Mass Metrology Seminar

The Mass Metrology Seminar is a two-week, "hands-on" seminar. It incorporates approximately 30 percent lectures and 70 percent demonstrations and laboratory work in which the trainee performs measurements by applying procedures and equations discussed in the classroom. The seminar focuses on the comprehension and application of the procedures, the equations, and calculations involved. The seminar includes the operation of the laboratory equipment, review of publications, standards, specifications, and tolerances relevant to the measurements. Training covers mass calibration procedures published in NISTIR 6969 and are suitable for the calibration of mass standards to OIML R111 Class M and F tolerances, ASTM classes 1 through 7 and NIST HB 105-1 Class F. Training is provided to enable the participant to correctly identify and implement the correct calibration process for each weight classification. The entire seminar incorporates statistical analysis, process measurement control methods, uncertainty analyses and generation of ISO/IEC 17025 compliant calibration reports for all measurements made during the seminar.

Participants are STRONGLY recommended to provide a notebook computer for the Mass Metrology Seminar and to be well trained in the development and use of spreadsheets for complex repetitive calculations. Participants must have administrative rights for the computer so that that files can be transferred to and from it as required by the seminar exercises through the use of USB memory sticks or CD-ROMs. Completing the course using only a calculator is possible but will be difficult!

Availability of a scientific calculator (minimum 12 digits) and familiarity with its operation is required. Laboratory Auditing Program (LAP) problems are assigned at the completion of the course to those metrologists who participate in the NIST OWM State Laboratory Program. Acceptable completion of the problems is required for NIST Office of Weights and Measures laboratory Recognition in support of mass calibrations. (See Handbook 143, Program Handbook training requirements.)

Prerequisites

Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Metrology Seminar is a prerequisite for the Mass Metrology Seminar. The mass metrology seminar is built on the concepts learned during the Fundamentals of Metrology Seminar, applying units, measurement uncertainty, measurement assurance, traceability and Quality Management System concepts to the mass calibration procedures.

Successful Completion

Successful completion requires that participants fully participate in all classroom and laboratory exercises, turn in or present accurate work assignments, and be present for the entire course.

Cost

The current fee is $3,590 which does NOT include meals, lodging, or travel expenses. State weights and measures metrologists are funded by NIST OWM.

Be prepared to show a government issued picture identification at the NIST Visitor Center to gain access to the NIST Campus.

NIST OWM has a number of other training opportunities scheduled. For more information:

• OWM training schedule
• OWM Lab Metrology Group Training page
• Request training using the Weights and Measures Contact Management System