Metrology
Metrology lab setup in Vietnam: equipment list, environment and audit evidence
An in-house metrology lab at a Vietnamese factory needs four things: reference standards one level above the instruments they check, a controlled environment, documented traceability to an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory, and a schedule. Lost in HCM supplies the equipment, coordinates the accredited calibration of your references, and provides loaners so production instruments never queue.
Decide the scope first: verification room or accredited lab?
- Internal verification room (most FDI plants). Checks production instruments against in-house references; references are calibrated externally by an accredited lab. No accreditation required; auditors want traceability and records.
- Accredited internal lab (large sites, automotive/aerospace). The plant’s own lab applies for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation (in Vietnam through BoA/VILAS). Requires uncertainty budgets, proficiency testing and a quality system — a 12–18-month project.
Core equipment list by discipline
| Discipline | Reference / working standard | Typical model | Rent or buy? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical (DMM, PSU, clamp meters) | Multifunction calibrator + 6½-digit reference DMM | Fluke 5522A / 5730A; Keysight 34465A / 3458A | Buy the DMM; rent the calibrator quarterly if volume is low |
| Process (transmitters, gauges, RTDs) | Documenting process calibrator, pressure modules | Fluke 754, Fluke 719Pro | Rent during commissioning, buy for maintenance |
| Temperature | Dry-block calibrator, reference PRT, readout | Fluke 9142 / 1524 | Buy |
| Torque | Electronic torque tester, transducers, weight sets | Snap-on TTC / CDI bench testers | Buy — see torque control |
| Dimensional | Gauge blocks, ring/plug gauges, surface plate, height gauge | Grade 1 / Grade 0 sets | Buy |
| Time / frequency (RF labs) | Frequency counter, GPS-disciplined reference | Keysight 53230A | Rent |
| Oscilloscope checks | Oscilloscope calibrator or scope option on calibrator | Fluke 5522A-SC600 | Rent as needed |
| Environment | Temperature/humidity logger, particle counter (if cleanroom) | Testo 174H / Fluke 1620A | Buy |
Environment and layout
- Target 20 ± 2 °C and 40–60 % RH for dimensional and electrical work; log continuously and keep the records for audits.
- Separate the receiving/cleaning bench from the measurement bench; isolate from vibration sources (presses, compressors).
- Dedicated clean power and grounding for electrical references; ESD control where electronic assemblies are handled.
- Label and store standards in a lockable cabinet with a visual control layout — see tool control.
Traceability and records
- Reference standards: calibrated by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory, with uncertainty stated on the certificate. and track due dates.
- Working instruments: calibrated in-house against references, using written procedures and recorded results; or sent out with a loaner in place — calibration loaner program.
- Legal metrology: Group-2 instruments under Vietnam’s Law on Measurement (2011) must be verified (kiểm định) by an authorised body regardless of internal calibration — confirm your list with the local Department of Science and Technology.
- Records: master list, certificates, procedures, environmental logs, out-of-tolerance reports and impact assessments.
Typical budgets and timelines
| Scope | Equipment budget (indicative) | Time to first audit-ready state |
|---|---|---|
| Verification room — electrical + torque + dimensional | USD 25,000–60,000 | 6–10 weeks with rentals bridging lead times |
| Verification room + process + temperature | USD 60,000–120,000 | 8–14 weeks |
| Internal lab targeting ISO/IEC 17025 | USD 150,000+ | 12–18 months including accreditation |
Figures are indicative planning ranges; we quote per item in VND and USD.
FAQ — metrology lab setup
- Does our factory need an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab?Usually not. ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 require traceable calibration, not an accredited in-house lab. Most FDI plants run a verification room and send reference standards to an accredited laboratory.
- Where should reference standards be calibrated?At an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory whose scope covers the measurement range and uncertainty you need. We book, transport and return your references with certificates in English and Vietnamese.
- How do we keep production running while instruments are out for calibration?Use a loaner: a calibrated rental unit of the same class arrives before your instrument leaves. See the calibration loaner program.
- Can we rent a multifunction calibrator instead of buying one?Yes. Sites with fewer than ~50 electrical instruments often rent a Fluke 5522A for a week each quarter rather than owning one. Calibrator rental
- Which instruments in a factory need legal verification in Vietnam?Group-2 measuring instruments listed by the Ministry of Science and Technology — commonly trade scales, fuel and flow meters, electricity meters and some pressure gauges. Check the current list with your local authority or ask us for a screening.
Plan your metrology room with an equipment list you can budget
Send us the instruments on your production floor. We return a reference-standard list, environment spec, calibration schedule and VND / USD pricing.
Talk to an FDI equipment advisor Request calibrator rental quote
