If you’ve ever wondered what really happens when your ultrasound device is returned for calibration or repair, this article is for you. Understanding the process, from submission to return, shows how SDT protects your investment and maintains your uptime.

Why the process matters

A warranty is only as good as its backing infrastructure. At SDT, we’ve built a repair & calibration pipeline designed for speed, transparency, and precision. Our goal is not just to fix devices, but to restore them to factory-grade performance as quickly as possible. That’s how we deliver genuine lifetime value.

Let’s walk through how we do it, and why each step matters.

1. Service request: The essential first step

Before anything heads out the door, you must complete our Service Request Form. This is not busywork, it’s critical. The form:

  • Captures your device details (model, serial number, accessories).
  • Documents the symptoms or issues you’re experiencing.
  • Enables us to track and route your request appropriately at our repair center.

Important! Do not ship your device without this form. Missing or incomplete submissions cause delays, misrouting, or worse: lost or misdiagnosed units. Submit it electronically or include a printout in your package.

2. Packaging and shipment

Proper packaging ensures your device arrives safely, completely, and on schedule.

  • Use the original storage case whenever possible. It protects sensitive components during transit.
  • Include all accessories (sensors, charger, cables, etc.) so we can verify the entire kit.
  • For systems like TankTest, don’t ship bulky mechanical sleeves; we’ll instruct you precisely what to send.
  • Address it to the nearest authorized SDT service center or approved distributor, Brussels or North America, depending on your region.

3. Verification and intake

When your kit arrives, our logistics team meticulously catalogs everything:

  • Ultrasound receiver
  • Batteries
  • Charger
  • Sensors, transmitters, accessories

Each component is inspected for damage, compatibility, and completeness. This thorough intake ensures nothing is missed and sets the stage for accurate repair and calibration.

4. Calibration or repair estimate

Next, we run a diagnostic sequence to compare actual performance against baseline specifications. Based on this:

  • A detailed estimate is generated, outlining needed repairs, parts, or calibration adjustments.
  • If your device is currently covered under our lifetime warranty (with up-to-date calibration), repairs may be offered at no charge.
  • You receive this estimate (typically within three business days) for your approval before we proceed.

If you decline, you may be assessed a handling fee covering testing and inspections performed.

5. Work, calibration, and certification

Once you approve the estimate:

  • Our technicians perform the necessary repairs or replacements.
  • Calibration is performed by applying hundreds of signal pulses in a controlled laboratory setup. Deviations are corrected.
  • We generate a before/after report and issue a new calibration certificate.
  • Every piece is tested to ensure it meets original factory tolerances.

Typically, this process takes three business days, though some configurations like TankTest may require additional time.

6. Return and follow-up

Once your equipment has been restored:

  • We ship it back to you, often using the same packaging you provided.
  • You receive all documentation, including calibration certificates and diagnostic reports.
  • Your device returns to service with full lifetime warranty protection (assuming calibration is current).

Throughout, SDT maintains transparency, tracking, and communication so you’re never in the dark.

Why all this attention to detail matters

  • Integrity: Only through systematic verification can we guarantee your device performs as expected.
  • Warranty Compliance: Missing steps (e.g. skipping calibration or incomplete submissions) may void coverage.
  • Turnaround Speed: Our streamlined process avoids bottlenecks and backlogs.
  • Data Confidence: You’re not just getting a “fixed” device, you get one you can trust.

Final thoughts

Repairs and calibration are not just afterthoughts, they’re central to maintaining your predictive maintenance strategy’s effectiveness. By understanding the full lifecycle, from your submission to the return shipment, you gain insight into how SDT protects your investment, ensures data integrity, and delivers lifetime peace of mind.

If you’d like to see an illustrated process flow, customer case studies, or even a video walkthrough, I’d be happy to prepare that next.