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.

Calibration Service - Three options from Cole-Parmer

When ordering certain types of equipment such as thermometers, incubators, and more, calibration service should be considered at the time of purchase. If the item needs calibrating, getting it calibrated by an accredited metrology lab may be the easiest option. Cole-Parmer has an in-house ISO 17025-accredited calibration provider Innocal that offers the following options:

Calibration Service

Precalibration: Get your newly purchased item calibrated before it ships by adding calibration service to your order. This saves you the time and expense of getting your instrument calibrated elsewhere. Once the item arrives, it is certified traceable to NIST Standards and ready to use.
Recalibration: Ship us your product. We clean, calibrate, and quickly return it to you with documentation. All calibration certificates contain as-found and as-left data, estimated measurement uncertainties (emu’s), and test uncertainty ratios (TUR’s) at no additional cost.
On-site calibrations: If your facility is located in the Chicago area, or if you require a large volume of instrument calibration, we can arrange an on-site visit.

This metrology lab also offers repairs to keep your instruments up and running. Preventive maintenance and repair are completed by factory-authorized service technicians.

Three Options for Calibration Service

1 Comment on "Three Options for Calibration Service"

Leave a comment Cancel reply