TopTips to Ensure Accurate Weighing

Introduction

Our team at Precisa are committed to ensuring that your balance fulfils all your weighing requirements. That’s why we have created this handy read giving you our top tips to ensure accurate weighing.

Why is balance calibration important?

It is essential that balance calibration is carried out to ensure that balances are displaying the correct and most accurate measurement. Standards vary from country to country and required frequency of weighing balance calibration services varies from industry to industry.

Balance calibration is carried out by a set of processes under controlled conditions that show the relationship between the values of quantities using measurement and the corresponding values according to standards set. The standards output and accuracy are known which means the measurement can be compared with a measurement from the instrument being calibrated. Calibration reports can then be made which show whether or not the balance has passed or failed certain conditions.

During our bespoke engineer visits, we offer many different options such as basic calibration services, UKAS and ISO level balance calibration or more specific tailoring to suit a specific requirement.  Your accreditation or certification body should be able to provide information regarding the type of calibration service required for your balance.

Find out more about the different types of calibration offered by Precisa.

Good Laboratory Practice

There are many factors that contribute to the accuracy of your weighing balance being compromised. Good Laboratory Practice, also known as GLP, is a quality assurance system used by laboratories and organisations to ensure the uniformity, consistency and reliability of non-clinical study and test data. Focus on the accuracy and suitability of the weighing balance and the various elements that influence the weighing process is crucial.

Good laboratory practice involves the elimination of the following various external factors that can affect weighing measurements and compromise the accuracy of results:

• VIBRATIONS: Balances should be set up on a stable and level surface with no vibrations to prevent fluctuations in readings due to shifts in the balance level.
• TEMPERATURE: Balances should be kept in a temperature controlled environment, out of direct sunlight and the direct line of ventilation.
• OBJECT HANDLING: Gloves should be worn and forceps used when handling small weights to prevent any fluctuations to their weight.
• OPERATION: Balances should be operated carefully to provide consistency in repeated measurements. For example, weights should be placed gently at the centre of the weighing pan and care should be taken not to shock load the balance.
• SUFFICIENT POWER: Balances must have had a constant power flow of 30 minutes to 1 hour in order to ensure that the electrical components have reached the correct thermal equilibrium.
• CLEANING & STORAGE: Balances must be stored away from dust or liquids and kept clean to avoid contamination which can compromise accuracy.

To find out more read our Guide to Weighing Balance Accuracy.

Selecting the right balance for your application

There are a variety of different things that need to be considered when choosing a balance for the most accurate weighing results…

• What is the heaviest and lightest sample that you will need to weigh?
• How many decimal places in grams do you require for the displayed weight?
• What size are the samples that you will be weighing?
• What features will you require – do you need to integrate the balance to another device such as a computer or printer? Do you require data storage?

At Precisa, we offer an extensive product range, with a variety of different capacities and sizes to meet almost every analytical weighing requirement.

A Precisa weighing balance is an extremely sensitive laboratory scale which can accurately measure mass in the sub-milligram range to a high degree of precision. Analytical Balances have a weighing capacity in the range of 100-500g and a readability of up to 0.0001g. A precision balance has a lower readability, measuring to the nearest 0.001g. We also produce moisture Analysers, thermogravimetric analysers and pill counters which meet the highest requirements in research, production and quality at competitive prices.

Read this article to find out which is the best product to meet your weighing requirements.

Keeping your balance in tip top condition

The final key to attaining the most accurate results is taking care to keep your balance in good condition and knowing when it is time to replace it with a new one. The following precautions should be taken:

• Have your balance regularly serviced and calibrated by certified technicians.
• Clean your balance regularly, wiping it down gently after each use and removing any dirt, without applying too much pressure.
• Don’t overload your balance, as it can cause permanent damage to the delicate internal mechanisms.
• Always let your balance warm up before use.
• Keep a maintenance log of any tasks performed on your balance so you can easily identify what has been done and what needs to be done.

At Precisa, we understand that needing to replace your lab balance can be an inconvenient, costly and daunting prospect. That’s why we have put together this handy guide to help you figure out if your balance really needs replacing, how to look after your balance and how to choose a new balance to meet all of your needs…

Learn about the signs that your balance might need replacing.

Get In Touch

If you are interested in any of Precisa’s products or services, why not contact us today for a quote or for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.

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