The calibration of mechanical vibration transducers determines the sensitivity of the transducer along with its measurement uncertainty, based on establishing metrological traceability to a primary measurement standard.
As with other calibrations, vibration transducers are calibrated to maintain metrological traceability, which is a strict requirement for accredited laboratories. Based on the calibration certificate, we can determine the transducer’s sensitivity and uncertainty, linked directly to a primary measurement standard.
In the SVANTEK calibration laboratory, mechanical vibration transducers are calibrated using the comparison method in accordance with ISO 16063-21:2003: “Methods for the calibration of vibration and shock transducers — Part 21: Vibration calibration by comparison to a reference transducer.” The laboratory calibrates charge transducers and IEPE transducers. Calibration can be performed in the frequency range from 0.5 Hz to 2000 Hz. Charge transducers should have a sensitivity fromy of 0.1 to 1000 pcm-1s2, and the iEPE converters from 0.1 to 1000 mVm-1s2.
During the calibration of mechanical vibration transducers, the sensitivity of the transducer under test is determined by comparing it to the known sensitivity of a reference transducer. Both transducers are mounted on the same axis on a vibration exciter. The transducers are either tightened to a specific torque or attached using mounting wax. If a triaxial transducer is being tested, the measurement procedure is repeated for each axis.
The first page of the calibration certificate contains information about the calibration date, the environmental conditions in the laboratory during the calibration, the client submitting the instrument, and the measurement method used. The subsequent pages contain the acceleration values, frequencies, and measured sensitivity values at specific points. This data, along with the calculated uncertainties, is presented in tabular form. Below the tables, you will also find information regarding whether the measurements were performed in the horizontal or vertical plane, and how the transducer was mounted to the exciter.
The calibration time for a mechanical vibration transducer depends on the number of measurement points and whether the tested device is a single-axis or triaxial transducer. The calibration of a triaxial transducer can take up to several working days. An additional factor that extends the turnaround time is that the transducer is only ready for calibration once it has reached thermal equilibrium within the laboratory environment.
Calibration prices for vibration transducers vary depending on the number of measurement points and the number of transducer axes.
The calibration of machine vibration meters is necessary for accredited measurements to maintain metrological traceability. Furthermore, calibration results allow for the accurate determination of the measured vibration values because the specific error introduced by the measurement chain is known.
