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What is a precision balance or laboratory balance?
Precision laboratory balances, also called top-loading balances, are a form of balance that provides very precise results in the sub-milligram range. Precision balances are used to measure small samples and provide a precise, quick and easy way to determine the weight of objects such as particles.
Electronic precision scales offer a wide range of weighing ranges with a maximum capacity of 64 kg. They allow readability between 1 mg (0.001 g) and 1 g or 0-3 decimal places. High precision laboratory balances can extend this precision to 4 decimal places. When viewing the Precisa balance price, increments of 0.0001 g (0.1 mg) are used.
Precision balances provide constant readings in a wider range of environmental conditions than analytical balances, which must always be used under rigorous conditions to ensure accurate readings. Precision balances are less sensitive to temperature changes and drafts and can, therefore, be used as a more practical measurement method.
A draft shield is not always required to accurately use a precision balance, but when working in a range hood or under normal conditions with a high-resolution reading of 1 mg, A should be used to maintain performance.
The innovative SmartPan ™ weighing pan, used by the precision balances of the data support company XPR and XSR, offers exceptional stability and significantly reduces the impact of drafts on results.
Repeatability has improved by up to 50% and even with 1 mg precision balances, precise results can be obtained without protection from drafts.
When used in a smoke chamber, the 5 and 10 mg models dispense only half of the standard models.
White paper: exceptional weighing performance even in difficult conditions
Where are the precision balances used? What are the fields of application of precision balances?
A large number of industrial sectors depend on the accuracy of the scales. Chemistry most often gives exact results.
For a balanced level of precision, from research and quality control laboratories in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and textile industries to educational institutions.
Applications of a precision balance in a laboratory environment include simple weighing, dynamic weighing, sample preparation, statistical quality control, formulation and interval weighing.
A reliable and high precision balance is the ideal choice for any daily laboratory weighing.
High precision laboratory balances with a load capacity of 10 kg or more and a larger platform are generally used in applications for aggregates, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and adhesives.
Calibration, adjustment and routine testing of a precision balance: who should do what, when and why?
A precision balance calibration evaluates the behavior of the selected instrument. Calibration should only be performed by an authorized service technician.
An adjustment changes the behavior of a scale and requires an intervention which, in most cases, permanently changes the measuring device.
The adjustment must not be confused with the calibration, the terms are not interchangeable and the calibrations must always be performed on the scale after each adjustment. In many cases, they are in fact the results of a calibration procedure that indicates the need for adjustments or other repairs.
After completing the adjustment or repair, always repeat the calibration process to ensure that the correct measurement report has been restored.
Of the calibrations performed by a technician, routine user tests should also be performed with two external weights.
These user tests allow you to immediately identify potential problems and deviations from the weighing process requirements.
The data support company has developed a worldwide scientific standard for the correct selection, calibration, and operation of weighing technology, known as GWP® or Good Weighing Practice ™.
Further information on the terms of calibration and balance adjustment can be found in the document.
What influence do drafts have on my precision balance?
As mentioned earlier, precision electronic scales do not measure mass directly, but the strength of their weight.
The uncertainty of this force depends not only on the technical data of the measuring device but also on many environmental influences, such as changes in temperature and air currents.
With measurements of 0.001 g or less, the force exerted by the moving air is easily recognizable. A protective screen or cover, usually made of plastic or glass, fits around the plate to protect it from these influences.
The latest innovations in data carriers in the construction of scales and precision scales help to minimize errors caused by drafts.
With the innovative SmartPan ™ weighing pan, you can achieve twice as fast results, even in difficult conditions.
The results show an exceptional improvement in repeatability (accuracy) of 86% with a readability of 1 mg in difficult conditions (inside a safety cabinet) and offer exceptional performance for each application.
How does temperature affect my precision balance?
Temperature fluctuations can lead to illegible weighing results.
For optimum stability and performance of the measuring instruments, the scales should be used in an area where the room temperature can be regulated and in which the instrument must remain on at all times.
The balance should ideally be installed in a dedicated workbench with an adequate and maintained ambient temperature.
When a precision balance is first connected to the power source or turned on, a warm-up time of approximately 1 to 2 hours is recommended. This time allows the scale to adapt to the ambient temperature and stabilize in its environment. This heating phase must be repeated every time the balance is turned on after a period of inactivity.
The precision scales of the data support company are equipped with “FACT” (fully automatic motorized internal self-regulation), which compensates for temperature variations.
If a defined temperature difference is exceeded, the configuration process starts automatically. This guarantees the accuracy of the scale without operator intervention and guarantees better usability in all applications.
Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.
