Micrometers
Outside, inside, and depth micrometers calibrated across their full range using gauge blocks and optical flats. We verify accuracy to manufacturer specifications and applicable standards.
NIST traceableISO 1702524–72 hour turnaround
Dimensional calibration services for the instruments that define your part quality.
Orbital Metrology provides NIST-traceable dimensional calibration for micrometers, calipers, height gauges, gauge blocks, CMMs, and dial indicators — with 24 to 72 hour turnaround targets for teams in Greater Seattle and nationwide.
Understanding the discipline
What is dimensional calibration?
Dimensional calibration verifies that instruments measuring physical length, distance, and geometry — micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and CMMs — produce accurate, traceable measurements. A micrometer that reads 0.5000" when the true dimension is 0.5003" introduces a systematic error into every part it measures.
The calibration process compares each instrument's readings against calibrated reference standards — typically gauge blocks or calibrated artefacts — at multiple points across the measurement range. Results are documented with measurement uncertainty per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
Orbital Metrology performs dimensional calibration using gauge blocks traceable to NIST, environmental controls for thermal stability, and documented procedures that satisfy aerospace, defense, and medical device audit requirements.
Instruments we calibrate
Dimensional instruments across every tolerance.
From handheld micrometers on a shop floor to CMMs in a climate-controlled inspection room, Orbital calibrates the dimensional instruments that define part acceptance.
Calipers
Digital, dial, and vernier calipers calibrated for length, depth, and internal measurements. Full-range verification against gauge block standards with documented measurement uncertainty.
Height Gauges
Electronic and mechanical height gauges verified across their full travel using gauge blocks and surface plates. Repeatability and accuracy checks at multiple test points.
Gauge Blocks
Grade 0, Grade K, and workshop gauge blocks calibrated using interferometric or comparison methods. Length, flatness, parallelism, and surface finish verification.
Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs)
CMM volumetric accuracy verification using calibrated artefacts, step gauges, and ball bars. Performance testing per ISO 10360 with documented measurement uncertainty.
Dial Indicators and Test Indicators
Dial indicators, test indicators, and digital indicators calibrated for accuracy, repeatability, and hysteresis across full measurement ranges.
Why dimensional calibration matters
Every dimension starts with a measurement. Make sure it is right.
Part acceptance
Dimensional measurements determine whether parts pass or fail inspection. A micrometer that reads 0.001" off can accept out-of-tolerance parts or reject good ones — both cost money and risk field failures.
Audit readiness
Aerospace primes, AS9100 registrars, and defense contracts require documented calibration of all dimensional instruments. Missing or expired calibrations create audit non-conformances that halt production.
Process control
Dimensional calibration data trends reveal wear, drift, and environmental effects before they produce scrap. Trending calibration data is a proactive quality tool, not just a compliance checkbox.
NIST traceability
Every Orbital dimensional calibration traces back to NIST through calibrated gauge blocks and reference standards maintained on documented intervals. The traceability chain appears on every certificate so your quality team can verify it during audits without chasing paperwork.
NIST traceability is the foundation of dimensional measurement credibility. Without it, your inspection data cannot support PPAP submissions, first article reports, or AS9100 compliance.
ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
Orbital Metrology operates under ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for calibration laboratories. Our dimensional methods, environmental controls, reference standards, and personnel are independently evaluated to ensure competence.
ISO 17025 accredited dimensional calibration results are defensible under regulatory scrutiny. Auditors, primes, and customers accept them as evidence that your measurement chain is under control.
The turnaround advantage
24–72 hours, not 2–3 weeks.
The industry standard for dimensional calibration turnaround is ten to fifteen business days. For a machine shop with production deadlines, that means critical inspection tools are offline for nearly a month.
Orbital targets 24 to 72 hour bench turnaround for standard dimensional calibration. Your instruments are on the bench the day they arrive.
Fast bench turnaround
Standard dimensional calibration completed within 24 to 72 hours. CMM verification may take slightly longer — we communicate the timeline upfront.
Same-day certificates
Calibration certificates are issued the same day calibration is completed — no waiting days for paperwork to clear a back-office queue.
No production hold
Fast turnaround means your inspection stations and shop floor instruments are back in service quickly. Production schedules stay on track.
No quality compromise
Speed does not mean shortcuts. Every calibration follows documented procedures with full NIST traceability and uncertainty statements.
Industries served
Dimensional calibration for precision-critical manufacturing.
Orbital supports teams where calibrated dimensional instruments are the foundation of part quality and production acceptance.
Aerospace manufacturing
Tight-tolerance machined parts, composite structures, and assembly fixtures that require calibrated dimensional instruments and CMM verification for every production lot.
Precision machining
Job shops and production machine shops where micrometers, calipers, and indicators are the primary inspection tools — and calibration is the foundation of dimensional integrity.
Tool and die
Mold makers, die makers, and fixture builders who depend on accurate dimensional instruments to hold tolerances that determine fit, function, and tool life.
Medical device manufacturing
FDA-regulated manufacturers where dimensional instruments must be calibrated per 21 CFR Part 820 and calibration records must support design history file documentation.
Request dimensional calibration
Send the instrument list. Get the calibration route.
Share your dimensional instrument list, due dates, and documentation requirements. Orbital will confirm the calibration scope, turnaround target, and pickup logistics — typically within one business day.
Turnaround target
24–72 hours for standard dimensional calibration
Service radius
Greater Seattle / nationwide via shipping