Pressure Scan Valve Calibration: In-House vs Third-Party Services

Your pressure scan valve is the backbone of accurate pressure measurements—but even the best equipment drifts over time. The question is: Should you calibrate it in-house or outsource to a third party? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

In-house calibration works if you have:

A dedicated lab space with stable temperature/humidity (±2°C, 30–60% RH).

Certified reference standards (e.g., deadweight testers traceable to NIST).

Trained technicians who understand ISO 17025 requirements.

It’s faster for routine checks—no shipping delays—and better for high-frequency users (e.g., daily testing in manufacturing). Costs upfront are higher (equipment can run $10k–$50k), but long-term savings add up for busy labs.

Third-party services shine when:

Your volume is low (e.g., quarterly calibrations).

You need specialized certifications (e.g., aerospace-grade AS9100).

Your team lacks expertise in complex calibrations (e.g., high-pressure models >10,000 psi).

They bring impartiality, which matters for audits, and access to advanced equipment (like automated calibration rigs) that most labs can’t justify buying. Just factor in lead time—2–4 weeks is typical, so plan tests around it.

Key considerations:

Uncertainty tolerance: Critical tests (e.g., medical device validation) need third-party reports with <0.02% uncertainty. Routine industrial checks may accept in-house results with <0.1%.

Frequency: High-use valves (daily operation) need monthly checks; occasional use can wait 6 months.

Cost: In-house kits start at $5k for basic models; third-party services run $200–$800 per calibration, plus shipping.

Our take: For most mid-sized labs, a hybrid approach works best. Do monthly in-house checks for drift using a reference standard, then annual third-party calibrations to reset accuracy and maintain certification.

What’s your calibration schedule? Let us know if you’ve found a system that balances speed and compliance.