Calibration Services

Worldclass | Customized | Comprehensive

For more than 40 years, customers worldwide have trusted the people, processes, and systems at APPLIED IMAGE to deliver calibration services that are accurate and consistent.

Capabilities (see Scope of Accreditation): “We can report length measurements with uncertainties as low as 0.5 microns, and spectral reflection and transmission photometry for various types of grayscale and color calibration standards. We are also pleased to announce that we are the only laboratory in the world to be ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited for the measurement, grading, and calibration of barcodes. The “Judge” devices we use for the production and calibration of 1D and 2D barcode calibration standards used throughout the industry are included within our scope of accreditation.”

Our scope includes:

  • Non-contact length measurements to 1,200 mm. Uncertainties below 0.5 microns for measurements up to 25.4 mm.
  • Photometry and Radiometry – spectral reflection photometry, spectral transmission photometry, and transmission density.
  • Barcode calibration using our Judge devices.

New Calibration Standards

APPLIED IMAGE can provide an accredited calibration for the standard products we sell. Within our online product catalog, simply select Yes under Accredited Calibration. Save time and money.

Custom Calibration Standards

The great majority of the precision imaged optical components that we produce are custom made to our customers’ specific requirements. Very often, dimensional or photometric characteristics are critically important, and NIST Traceable calibrations are required to provide an accurate foundation by which the user can calibrate their systems.

APPLIED IMAGE is capable of not only manufacturing the calibration standards but also providing certified calibration results with extremely high accuracy and low uncertainties.

Calibration of Other Manufacturer’s Calibration Standards

Our metrology laboratory is not limited to measuring parts that have been manufactured in-house. Whether it’s cost, lead time, obsolescence, certification requirements or other reasons customers frequently come to us to have their 3rd party calibration standards calibrated in our accredited metrology laboratory.

Recalibration Services

In most cases, the quality system used establishes the recalibration interval for a standard. We are equipped to offer you recalibration services at any interval required over the useful life of the standard. We’re often counted on to provide As Found data for a standard at end of life and As Found data for the replacement standard.

Calibration Services Frequently Asked Questions

Does Applied Image offer NIST traceable calibrations?
Yes, all of our calibrations are Traceable to a higher authority such as NIST or NRC (Canada). NIST and NRC are a National Metrology Institute (NMI). Each country has its own NMI.
Is Applied Image ISO/IEC 17025 accredited?
Yes, Applied Image is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 as of October 2019.
Is NIST traceable the same as Accredited?
No, Accreditation is an auditing process involving an Accrediting body member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), such as the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). ANAB conducts onsite audits of Applied Image’s facility to verify, review, and witness our Management system and Calibration processes. Part of this process is proving traceability to International Standards (SI units) through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations. In contrast, NIST traceable doesn’t involve audits.
Is calibration from an Accredited laboratory better than one from a lab claiming NIST traceability?
Yes, having Accreditation demonstrates an unbiased outside source has validated the Laboratory’s Technical and Managerial abilities. When anyone can have their items calibrated and claim they are NIST traceable.
Does Applied Image calibrate items from other manufacturers?

Yes, besides the items we make in-house, we will provide you with an accredited calibration on items from any manufacturer as long as it’s within our Scope of Accreditation.

Applied Image can calibrate other manufacturers’ items and build custom standards in-house for your needs.

What is a Scope of Accreditation?
The Scope of Accreditation lists the disciplines, parameters, and Calibration Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) for which the Laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited.

Please note that just because something isn’t on our Scope of Accreditation doesn’t mean we can’t calibrate it. So depending on the item and your requirements, we might be able to provide you with a service.

Can I specify what points I want to be calibrated?
Yes, our quoting process determines how many and what points you need. If you’re unsure, our experienced staff will be more than happy to assist you in meeting your Internal Quality System requirements.
Can/should I send my Barcode Standard back for Recalibration?
Yes, Most Quality Management Systems require that you recalibrate items to ensure that nothing affected or happened to your device when you had it in use. Having it recalibrated will ensure that any items are still useable and within the state specifications. All items over time will change, but the question is, by how much?
What is your range of measure?
Per our Scope of Accreditation, we can measure up to 1200mm (47.25 inches).
Why choose Applied Image for my calibration services?
That is a great question! Our calibration staff has over 50 years of experience providing excellent calibration services. Applied Image is currently the only lab worldwide accredited to ISO 17025 for Barcode measurements. We strive not just to be another run-of-the-mill manufacturer but an industry leader.
Do you determine recalibration intervals?
No, for a few reasons. It is a conflict of interest since we are a manufacturer of calibration standards, and per ISO17025, calibration laboratories are not allowed to determine intervals. Any interval must come from the Customer. If no interval is provided, we will leave it blank on the calibration certificate.