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.

Lab Safety Supply Instruments to Protect Against Hazards in the Workplace

Does your workplace have the lab safety supply instruments it needs to ensure worker safety and production efficiency? Here is a checklist of items:

Air Sampling Pumps for collecting gas samples for analysis or evaluating employee particulate exposure levels.

Combustion Analyzers measure and tune furnace/boiler efficiency to reduce fuel costs. Emissions analyzers also detect potentially hazardous gas emissions.

Fixed Gas Monitors use single-point, fixed systems to monitor for a particular gas. Gas options include oxygen, carbon dioxide, chlorine, ozone, and more.

GasAlertQuattro 4-Gas Detector

Gas Detectors from detector tubes or personal, single-gas, multi-gas, and confined space monitors.

Indoor Air Quality Meters from standard models measuring carbon dioxide and temperature to fully functional IAQ meters designed for industrial hygiene studies.

Light Meters verify lighting levels are appropriate for parking lots, employee workspace, and emergency egress. Single-scale, dual-scale, and data logging models are available in a variety of meter styles.

Leak Detectors are ideal for pinpointing small leaks in boilers, furnaces, refrigeration and other systems that can emit dangerous gases.

Radiation Meters to address concerns about alpha, beta, or gamma radiation in your laboratory. Detect surface or area radiation levels.

Sound Meters/Dosimeters measure dB noise level in work or production areas to ensure levels do not exceed OSHA standards. Dosimeters also measure individual worker exposure over time.

Also consider:

Matting to prevent worker fatigue, slips, and falls in a wide variety of mat materials and styles for laboratory, food, pharmaceutical, chemical, or industrial applications.

Right-to-Know and Signs keep workers informed of workplace hazards. See a variety of MSDS centers, posters, labels, signs and more.

Lockout / Tagout products to keep your company in compliance with OSHA regulations. Choose from a wide variety of tags, hasps, complete kits, and more.

Lab Safety Supply Instruments to Protect Against Hazards in the Workplace

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