How often should NDT equipment be calibrated and tested?

The frequency of calibrating and testing non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment is critical to maintaining the reliability and accuracy of the inspection results. Regular calibration and testing according to manufacturer specifications or applicable codes ensure that the equipment operates within defined parameters and meets quality standards.

Manufacturer specifications provide guidelines based on the design and functionality of the equipment, which may include recommended intervals for calibration based on usage, environmental conditions, and criticality of the measurements the equipment provides. Additionally, industry codes and standards may set out specific requirements for frequency, reflecting best practices to ensure consistent performance and safety in testing.

Choosing to calibrate equipment only when it shows signs of malfunction or on a yearly basis could lead to undetected errors that may compromise testing outcomes. Similarly, testing each time equipment is used may be impractical and unnecessary, as it would not align with standard practices that emphasize reliability without excessive redundancy.

Therefore, the most effective approach balances the manufacturer’s guidance with regulatory requirements to ensure high-quality NDT results.