Industrial Terminology Glossary – C
Calibration involves the comparison of a measuring instrument with a known accurate standard to identify any discrepancies and make necessary adjustments. Read More…
Calibration Curve
A process model that is constructed primarily for the purpose of calibration, describing the relationship between two measurement scales and providing the means for conversion.
Calibration Error
The difference between the reading and actual measurement within a calibrated device. Also, errors in a reading caused specifically by misalignment of an instrument’s calibration constants.
A precision measuring tool used to gauge the thickness, width, diameter, or depth of an item. It consists of two adjustable legs or jaws that can be closed to secure the object under measurement. Read More…
Capability Study
A set of calculations used to assess whether a system is statistically able to meet a set of specifications or requirements.
Capacitance
The potential of a system to hold electric charge, measured in Farads.
Capacitance Meter
A piece of electronic test equipment used to measure capacitance, mainly of discrete capacitors.
Capacitor
An object or system which can store electrical energy. Typically, a component in an electrical circuit rated in Farads for its potential to hold a charge.
The maximum weight that can be accurately gauged. This metric determines the upper limit of a scale’s measuring ability, ensuring reliable and precise results. Read More…
A mechanical device that uses centrifugal force to separate materials based on their diverse densities. Read More…
Certificate of Conformance (NTEP Certificate of Conformance)
Certificate offered by the National Conference of Weights and Measurements which states that equipment complies with national standards
A chain hoist is a mechanical device used for raising and lowering loads through the use of a chain. Read More…
Chamfer Gage
A precision instrument designed specifically to measure the top (major) diameter of a chamfer, countersink, center drill, or tapered hole.
Chart Recorder
An instrument used to record various process and electrical signals. Traditionally, a paper chart with a marker or pen tip has been used to record such conditions as temperature, pressure and relative humidity over time, however newer versions are digital and can be remotely monitored with computer interfacing hardware and software.
An automated or manual device used for gauging the weight of packaged goods, verifying their conformity with predetermined weight parameters. Read More…
An electrical testing device designed to measure electric current without the need to interrupt the circuit. Read More…
Class III
Accuracy class for commercial items
Class IIIL
Accuracy class for vehicles and items over 30,000 pounds
CMR (Common-Mode Rejection)
The ability of a differential amplifier to not pass (reject) the portion of the signal common to both the + and – inputs.
CMV (Common-Mode Voltage)
The voltage between neutral point of the load and the system ground. Also, the voltage between neutral point of the load and the dc midpoint.
A process that evaluates the strength of the bond between a coating and its substrate. Read More…
Coaxiality
The tolerance for how closely the axis of one cylinder conforms to the axis of another cylinder.
Cold Junction Compensation
When measuring temperature using thermocouples, the process of compensating for the voltage created when the cold junction is not at 0°C.
A comprehensive process that involves the measurement and examination of the specific color attributes inherent in a material or object. Read More…
Combination Square
An adjustable device used as a tri-square, miter square, or level.
Combined Error
Maximum possible deviation from all the factors that can cause error
Commercially Pure (CP)
Usually considered to have impurities of not more than 1 part in 10,000.
Comp Loop
An extra pair of wires going to the tip of an RTD but not connected to the element, a novel way of lead wire resistance compensation.
A tool for measuring pressure that uses a dial to exhibit both positive and negative (vacuum) pressures. Read More…
Compression refers to the act of decreasing the spatial dimensions of a substance without altering its mass. Read More…
A specialized device used for measuring the amount of force needed to compress a given material. Read More…
Concentrated Load Capacity (CLC)
The maximum permissible weight that a weighbridge, a specialized platform for weighing vehicles and objects, can accommodate within a limited area. Read More…
The level of alignment between multiple circles, primarily within a 2D framework. It regulates the proximity of cylindrical, spherical, or conical cross-sections to a geometrically perfect circle. Read More…
Conductivity( Electrical)
The measure of how well a material can conduct electricity. It is the inverse of resistivity.
Conductivity (Thermal)
The measure of how well a material can conduct heat.
Conductivity Meter
A device that measures the amount of electrical current or conductance in a solution.
Connection Head (Environmental Monitoring Systems)
The link between the Process (conduit) and the Sensor, containing a terminal block for lead connections.
Control Drawing
A basic outline with engineering description, qualification requirements and equipment drawings.
Controller (Temperature/Pressure or other Process)
A device capable of receiving a signal from a sensing probe (temperature, pressure, humidity, etc.) within a process and regulating an input to that process in order to maintain selected environmental conditions (control point).
Conversion Rate
The number of analog-to-digital conversions performed per second by a Data Processing Machine.
Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
A precision device used for accurately assessing the geometric attributes of three-dimensional items. Read More…
Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid Salt Spray (CASS)
A method of corrosion resistance testing that involves adding acetic acid to a solution with salt used in salt spray tests. This method is much more corrosive than the ordinary salt spray method of testing.
Cornerload refers to the precise force or weight exerted upon an individual corner of a scale that incorporates multiple load cells. Read More…
Cornerload Error
The error associated with putting a weight on the corner or away from the center of a scale.
Corruccini Technique
A method of interpolation for a platinum RTD. This method is based on the measurement of two or three fixed points and their correlation to an NIST calibrated reference thermometer, essentially fitting the slope of the reference thermometer to the calibrated thermometer
Count/Counts (Scales and Scale Systems)
The numerical value representing the quantity of time intervals that are accumulated by the dual-slope analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Read More…
A scale, often of the benchtop variety, which has the capability to count individual pieces or units by weight. Read More…
A specialized instrument designed for the precise measurement of the weight of loads lifted by cranes or hoists. Read More…
Creep
The slight loss of tension (in-line) or clearance (hanging) when load is applied over time.
Creep Recovery
The gradual recovery of tension or clearance which has experienced creep.
Crest Factor
The ratio of the maximum (crest) value of a periodic function (AC voltage or current) to its RMS value.
Current
The rate of flow of electricity. Usually measured in Amperes.
Current Loop
An electrical setup that uses two conductors to send signals to a device. It can be used for analog signaling or supplying
Current Probe
Any of a variety of probes that senses the current flowing through a conductor and converts it to a voltage that can be viewed and measured on an oscilloscope or meter.
Current Shunt
A low-value resistive load with a known resistance value through which current flows. Voltage is measured across the shunt and used (along with the known resistance value) to calculate the current in a circuit using Ohm’s Law.
Current Transformer (CT)
An instrument accessory which detects current flow without breaking the circuit under test. An AC transformer, usually step-down; typical ratio listing would be 1000:1. This would indicate 1000A on the primary and 1A on the secondary. Also called Toroidal coil for process applications. Typical output is 5 AAC when full load current is applied to the system.
Cylindricity
Assesses how closely an object comes to a perfect cylinder, meaning that it is not only round, but also straight along its axis
