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.

Get Uniform Cleaning with Ultrasonic Cleaners

TOPICS:Ultrasonic cleaners

Cole-Parmer® Ultrasonic Cleaner with Mechanical Timer

Posted By: Cole-Parmer Blog Team June 8, 2015

When you need to get hard metals, glass, plastic, and ceramics really clean, an industrial ultrasonic cleaner is your go-to device. It uses sounds waves between 20 and 400 kHz to clean, along with a solvent specific to your application. Get greater cleaning action from solvents with lower surface tensions. Use a solvent—perhaps an organic solvent—that can dissolve your contaminants.

How does it work?

An industrial ultrasonic cleaner works fast—processing time is typically about two to six minutes. The cavitations caused by the ultrasonic waves do the cleaning. Note that:

A higher frequency industrial ultrasonic cleaner generally cleans in greater detail and a bit more gently
A low frequency model is usually considered a coarse instrument

Automotive shops, research labs, printers, and semiconductor manufacturers all use ultrasonic cleaners.

View our selection of ultrasonic cleaners.

Get Uniform Cleaning with Ultrasonic Cleaners

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