Accelerometer Interlaboratory Comparison Program

Why participate in an ILC Program?

1. Compare test methodology with other labs
2. Proof of competence to stakeholders (clients, leadership)
3. Increased metrology confidence
4. Required for ISO 17025 accreditation

Why The Modal Shop?

1. The Modal Shop was originally conceived over 30 years ago as a system and service center of excellence to complement PCB Piezotronics’ sensor product offerings.
2. Our calibration scientists provide years of expertise and understand quality and standards, even participating at the highest levels as leading contributors of global standards for dynamic sensor calibration.
3. The Modal Shop is the world leader in dynamic sensor calibration systems, providing the largest range of calibration systems.
4. Our 9155D-based vibration calibration system is a global standard for vibration metrology, providing flexible options and superior performance characteristics coupled with incredible ease of use.
5. Education and Engagement with the metrology community is a key component of our success: browse our Calibration site for technical papers and videos, or join the thousands of recipients in our monthly Dynamic Sensors & Calibration Tips newsletter –  sign up and check out the article archive here! 
6. Our customers love us. We are a real company brimming with real empathetic engineers! We believe the phone should be answered by a person and stand behind our Total Customer Satisfaction core value – this is not boring company rhetoric about a warranty or refund policy.

The Modal Shop's Interlaboratory Comparison Program (ILC) is designed to help laboratories achieve confidence in vibration calibration results, validate reliable uncertainty levels and meet ISO/IEC 17025 certification requirements. Interlaboratory Comparison reporting allows metrology centers to compare the results of their systems, practices and processes to other proficient calibration laboratories across the world. Proficiency testing has its own standard - ISO 17043, and include both Normalized Error (En) and Z-Score (statistical deviation)

Accelerometer can be very fragile if not handled appropriately! Therefore, The Modal Shop utilizes a quantitative Sequential Participation System in a Petal Test configuration where units are returned to our lab to be tested between each participant lab.

With both anonymous participation and blind results, the program withholds participant names and specific information from other report participants. Any vibration metrology lab may join, regardless of the type of calibration system being used. Participation in a comparison program is frequently required to receive and retain accreditation to standards such as ISO 17025, through institutions such as A2LA, PTB, UKAS and ACLASS.

Upon ordering appropriate ILC Program service codes from the table below, the steps are straightforward:

1. Accelerometer(s) to calibrate are sent to your lab with detailed description of how to perform calibration (including test frequency points, Data Collection Worksheet, etc) to ensure proper comparison with other participants
2. Participant emails completed Data Collection Worksheets to The Modal Shop
3. Participant returns accelerometer(s) to The Modal Shop
4. The Modal Shop provides report detailing and comparing your results with several different laboratories

Participants also have the opportunity for expert discussion on practices, variances and process improvements.

Although any vibration metrology lab may join regardless of the type of calibration system being used, Accelerometer Calibration Workstations Model 9155D Service Contract and Service Plan holders are granted access access to the Program at no additional charge!