Traditional maintenance focuses on the physical and functional condition of the instrument. However, there are metrological errors that are not visible and are only identified through calibration.
Errors that go unnoticed
1. Metrological drift The instrument continues to function, but its indication shifts progressively over time.
2. Systematic error within the range It may operate apparently well, but with constant deviations throughout the measurement range.
3. Loss of accuracy due to aging Internal components degrade without obvious external signs.
4. Influence of environmental conditions Temperature, vibration or humidity affect the measurement without generating visible failures.
5. Previous incorrect adjustments Interventions without metrological support can leave the equipment out of specification.
Conclusion
An instrument can “function” correctly and still be providing erroneous data. Only calibration with metrological traceability allows confirming its real performance.