At Taylor Instrument Services, we’re often asked to explain the difference between traceable calibration and UKAS calibration — and which is more appropriate for a given application.
Traceable calibration provides assurance that measurements can be traced back to national or international standards through an unbroken chain of comparisons. It’s cost-effective, fast, and suitable for the vast majority of industrial and commercial uses. Certificates include measured values and tolerances, and are fully audit-compliant for most quality systems.
UKAS calibration involves a more rigorous, standardised process conducted by laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. It includes expanded uncertainty measurements, full procedural traceability, and is often required in highly regulated industries such as aerospace, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and medical device production.
For many of our clients — including those in manufacturing, utilities, and facilities management — traceable calibration offers the right balance of precision and efficiency. Where a UKAS certificate is required, we maintain strong relationships with accredited partners and can manage the full process on your behalf.