Proficiency Tests Offered
HN Proficiency Testing, Inc. currently offers proficiency tests in the following areas:
Chemical Calibration
CO1 - Conductivity
This program involves the measurement of deviations in a Control Company 4360 Conductivity meter. The conductivity values are in the range of 10 µS/cm to 100 mS/cm and the reference uncertainty is 0.65 µS/cm to 0.2 mS/cm. This program is suitable for participants who calibrate conductivity meters, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
pH1 - pH Meter
This program involves the measurement of deviations in a Oaktron pH 150 pH meter. The pH values are in the range of 4 pH to 10 pH and the reference uncertainty is on the order of 0.01 pH. This program is suitable for participants who calibrate pH meters, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
Dimensional Calibration
AB1 - Angle Blocks
This package consists of angle blocks with the angles 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°. The blocks are made of steel.
Reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 14 arc seconds. This program is suitable for participants who measure angle, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
AN1 - Protractor
This package consists of a digital protractor. Angles to be measured are in the range of 0° to 315°.
Reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 3-4 arc minutes. This program is suitable for participants who calibrate protractors, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
GB1 - Gage Blocks
This package consists of 11 gage blocks in the range of 0.0625 in to 4 in. The package consists of both inch and metric blocks. 10 blocks are made of steel, the last block is made of ceramics.
Reference values are obtained by mechanical comparison and associated reference uncertainties are typically on the order of (2.5 + 0.8L) µin, where L is the nominal length of the gage block in inches. This program is suitable for participants who measure gage blocks by mechanical comparison, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
GB2 - Long Gage Blocks
This package consists of 3 steel gage blocks in the range of 8 in to 20 in. Two blocks are square, the last one is rectangular.
Reference values are obtained by mechanical comparison and associated reference uncertainties are typically on the order of (3 + 1L) µin, where L is the nominal length of the gage block in inches. This program is suitable for participants who measure long gage blocks by mechanical comparison, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
HE1 - Height Gage
This program involves the measurement of deviations in a 12 inch digital height gage.
Reference values are obtained by comparison to reference artifacts such as gage blocks and associated reference uncertainties are typically primarily limited by the resolution of the gage. This program is suitable for participants who calibrate height gages, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
HG1 - Hand Gages #1
This program involves the measurement of deviations in a 25 – 50 mm Micrometer, a 0 – 6 in Caliper and a 0 – 0.5 in Digital Indicator.
Reference values are obtained by comparison to reference artifacts such as gage blocks and associated reference uncertainties are typically primarily limited by the resolution of the gages. This program is suitable for participants who calibrate such gages, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
HG2 - Hand Gages #2
This program involves the measurement of deviations in a 0-1 in Micrometer with spherical anvils, a 0 – 6 in Dial Caliper and a -30 µm to +30 µm Dial Indicator.
Reference values are obtained by comparison to reference artifacts such as gage blocks and associated reference uncertainties are typically primarily limited by the resolution of the gages. This program is suitable for participants who calibrate such gages, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
MS1 - Micrometer Master (Setting) Rods
This package consists of a set of micrometer master (setting) rods in the range of 1 in to 20 in.
Reference values are obtained by mechanical
comparison and associated reference
uncertainties are typically on the order of 25 µin to 75 µin. This
program is suitable for participants who calibrate micrometer setting
rods or similar length standards, whose uncertainties are not
significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and
who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
PG1 - Plain Plug Gages
This program involves the measurement of the outside diameter of plain plug gages in the range 0.1 - 1.5 inches. Reference values are obtained by mechanical comparison and associated reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 18 - 30 µin. This program is suitable for participants who measure plain plug gages by mechanical comparison or similar methods, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
RG1 - Ring Gages
This program involves the measurement of the inside diameter of plain ring gages in the range 0.25 – 4 inches.
Reference values are obtained by mechanical comparison and associated reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 10 – 20 μin. This program is suitable for participants who measure plain ring gages by mechanical comparison or similar methods, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
SF1 - Surface Finish
This package consists of 3 surfaces in the range of 0.1 µm Ra to 3 µm Ra (4 µin Ra to 120 µin Ra). The measurands include Ra and Rz parameters at 0.25 mm (.010 in) and 0.8 mm (.030 in) cut off.
Reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 0.003 µm to 0.3 µm, depending on the surface and the parameter. This program is suitable for participants who measure surface finish, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
SP1 - Surface Plate
This package consists of a 12 inch by 18 inch surface plate. The measurands are the heights at specific points in the surface map and the repeat reading of the plate.
Reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 20 µin to 40 µin. This program is suitable for participants who measure surface plates, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
SR1 - Steel Rule
This package consists of a 12 inch steel rule with 1/50" and 1/100" graduation.
Reference uncertainties are typically on the order of .0003 in to .0005 in. This program is suitable for participants who measure steel rules, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
TP1 - Thread Plug Gages
This program involves the measurement of the major diameter and pitch diameter of thread plug gages in the range 2 mm – 1.5 inches. Reference values are obtained by mechanical measurement including the 3-wire method for the pitch diameter.
The associated reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 30 – 100 μin. This program is suitable for participants who measure thread plug gages using similar methods, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
This package consists of 4 thread plug gages and contains both inch and metric gages.
TR1 - Adjustable Thread Ring Gages
This program involves the indirect measurement of the pitch diameter of an M14-1.5 adjustable thread ring. The ring is supplied with 3 master thread plug gages. In the test, participants shall determine which master plug best fits the thread ring as set. Participants shall then calibrate the master plug and from their measurement of the master plug determine the pitch diameter of the adjustable ring. The participant uncertainty will presumably be a combination of the uncertainty of the calibration of the master plug and the "feel" for which plug fits the adjustable ring best. The reference uncertainties are in the 2-5 µm range. This program is suitable for participants who set adjustable thread ring gages using similar methods, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
TW1 - Thread Wires
This package consists of 12 thread wires (4 sets) in the range from 6 to 48 TPI in both inch and metric.
This program involves the measurement of the effective diameter of thread wires in the range 0.01 – 0.1 inches and calculation of the corresponding wire constants.
Reference values are obtained by mechanical comparison. The associated reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 5 μin. This program is suitable for participants who measure thread wires using similar methods, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
Electrical Calibration
CL1 - Clamp Meter
The artifact is a Fluke 376 FC clamp meter. This program is suitable for participants who source current at these levels and/or calibrate clamp meters, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
This program involves sourcing:
DC Current (10 A – 975 A);
AC Current (100 A - 975 A @ 50 Hz).;
The associated reference uncertainties are on the order of:
0.22 A – 5.6 A DC;
0.64 A - 5 A AC.
CP2 - Decade Capacitor
This program involves the calibration of a decade capacitor with a range of 50 pF to 1 µF.
This program is suitable for participants who measure capacitance.
DMM4 - Digital Multimeter
The artifact is an Agilent 34410a, a 6½ digit DMM. This program is suitable for participants who source these electrical quantities and/or calibrate multimeters, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
This program involves sourcing:
DC Volts (50 mV – 750V);
DC Current (80 mA – 1A);
DC Resistance (1 kOhm – 10 MOhm);
AC Volts (1V – 500V @ 100 Hz – 50 kHz);
AC Current (1 A @ 1 kHz).
The associated reference uncertainties are on the order of:
0.9 µV – 5.5 mV DC;
0.004 mA – 0.12 mA DC;
9 mOhm – 0.8 kOhm.;
0.1 mV – 50 mV AC
0.3 mA AC.
DMM5 - Digital Multimeter
The artifact is a Fluke 8846A, a 6½ digit DMM. This program is suitable for participants who source these electrical quantities and/or calibrate multimeters, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
This program involves sourcing:
DC Volts (50 mV – 750 V);
DC Current (80 mA – 1.9 A);
DC Resistance (1 kOhm – 10 MOhm);
AC Volts (1V – 500V @ 100 Hz – 50 kHz);
AC Current (1 A - 1.9 A @ 1 kHAC Current (1 A - 1.9 A @ 1 kHz);
Capacitance (10nF - 100 µf);
Frequency (30 Hz - 290 kHz).
The associated reference uncertainties are
on the order of:
0.0013 mV – 0.0055 V DC;
0.004 mA – 0.82 mA DC;
10 mOhm – 0.35 kOhm;
0.1 mV – 68 mV AC;
0.3 mA - 0.6 mA AC;
0.01 nF - 0.4 µF
0.1 mHz - 1 Hz.
MW1 - Microwave Attenuator Calibration
This program involves the measurement of the attenuation characteristics of a set of microwave attenuators with type N connectors. The measuring range is -3 dB to -20 dB at 300 MHz to 18 GHz. Reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 0.03 dB - 0.05 dB. This program is suitable for participants who calibrate microwave attenuators or measure microwave attenuation, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
The artifacts are a set of 4 Agilent 8491B Attenuators.
OC1 - Oscilloscope
This program involves the calibration of an oscilloscope. The parameters measured include: DC gain, vertical bandwidth, time base deviation and vertical position deviation.
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate oscilloscope functions.
RE1 - Resistance Measurement
This program involves the measurement of a set of IET Labs Model SRX standard resistors. The resistance values are 10 Ohm, 1.9 kOhm and 1 MOhm the reference uncertainty is on the order of 10 ppm. This program is suitable for participants who measure resistance, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
RF1 - RF Power Sensor Calibration
This program involves the determination of the calibration factor for a RF Power Sensor calibrated at 1 mW input power, referenced to 50 MHz at 1 mW. Calibration factors are to be determined in the range 10 MHz to 18 GHz. Reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 1.5%. This program is suitable for participants who calibrate RF power sensors and whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
The artifact is an Agilent 8481A Power Sensor
TS3/TS4 - Temperature Simulation/Process Calibrator
(Electrical Calibration)
The two tests are identical. Test object for these tests is a Fluke 724 Thermocouple Simulator.
This program involves sourcing electrical signals to simulate thermocouple types J (-200°C to 725°C), K (-200°C to 1100°C) and T (-200°C to 400°C) as well as 3-wire RTDs (-180°C to 750°C). In addition this program involves sourcing Voltage (80 mV to 24 V), current (4 mA to 20 mA) and resistance (50 Ohms to 700 Ohms). The associated reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 0.07°C to 0.15°C for the temperature simulations and primarily limited by the resolution of the artifact for the pure electrical measurements.
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate temperature-indicating devices by electrical simulation and process calibrators, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
VA2 - Volt and Ampere Measurement
The artifact is a Yokogawa 2553A calibrator. This program is suitable for participants who measure these electrical quantities, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
This program involves sourcing and measuring:
DC Volts (5 mV – 29V);
DC Current (0.4 mA – 90 mA).
The associated reference uncertainties are on the order of:
1.2 µV – 0.3 mV DC;
0.6 µA – 5 µA DC.
Physical Calibration
FG1 - Force Gage - Tension/Compression
This program involves the calibration of a 110 lbs force gage in both compression and tension.
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate force gages by generating compression and/or tension force.
FG2 - Force Gage - Tension/Compression
This program involves the calibration of a 4400 lbs force gage in both compression and tension.
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate force gages by generating compression and/or tension force.
HR2 - Rockwell C Hardness
This program involves the measurement of Rockwell C hardness of hardness blocks.
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate Rockwell C hardness blocks. Indirectly, it is als suitable for participants who calibrate Rockwell C hardness testers.
MA2 - Mass Measurement
This package consists of 12 ASTM class 3 weights in the range of 1 g to 500 g.
Reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 1.7 µg to 26 µg. This program is suitable for participants who measure or calibrate mass, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
PR1 - Pressure Gage Calibration
This package consists of a pressure gage with a measuring range of 75 psi to 750 psi.
Reference uncertainties are primarily limited by the resolution of the instrument (0.1 psi). This program is suitable for participants who calibrate pressure gages, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
PR2 - Pressure Gage Calibration
This package consists of a pressure gage with a measuring range of 1000 psi to 9800 psi.
Reference uncertainties are primarily limited by the resolution of the instrument (1 psi). This program is suitable for participants who calibrate pressure gages, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
PV1 - Pressure and Vacuum Combination Gage Calibration
This package consists of a combination vacuum/pressure gage with a measuring range of -14 psi to +15 psi.
Reference uncertainties are primarily limited by the resolution of the instrument (0.02 psi). This program is suitable for participants who calibrate vacuum and/or pressure gages, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
TQ2/TQ3 - Torque Wrench Calibration
These packages are identical and each consists of 3 torque wrenches with test points in the range of 20 in-lb to 100 ft-lb.
Reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 0.5% - 1.5% of reading. This program is suitable for participants who calibrate torque wrenches, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
Temperature Calibration
HU1 - Humidity - No Salt
This program involves the calibration of a humidity sensor. This program is suitable for participants who calibrate humidity sensors using humidity chambers.
This sensor cannot be calibrated using saturated salts. If you use saturated salts, select HU2 instead.
HU2 - Humidity - Saturated Salt
This program involves the calibration of a humidity sensor.
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate humidity sensors using saturated salts.
If you using a humidity chamber, consider selecting HU1.
TE1 - 1/8" PRT Thermometer
This program involves the calibration of a Fluke 5618B PRT temperature sensor attached to a Fluke 1523 readout. The test points are in the range of -30°C to +300°C. Reference uncertainties are on the order of 0.02°C to 0.04°C.
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate temperature sensors by generating temperature, e.g. in a stirred bath.
If you can accomodate a 1/4" sensor, consider the TE3 test instead.
If your uncertainty is 0.5°C or above, consider the TE4 test instead.
TE2 - IR Thermometer
This program involves the calibration of a Fluke 68 IR thermometer in the range of 0°C to 500°C.
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate IR thermometers with black bodies.
TE3 - 1/4" PRT Thermometer
This program involves the calibration of a Fluke 5616 PRT temperature sensor attached to a Fluke 1523 readout. The test points are in the range of -30°C to +300°C. Reference uncertainties are on the order of 0.02°C to 0.04°C.
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate temperature sensors by generating temperature, e.g. in a stirred bath.
If you need a 1/8" sensor, consider the TE1 test instead.
If your uncertainty is 0.5°C or above, consider the TE4 test instead.
TE4 - Type K Thermocouple Thermometer Calibration
This program involves the calibration of a Type K themocouple with a Fluke 51 II readout unit.
The test points range from 100°F to 482°F (about 38°C to 250°C. The reference uncertainties are 0.2°F to 0.6°F.
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate temperature sensors by generating temperature, but do not need the accuracy of a PRT test.
Time and Frequency Calibration
FQ1 - Frequency Measurement
This program involves the measurement of the frequency of a 10 MHz oscillator.
SW1 - Stop Watch
This program involves the calibration of a stop watch.
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate stop watches and timers.
TM1 - Tachometer (frequency) Calibration
This program involves the calibration of a combination mechanical/optical tachometer in the
range up to 95,000 RPM (optical) and up to 7,500 RPM (mechanical). Reference
uncertainties are primarily limited by the resolution of the instrument (0.1 or 1 RPM depending on test point).
This program is suitable for participants who calibrate tachometers optically or mechanically or
source frequency, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference
uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the method of the ISO GUM.
Dimensional Inspection
DI1 - 1D Dimensional Inspection (For example using calipers, micrometers and/or surface plates and height stands)
This program involves the measurement of sizes and inside and outside diameters of steel artifacts, blocks, rods, pins and a ring in the range of 0.2 inches to 4 inches. The associated reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 3 – 20 µin. This program is suitable for participants who measure machined work pieces using hand gages such as micrometers, calipers, height gages and indicators, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the ISO GUM method.
DI2 - 2D Dimensional Inspection
(For example using Optical CMMs, Microscopes, Optical Comparators and/or
Surface Plates and Height Gages)
This program involves the measurement of distances, locations and inside and outside diameters of a steel artifact with the approximate dimensions 150x100x35 mm. Reference values are obtained by CMM measurement. The associated reference uncertainties are typically on the order of 2 – 3 µm. This program is suitable for participants who measure 2D machined work pieces using Optical CMMs, Microscopes with X-Y stages, optical comparators, surface plates and height gages or by any other means, whose uncertainties are not significantly smaller than the typical reference uncertainties, and who calculate their uncertainties per the ISO GUM method.
CMM1 - CMM Measurement
This package is our first "premium" proficiency test. It is more elaborate than the other tests available:
Test artifact:
1.5 liter cast iron engine block weighing about 70 lbs.
Test sub-sections:
- Section 1:
- All measurements can be made with a straight-down probe. All measuring points are defined.
- Section 2:
- Requires either an articulating probe or a multiple tip probe cluster. All measuring points are defined.
- Section 3:
- Requires either an articulating probe or a multiple tip probe cluster. Only the features to be measured are defined (you have to decide how many points to take and where).
Test time:
Each participant has two weeks including shipping time to complete the test. You can either measure the artifact in one week and use surface shipping or take more time for the measurement and use more expensive air shipping.
