Start with a common mistake
People assume calibration artifacts stay accurate forever.
They don’t.
1. Surface condition changes over time
Even without visible damage:
- Micro wear
- Contamination
- Handling marks
These affect measurement.
2. Cleaning matters more than expected
Dirty surfaces cause:
- Bad probe contact
- Noisy scanning data
Use:
- Clean cloth
- Proper solvent (if needed)
Avoid aggressive cleaning.
3. Storage conditions
Don’t just leave artifacts on the machine.
Better practice:
- Store in protective case
- Avoid humidity
- Keep stable temperature
4. Handling
Most damage comes from handling.
Common issues:
- Dropping
- Touching surface directly
- Improper mounting
5. Recalibration
Over time, you should:
- Verify sphere accuracy
- Check certification
- Replace if needed
Final thought
Calibration artifacts are reference tools.
If they are not stable, nothing else will be.