Ref Sphere recal/recert

[[Jo...]]

Hi All,

A topic came up about whether we should be recertifying our CMM reference sphere. This would require the ref sphere to be sent out for a recert yearly.

Does anyone else perform this exercise? I also heard that this may be able to be handled by the Zeiss calibration technician during the yearly calibration/PM.

Appreciate any insight.

 

TIA!

[[Ke...]]

https://portal.zeiss.com/knowledge-base?id=679210

Here is the Knowledgebase article with the Zeiss statement on this. In short,The reference sphere on a CMM does not require recalibration to maintain accuracy or measurement traceability of the CMM. Traceability of the CMM's measurements is accomplished through gages used during the calibration. If your company does choose or require a recertification, it is generally far cheaper and faster to simply purchase a brand new sphere with associated cert than to have it recertified by an appropriate authority. 

 

Edited November 19, 2025

[[Jo...]]

Our cost quote for recertifying the sphere was almost exactly the cost of a new sphere. We have been replacing it every 2y out of caution (but will probably start taking zeiss advice and not!)