How often should a micrometer's calibration be checked for accuracy?

A micrometer's calibration should be checked for accuracy every few months to ensure precise measurements are consistently obtained. Regular calibration checks are essential because tools like micrometers can be subjected to wear and environmental factors that may affect their precision over time. Checking calibration every few months strikes a balance between maintaining accuracy and practicality, enabling operators to correct any drift in measurement before it impacts quality.

In contrast, calibrating once a week might be unnecessarily frequent for most applications, leading to inefficient use of resources. Annual checks might not be adequate for environments with high usage or where precision is critical, as wear could develop unnoticed over a long period. Relying solely on the tool appearing faulty can lead to significant errors, as it does not provide any preventive measure against gradual inaccuracies that would affect performance even when the tool seems functional. Therefore, checking the accuracy of a micrometer every few months ensures reliable measurements are maintained without overburdening operators or compromising quality.