Calibration is not complete without Measurement uncertainty or Uncertainty of Measurement. This is where the unbroken chain of comparison is being connected or linked.
What does uncertainty mean in calibration? Measurement Uncertainty is the value being displayed to quantify the doubt that exists on a specified measurement result. Since no measurement is exact, there is always an error that is associated with every measurement. To determine the degree, effect, or quantity of this error that exists in every measured parameter, we compute or estimate Measurement Uncertainty.
During uncertainty computation or estimation, we identify all the valid sources of errors that influence our measurement system. It can be from our procedures, instruments, environment, and many more. We evaluate and quantify the value of each error and combine them into a single computed value.
What is the Use of Measurement Uncertainty (MU) in Measurements?
You might just be wondering why Measurement Uncertainty is reported in the calibration certificate. The following are the important uses of measurement uncertainty:
MU is used for conformity assessments, an important factor in generating a decision rule.
Use for calculating the TUR (Test Uncertainty Ratio) of Instruments to determine their suitability to be used in a specific measurement process.
MU is evidence of traceability of an accredited lab or any calibration performed.
MU uncertainty shows how accurate your instrument is. A smaller uncertainty value means more accurate results.
If you do not have a basis for your tolerance, MU can be used as your tolerance,
If you are calculating your own measurement uncertainty, MU in the calibration report is used as the main contributor to be included in the uncertainty budget.
