Glossary · Verification and validation
Recalibration
In measurement and verification, recalibration is calibration repeated after time, use, repair, drift, or change to restore or confirm measurement performance. It keeps instruments and sensors within their stated accuracy over their service life.
- Verification
- Data and interfaces
In one sentence
Recalibration repeats calibration after time, use, repair or drift so that measuring equipment and sensors stay within stated accuracy.
Example
After the laser distance sensor of a gantry loader is replaced, it is recalibrated against the reference target before the loader returns to automatic mode.
How it applies
- Verification: Recalibration intervals should reflect observed calibration drift. Record as-found and as-left values so trends are visible.
- Triggers: Besides the schedule, recalibration is due after repair, collision, component replacement, relocation and suspicious readings. List these triggers in the maintenance information.
- Evidence: When an instrument is found out of tolerance, assess which results obtained since the last calibration are affected.
- Integrated systems: Recalibrating a sensor can change the values other systems receive. Treat it as a controlled change where downstream functions depend on those values, under change control.
Recalibration vs. adjustment
Recalibration confirms or re-establishes the relationship to the reference. Adjustment corrects the instrument. A recalibration may end with no adjustment if the instrument is still within tolerance.