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Physical Measurement Laboratory /Quantum Measurement Division

Mass and Force Group

The Group provides traceability for the SI units of mass and force, measurement services, and research in support of the U.S. industry, government, and scientific community.

The group also

  • Provides appropriate leadership and input to embody strong representation of U.S. interests and technology at national, regional, and international standards organizations in the fields of mass and force metrology.
  • Carries out research and development and provides technical support in measurement science, instrumentation design, development, and testing to develop new physical measurement services, new realization of the units, new transfer standards, new methods and data, custom tests, and consulting for mass and force metrology to improve NIST capabilities for accomplishing the first two items above to meet the needs and demands of U.S. industry, government, and the scientific community and to improve public health and welfare.
  • Provides technical support for legal metrology and to assist industry with the characterization of force transducers used in discrete parts manufacturing. deadweight machine images

Learn more about mass calibrations after the SI Redefinition >>

News and Updates

Opposite sides of a quartz crystal resonator

Universe in the Balance

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have found a way to link measurements made by a device integral to microchip
worker wearing hearing protection

Exactly how loud is that jackhammer?

When a jackhammer starts pounding outside your window at 7 o’clock on a Monday morning, you might find it annoying. For the worker who is running that

Industry Impacts

A man in a hardhat standing on top of the million-pound weight stack with a person standing at the bottom.

Massive Forces for Heavy Industry

Measuring large forces, such as the thrust of a rocket engine or the deflection of an aircraft wing, requires well-calibrated force sensors. NIST’s unique

Projects and Programs

SI base units

Calibration of Force Transducers

NIST provides calibration services for force-measuring instruments by applying known forces, compression, tension or both, to the elastic transducer and
traceability chain

Calibration of Mass Standards

NIST maintains the national standard for mass in the form of the prototype kilograms (K4, K20, K79, K92, and K102) and provides services to support the parts of

Publications

Contacts

Group Leader