What is the difference between an analytical balance and a precision balance?

An analytical balance provides readability of 0.1 mg or better, while a precision balance typically reads to 0.001 g or 0.01 g. Analytical balances include draft shields and are designed for highly sensitive measurements. Precision balances handle larger samples and are less affected by environmental conditions.

What readability do I need for my lab application?

You need a readability that is at least one-tenth of your smallest sample weight or required measurement increment. For example, measuring 100 mg samples may require 0.01 mg readability, while gram-level work may only need 0.01 g. Selecting higher readability than necessary increases cost without improving results.

Do lab balances need to be calibrated?

Yes, all lab balances require regular calibration to maintain accuracy. Calibration ensures measurements remain traceable to certified standards. Internal calibration simplifies this process by automating adjustments, while external calibration requires manual verification with certified weights. In regulated environments, calibration records must be documented and retained.

What is the difference between readability and repeatability?

Readability is the smallest increment of weight a balance will display. Repeatability is the degree of agreement between multiple measurements of the same mass, on the same balance, under the same conditions.

What is the best way to clean my balance to ensure accurate readings?

Inspect and clean before each use. A flannel cloth or soft brush works well for dusting and light cleaning. Use a non-abrasive cleaner for light spills, and a dry flannel cloth for glass parts. Set a regular maintenance schedule for deep cleaning to ensure optimal performance and instrument longevity.

Can vibration affect the accuracy of my balance?

Yes — even slight vibration from a heavy footstep can affect accuracy. Place the balance on a sturdy benchtop away from high-traffic areas such as hallways, elevators, stairways, and doors. If that placement is not possible, an anti-vibration table should be considered.

What Not to Do with Ultrasonic Cleaners

Ultrasonic Cleaners use cavitation, created by ultrasonic waves, to scrub objects made of nonabsorbent materials in the research, pharmaceutical, printing, electronics, engineering, and automotive industries. Higher frequency models clean more gently, precisely, and reliably. Some cleaners offer digital timers, power tracking, sleep mode, and other features for critical cleaning applications.

Cole-Parmer® Ultrasonic Cleaner with Digital Timer and Heater, 3/4 Gallon

Operating ultrasonic cleaners effectively requires selecting the appropriate solution. What gets in the way of optimal performance? Our technical application specialists advise to avoid the following when using an ultrasonic cleaner:

Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the cleaning tank—use a tray or wire to suspend items.
Don’t allow the cleaning solution level to drop more than one inch below the top of the tank.
Never use alcohol, gasoline, or flammable solutions. Doing so could cause a fire or explosion. Use only water-based solutions.
Do not ever use mineral acids. These could damage the tank.
Failure to comply with these cautions will void your warranty.

Decreased cavitation or cleaning action can result if:

The cleaner is not full enough (always follow directions about how full one should fill the cleaner)
One is using water or some other cleaning agent that is not intended for use as an ultrasonic cleaning solution. Also, even with a good cleaning solution, the solution has to be degassed by running the cleaner for approximately 10 minutes prior to use. Otherwise you will also get decreased cavitation.

You can test the cavitation of your ultrasonic cleaner by performing an aluminum foil test: Suspend a small piece of aluminum foil in your cleaner and run for about three minutes. If the cleaner is working properly, the foil should be dimpled or may even have holes. If not, see the guidance above for actions that can cause decreased cavitation.

View our selection of <a href=/c/ultrasonic-cleaners”>ultrasonic cleaners.

12 Comments on "What Not To Do With Ultrasonic Cleaners"

Stanley Maciejewski | June 17, 2019 at 10:59 am | Reply

What precious stone should not be treated uin an ultrasonic cleaner? thank you
- kadanko | June 18, 2019 at 12:25 pm | Reply
  
  Hi Stanley:
  Thank you for your question. I forwarded your information to our application specialists. They will be in contact with you. In the meantime, you can always call 1-800-323-4340 for immediate assistance.
  - Neil | October 3, 2020 at 4:56 pm | Reply
    
    Can you clean gun parts in the cleaner using the brass shell case cleaner fluid?
    - Cole-Parmer Blog Team | October 6, 2020 at 4:35 pm | Reply
      
      Hi Neil:
      
      I sent your question to our technical experts. They will get back to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can always contact us at 1-800-323-4340 if you need an immediate answer.
      - James M. | December 14, 2022 at 12:40 pm |
        
        Can you clean Big Blue Blocks (waterproof foam blocks) that are manufactured by Imagination Playground?
      - Antylia Scientific Blog Team | December 15, 2022 at 3:02 pm |
        
        Hi James:
        
        We suggest you contact the manufacturer of the blocks to find out the best way to clean them.
        
        Thanks,
        Karen
Lincoln Brown | October 2, 2020 at 8:28 am | Reply

Could you use a food grade mineral oil in an ultrasonic cleaner to help prevent rust on metal components.
- Cole-Parmer Blog Team | October 3, 2020 at 8:41 am | Reply
  
  Hi Lincoln:
  I sent your question to our technical experts and they will get back to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you immediate assistance, please contact us a 1-800-323-4340. Thanks!
Mike | January 22, 2021 at 10:21 am | Reply

Can you clean eyeglasses with coatings
- Cole-Parmer Blog Team | January 26, 2021 at 2:01 pm | Reply
  
  Hi Mike:
  
  Thanks for your question. It would be best for you to check with the eyecare center where you purchased your glasses to find teh best way to clean your specific pair of eyeglasses. It’s also a good idea to read the manufacturer’s directions on your specific ultrasonic cleaner to see if that is even possible with the cleaner you have. There are several variables to consider as well. You need to know the material of your glasses and the coating material. We wouldn’t want you to ruin your eyeglasses.
Dean Horinek | September 19, 2021 at 11:14 pm | Reply

I am a glass blower/chemist and have been tasked with fabricating some VERY small ion exchange columns for which I must produce a Pyrex frit disc only four millimeters in diameter by 1 mm thick with careful grinding. My question is this; to get the residue of the glass powder resulting from the grinding out of the frits do you think is possible that an ultrasonic bath might damage the fritted discs. I would put them in my ultrasonic bath in the unmounted state i e before they are sealed into the glass tube.
- Antylia Scientific Blog Team | September 27, 2021 at 10:21 am | Reply
  
  Hi Dean:
  We will forward your question to our technical experts. Thanks for your question.

12 Comments on "What Not To Do With Ultrasonic Cleaners"

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