“What’s the difference between ISO 10012 and ANSI Z540.3?” This is a question that gets raised when folks are trying to determine which calibration standard is best for them. And it’s also generated by those of you trying to decide what standard is your best replacement for the old MIL-STD-45662. Let’s take a look at each of these important calibration standards to see how they’re similar and different from each other.
First of all, let’s review the ISO 10012, “Measurement Management Systems – Requirements for Measurement Processes and Measuring Equipment.” This standard provides “generic requirements and … guidance for the management of measurement processes and metrological confirmation of measuring equipment…” You’ll use it to show that your equipment complies with specific tolerances (metrological requirements) and that your management system supports your calibration system.
The ISO 10012 covers the topics of management responsibility, resource management, metrological confirmation and realization of measurement processes and the analysis and improvement of your measurement management system. There’s also an informative Annex A that gives you an overview of the metrological confirmation process. The 26-page document also includes specific guidance throughout the body of the text, boxed information that clarifies various procedures.
The ANSI Z540.3, “Requirements for the Calibration of Measuring and Test Equipment,” is much more focused on calibration itself rather than the management of the same. So your sections (apart from the usual scope, referenced documents and definitions that both standards have) include information on:
- General Requirements
- Calibration system implementation
- Calibration system assessment and improvement
Detailed information is provided on such topics as records and data control, competence and training, calibration equipment and personnel, and so on. And as a final note on the document, the ANSI Z540.3 is the successor document to the old ANSI Z540.1.
Now we’ve taken a look at both the ISO 10012 and ANSI Z540.3. To wrap the discussion up, the ISO 10012 standard is more of a management overview of one’s calibration system whereas the ANSI Z540.3 is a focused document with specific requirements for the control of accuracy for calibrating measuring and test equipment. Either or both will make suitable replacements for the MIL-STD-45662, the old Mil Standard on calibration. You’ll want to choose between them based on your specific needs.
And where can you get your copies of either of these standards? From Document Center Inc., of course! We’re an authorized standards distributor based in Silicon Valley with over 30 years of experience in working with this type of conformance information. Use our online webstore, www.document-center.com, to order your standards publications when you need them. And here’s a link to the order page for ISO 10012 and the order page for ANSI Z540.3. Or contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com) when you need assistance. We’re your Standards Experts!
