Proficiency Testing — Universal Testing Machine(Interlaboratory Comparison — Force Calibration)
ISO/IEC 17043-aligned proficiency testing scheme for universal testing machine (UTM) calibration — circulated reference artefacts, ISO 13528 statistical evaluation (En / z-scores), and confidential performance reports for NABL-accredited and aspiring calibration laboratories.
What is the Proficiency Testing — Universal Testing Machine Scheme?
Under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (clause 7.7), every accredited calibration laboratory must monitor the validity of its results by participating in proficiency testing (PT) — and NABL expects documented, satisfactory PT participation across the accredited scope. Global Lab operates an ISO/IEC 17043:2023-aligned interlaboratory comparison scheme for universal testing machine (UTM) calibration: a characterised artefact travels between participating labs, each calibrates it by their normal method, and results are evaluated statistically against the assigned reference value.
Force is the highest-stakes measurand in materials testing — a UTM calibration bias propagates into every tensile and compression certificate a lab signs. The scheme measurand covers force calibration of UTMs in tension and compression against proving devices, with results reported at the standard force steps across the participating machine class ranges. Each participant receives a confidential performance report — En numbers and z-scores per ISO 13528 — through our Live PT Program portal, with anonymised group statistics and corrective-action guidance where performance flags arise.
How the Proficiency Testing — Universal Testing Machine is Conducted
- 1
Enrolment
The laboratory enrols for the universal testing machine (UTM) scheme round through the Live PT Program portal and receives the scheme protocol. - 2
Artefact Receipt
The characterised artefact arrives per the circulation schedule with handling instructions and condition-check requirements. - 3
Calibration by Your Method
Your lab calibrates the circulated force-proving artefact (or machine, per protocol) using its normal ISO 7500-1 / IS 1828 procedure and records results with uncertainties. - 4
Result Submission
Results with claimed uncertainties are submitted through the portal by the round deadline. - 5
Statistical Evaluation
Submissions are evaluated against the assigned value per ISO 13528 — En numbers and z-scores computed per measurement point. - 6
Performance Report
A confidential report with your performance flags and anonymised group statistics is issued; corrective-action guidance follows any unsatisfactory result.
Applicable Test Standards
| Standard | Title | Scope | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO/IEC 17043:2023 | Conformity Assessment — General Requirements for the Competence of Proficiency Testing Providers | PT Scheme Operation | International |
| ISO 13528:2022 | Statistical Methods for Use in Proficiency Testing by Interlaboratory Comparison | En / z-Score Evaluation | International |
| ISO/IEC 17025:2017 | Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories (Clause 7.7) | Participation Requirement | International |
| ISO 7500-1 / IS 1828 (Pt 1) | Static Uniaxial Testing Machines — Verification and Calibration of the Force-Measuring System | Calibration Method Context | Method Standard |