Why Do we need Calibration?

Measurements have an impact on nearly every aspect of modern life, from the humble paper clip to the complicated systems required for space flight and everything in between.

Now, some people may say “My instrument is electronic, why do I need to have it calibrated, there are no mechanical things to wear out”, this is true there may not be any mechanical bits to wear out, but unfortunately electronics and the values of the components change (wear) with time.

So let’s imagine you’re making measurements on the precision or expensive process with an instrument that is giving incorrect readings, this could, and will probably be costly to remedy, and may even make the end product/process unsafe.
Or, two instruments are being used for logging and trending data for maintenance purposes, but both instruments are giving different results….which one is correct?… Without a current valid calibration certificate with adequate measurement uncertainties, we could never be sure.