard.

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1.9

Selecting the Instruments

FACTORS IN SELECTING TESTING INSTRUMENT

6) Resolution :
This is sometimes called sensitivity and refers to
the smallest unit of scale or dimensional input that
the instrument can detect. The greater the
resolution of the instrument, the smaller will be
the things it can resolve and the greater will be the
magnification required to expand these
measurements up to the point where they can be
observed the naked eye.
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1.9

Selecting the Instruments

FACTORS IN SELECTING TESTING INSTRUMENT

7) Inspection cost :
This is included cost of instruments used, cost of
maintaining and installing the instruments. Always
select the measuring instruments and methods of
inspection at minimum cost.

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1.10 Calibration process

What is CALIBRATION ?
A measuring instrument will introduced errors after used in a
period of time. This effecting the measurement values which
reduced it accuracy.
To put an instrument into a state of accuracy requires it to be
tested first to see if it is within its calibration limits. If the
instrument is found to be out of calibration, then a rectification or
adjustment must be made. This adjustment is commonly called
'calibration', 'recalibration' or 'reconditioning'. Calibration is not a
cure-all for measurement problems: it only determines adherence
to standards.
Thus, calibration may be defined as a comparison of two testing
instruments - one of which is a standard of known accuracy
traceable to national standards - to detect any discrepancy in
accuracy and adjust it to bring it within its tolerances for accuracy.
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1.10 Calibration process

Calibration is the authentication of the accuracy lineage of any

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measurement tracing it back to the absolute standard.

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1.10 Calibration process

The reference standard can be divide into two types;
artifact calibration a single point -

measurement process
that assigns values to the property of an artifact relative to a reference
standard(s). The purpose of calibration is to eliminate or reduce bias in the
user's measurement system relative to the reference base

instrument calibration over a regime -intended to eliminate

or reduce bias in an instrument's readings over a range for all continuous
values. For this purpose, reference standards with known values for
selected points covering the range of interest are measured with the
instrument in question. Then a functional relationship is established
between the values of the standards and the corresponding
measurements
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1.10 Calibration process

Function of Calibration Room
Measuring instruments are calibrated in the calibration room with a room
temperature of 20 +1c and a humidity of 55% +3. The functions of the
calibration room are:
a) To detect deteriorations of instruments beyond the tolerable level of
accuracy and to provide services for the rectification or adjustment of
instruments.
b) To ensure that newly purchased instruments are within the specified
limits.
c) To provide a location where instruments are kept in proper condition
to maintain accuracy.
d) To provide a centralized location for issuing and keeping production
gauges.
e) To provide a common place for the development and verification of
test methods.
f) First piece acceptance inspection prior to production.
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1.11 Handling of Measuring Instruments

Calibrate the instrument periodically before you use
it.
Do not use the instruments as a tool.
Protect the instrument from dust, rust, shock and
wear.
Store the instruments in a proper place.
Do not store the instruments with other tools.
Avoid rough handling and dropping the instruments

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