{"id":19677,"date":"2025-05-21T17:23:57","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T15:23:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/metrology-vocabulary-explained-simply\/"},"modified":"2025-05-21T17:23:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T15:23:58","slug":"metrology-vocabulary-explained-simply","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/metrology-vocabulary-explained-simply\/","title":{"rendered":"Metrology vocabulary explained simply"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7707f1d07eb731744451629a09b00031\">In the industrial world, metrology plays an essential role. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bcf3c80ed3a79539f14e28febe551f7a\">It guarantees measurement reliability, product conformity and process performance. Yet its technical vocabulary may seem complex at first glance. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5b299304d847b2995278457354bb9014\">This article offers a clear and accessible explanation of the main terms used in metrology, to help you better understand this precise and indispensable field.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-da9135513ca754f2eeb66e6dd8d70dbf\">What is metrology?<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b53d5307bc8c2fa4e24af48efff7418a\">General definition of metrology<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2fcbf7d0d369fc1b0c4dc6f44addac57\">Metrology is the science of measurement. It covers all methods, resources and practices designed to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of measurements in all fields: industry, health, research, etc.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-be55382cd2b3c9c4aefeb83a031caac2\">Why is metrology important in industry?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3b998af8c2095771ede0a3e69efbb6b3\">Metrology ensures : <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7445ac620c72a32eee05914579da7ba5\">Product compliance with standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-eb1ac2067769fc591ec221dfdb17a05f\">Safety and quality in industrial processes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-663c45aff3e87e3ca8973b5cd71ae2b0\">International comparability of measurements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/our-product-lines\/\"><em>Discover our metrology solutions for industry<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71cb891c3adf8b48325d7f93f27aadd4\">The main metrology families<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2f68212221c4eed3d2771845bf3b18ec\">Scientific metrology<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-714683c3125a16ee9b0d5b602846b569\">It focuses on the fundamental units (meter, kilogram, second, etc.) and their definition through universal constants. It is supported by national and international bodies such as the BIPM (Bureau International des Poids et Mesures).<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f865ca74f60205da431ac3c82d53c171\">Industrial Metrology<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94a18526a40821528d78976740d62a0d\">It&#8217;s the one that most concerns us in the production sector. It ensures that the measuring equipment used in the company complies with an adequate level of precision.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35e38cf22a1966bacdcddf8167114120\">Legal metrology<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e812edaf61a5ef74fa9df547b1141bae\">It concerns measuring instruments used in commercial transactions or for regulatory purposes (commercial scales, road radars, water meters, etc.).<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-716c50fefab46f9225d32641051eda41\">Metrology terms<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c9978a985f28222b190f554bdaa2c254\">Measuring instrument<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5472889c6d059b36ee13e236663ab85c\">A measuring instrument is any device used to measure a physical quantity (length, weight, temperature, torque, etc.).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4f7dee24778341348a67b9617deadf4a\">Example: micrometer, balance, torquemeter (torque measurement tool).<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f3685f097a1de15fd93720d38ea17a70\">Mesurande<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b649a5ee42b25174a80f3c08d4d66a11\">The measurand is the physical quantity to be measured. Example: the temperature of a liquid, the torque of a screw, the length of a part, etc.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8ff84e116b4d079a505c6848062a7c6d\">R\u00e9solution<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dc3af1f2dad77716ab19ed67b306892c\">Resolution refers to the smallest variation in magnitude that the instrument can detect. The finer it is, the more precise the measurement.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-469b7431d5940d38b1b3acf9101192bb\">Precision, accuracy and fidelity: what are the differences?<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f123f879b3a7c35f5c697e020acd4b95\">Precision<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-716b7718cb498c5f1a71ae7dbac010b4\">Precision reflects the dispersion of results obtained from repeated measurements. A precise instrument gives results that are very close to each other.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ad73d2f61022ec97db32e1b6b8f0ad98\">Trueness<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e1a7ec01363a178d5bf0cbd97207b632\">Trueness measures the difference between the measured value and the actual value. A fair instrument gives a value close to reality.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41235d13e65b82a855638fa62153d21a\">Repeatability<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e2f38feec5f2a6a9cb7afe78c894c7ab\">Repeatability is the ability of an instrument to consistently reproduce measurements when conditions remain the same.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d3c8ef27d0c0d907d13d241ee372bc79\">\ud83d\udd0d Remember: a device can be precise but not accurate, or accurate but not faithful. The ideal is to combine all three!<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-884c001a33a9e3722f3093efc39c6de6\">Measurement uncertainty<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d6e820a448263d47b436380cf8989cd8\">Definition<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a4094bf8b8fd013946ce32986a707dd5\">Measurement uncertainty expresses the possible margin of error around the measured result. It is essential for the correct interpretation of a measurement.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ac36fcc597cfea85b9785a8e6a387022\">Types of uncertainty<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11a8d932c8708650a3b2190314b20f89\">Type A uncertainty: estimated by statistical methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e5724406bce107a00e99aa526c8013bf\">Type B uncertainty: estimated from experience, instrument specifications, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6369d45fced3db51b065cc4124be3235\"><strong>Calibration and verification: two complementary concepts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a828a640ba49a431d379d10c0f6c61ae\"><strong>Calibration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c8c95b74ab457de73f5af0b29ee8ef18\"><strong>Calibration <\/strong> involves comparing a measuring instrument with a known, traceable reference, in order to determine any errors. It does not lead to acceptance or rejection. It is an essential part of any quality assurance plan.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8690d78ad726476db59ddac0a1d2f321\"><strong>Verification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e7918ad1d185c23d6e5e5d8f35b96ff5\"><strong>Verification <\/strong> is the process of ensuring that an instrument meets defined requirements. The result is a decision on whether or not the device conforms.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-869108a59ccfdd27db11b50e66a97da3\"><strong>Metrological traceability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fee412d81c1ff50399d41874a714d9e5\"><strong>What is traceability?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13eea2d532ab50946af1cc1a8b50e315\"><strong>Metrological traceability<\/strong> guarantees that a measurement can be linked to a national or international reference, via an unbroken chain of calibrations, each with its own uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-af14fad2695fd0af07e679acd69b8ee1\"><strong>Why is this crucial?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bc417e6d9355955f0638be77c950689d\">It enables :<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41a96082b22be444b187c41125f9406e\">Worldwide comparability of results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79c6653a7d2440d3d31b74836bc1f1ff\">Compliance with iso standards (such as ISO 9001 or ISO\/IEC 17025)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f27065f1f2ae0fd5619f059be1d11ca7\">Credibility of results in audits and certifications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9841ba8b42bec51c634779499fa9dde0\"><strong>Reference bodies in metrology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e5bd9936cc45e2688ebe57170d3aa105\"><strong>The BIPM (International Bureau of Weights and Measures)<\/strong> is responsible for defining and maintaining the International System of Units (SI).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4ade3f79ef11121d03d449db1137586a\"><strong>COFRAC (French Accreditation Committee)<\/strong> : accredits calibration laboratories in France.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8f7f7d1b6969fde375337ff3312d34f4\"><strong>LNE (National Laboratory for Metrology and Testing)<\/strong>: the national reference in measurement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-591cf4ce2df2afa926db797b65d5a725\"><strong>Case study: metrology vocabulary applied to control equipment <\/strong>ACRN<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b216553ffa20c120f384b5e18cafe623\">Let&#8217;s take the example of a <strong>motorized torquemeter<\/strong> used to check the torque applied to a bottle in the food industry :<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cc3ba9d625e82d6068df11b504d8fb1c\"><strong>Measurand<\/strong>: tightening torque in N-m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cb9f3ad6f5071298c3c9644e4cdec203\"><strong>Measuring instrument<\/strong>: torquemeter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1f7a460a2089a317a1ea1398263c0326\"><strong>Accuracy<\/strong>: difference between the measurement obtained and the set value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bcf864e790a8a27f120b70408d9194fe\"><strong>Calibration<\/strong>: carried out regularly with a certified reference.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a1ab6347fd82d4d43fc3ed401529eff7\"><strong>Traceability<\/strong>: ensured by a chain of calibration to a national standard.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p> Find out more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/torque-measurement\/\"><em>torque measurement solutions<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9052207b7d2cb94a08f1bcd3f918cc79\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cfb85adbef68e694575babb9f4ae1f2a\">Understanding the vocabulary of <strong>metrology <\/strong> is essential for any company concerned with quality and precision. Concepts such as measurement uncertainty, calibration and traceability are more than just technical terms: they guarantee process reliability and customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d8d6684b068109e7d0b92e4b9d45d622\">By making these concepts accessible, you&#8217;ll gain in autonomy in your quality procedures and in the efficiency of your controls.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the industrial world, metrology plays an essential role. It guarantees measurement reliability, product conformity and process performance. Yet its technical vocabulary may seem complex at first glance. This article offers a clear and accessible explanation of the main terms used in metrology, to help you better understand this precise and indispensable field. What is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":19673,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[332],"tags":[],"dipi_cpt_category":[],"class_list":["post-19677","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-our-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19677","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19677"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19677\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19677"},{"taxonomy":"dipi_cpt_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acrn.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dipi_cpt_category?post=19677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}