CTC Line Sensor Calibration Services
All CTC Line vibration sensors include a free CA10 calibration certificate upon shipment:
CA10: Single Point Calibration at 100 Hz, NIST Traceable
CTC takes the time to perform the rigorous array of tests that every product must go through before it may be qualified for shipment to a customer. This includes the standard calibration certification, bias voltage verification, and a helium soak leak test to ensure that the sensor is hermetically sealed.
We also offer CA10 recalibration services for CTC Line vibration sensors, for a fee of $50.00 USD per axis. (Please note, discounts cannot be applied to recalibration fees).
CTC Connect Line Wireless Sensor Calibration Services
All CTC WS Series ConnectSensTM wireless vibration monitoring sensors include the following calibration certificate upon shipment:
CW10: Single-point step calibration for wireless sensors at 100 Hz and a single-point temperature calibration at 20 °C. For triaxial wireless sensors, the 100 Hz calibration is performed on the Z axis.
Sending Your Sensor Back for Recalibration
If you wish to send a sensor back for recalibration, please submit for an RMA prior to returning your sensors.
All recalibration fees must be paid via credit card.
Calibration Policy
At CTC, we are committed to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of all calibrations performed in our laboratory by adhering to internationally recognized standards and best practices.
Certified to ISO 9001:2015
Our quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015.
Measurement Traceability (ISO 10012:2003 Compliant
Our laboratory maintains a measurement management system in accordance with ISO 10012:2003. All calibrations are traceable to NIST standards through an unbroken chain of comparisons, ensuring valid and reproducible results.
NIST Traceability
NIST traceability is maintained by calibrating all reference sensors annually through accredited calibration laboratories. These laboratories provide calibration certificates that establish an unbroken chain of traceability to NIST-maintained standards. By ensuring all reference sensors receive regular accredited calibration, CTC can guarantee that every calibration performed in our laboratory is based on up-to-date NIST-traceable standards.
Back-to-Back Calibration (ISO 16063-21:2003) Compliant
All CTC accelerometers and sensors are calibrated using the back-to-back comparison method as outlined in ISO 16063-21:2003. A calibrated reference sensor is used during each calibration to guarantee that measurement accuracy meets the highest industry standards.
Customer Frequency Response Verification - Important Notice
When using portable shakers to check the frequency response of a vibration sensor, results may differ from the values listed on the CTC calibration sheet or datasheet.
Please note that accurate frequency response verification is highly dependent on proper test methods and equipment and results provided by customers utilizing portable calibration shakers are not accepted for comparison purposes.
Understanding the Limits of Portable Shakers
There is a significant amount of science involved in vibration sensor calibration. Portable or handheld shakers are inherently limited compared to qualified laboratory systems. Measured deviations can occur due to several factors, including but not limited to:
- Sensor mass vs. shaker capability
Each shaker has a maximum sensor weight it can reliably excite across a frequency range. Exceeding this limit, which often occurs on portable shaker systems, can result in attenuated or distorted readings.
- Mounting method
Proper sensor mounting directly over the center of vibration with a thin layer of grease has a direct impact on transmissibility and measured response.
- Cable management
Improperly secured cables can add mass loading that affect vibration measurements, especially at higher frequencies on portable shaker systems.
- Shaker stability
True laboratory vibration shakers are rigidly mounted and mass-loaded (often bolted and weighted to the floor) to isolate the excitation system from environmental and structural vibrations. Portable shakers do not provide this same level of isolation, which can influence results during frequency sweeps.
Additional Sensor-Specific Considerations
Certain sensor designs introduced additional challenges during field verification:
- Industrial side-exit sensors
If the sensing element is not centered directly over the shaker's axis of vibration, measured values may differ from the calibrated performance.
- Industrial triaxial sensors
Due to case geometry, combined mass, and internal structure, it is extremely difficult to reliably measure the frequency response of triaxial sensors beyond approximately 500 Hz using permanent shaker systems. When using portable shaker systems, reliable data up to 500 Hz is extremely difficult and may not be possible.
Field Checks vs. Laboratory Calibration
If you are performing a field check and observing values that differ from calibration or datasheet specifications, please take into account the limitations and imperfections of running frequency sweeps outside of a controlled laboratory environment.
For verification under controlled conditions:
- Sensors may be returned to CTC via RMA for recalibration, where performance is evaluated in our qualified laboratory system to confirm compliance with specification.
- For replacement or refund consideration, CTC will accept test results from a a certified calibration laboratory.
Please note that CTC Customer Support cannot evaluate or make determinations based on data generated from portable shakers, including PCB Modal Shop shakers or similar field devices.
