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.

Making the Best Use of Ultrasonic Cleaners

From jewelry to watches to industrial parts and electronic equipment, ultrasonic cleaners are used to thoroughly clean objects. The cleaners operate through sound waves which agitate the solution the object is placed in; this agitation, in turn, produces pressure on the dirt, dust, grease, or other compounds adhering to the object. This process penetrates cracks and fissures on the object to reach all surface contaminants. It does not, however, sterilize the object.

For industrial purposes, such as applications in the automotive, printing, electronics, and weapons industries, processing time typically takes between two and six minutes and the industrial ultrasonic cleaner uses sounds waves between 20 and 400 kHz. Application-specific solvents are used within the chamber; contaminants should be soluble within the solvent chosen.

For optimal cleaning results, choose the proper cleaning solution, clean at the right temperature for the correct amount of time, and choose the right size and type of ultrasonic cleaner. An ultrasonic cleaning solution contains various ingredients designed to optimize the ultrasonic cleaning process. Adverse effects of the detergent on the material being cleaned potentially will be enhanced by the ultrasonics.

Cleaning solutions to avoid are flammables or solutions with low flash points. The energy released by cavitation is converted into heat and kinetic energy, which generates high temperature gradients in the solution and can create hazardous conditions with flammable liquids. Acids, bleach, and bleach by-products should generally be avoided; acid and bleach will damage stainless steel tanks, and/or create hazardous conditions.

Once the cleaning solution is visibly dirty or the cleaning action is compromised, change the solution. Fresh solution is not necessarily needed for each cleaning session.

View our selection of ultrasonic cleaners.

1 Comment on "Making the Best Use of Ultrasonic Cleaners"

Levi Armstrong | December 9, 2020 at 4:37 am | Reply

I find it helpful to know that to use the ultrasonic cleaning machine at its maximum efficiency, I should choose the proper cleaning solution. That’s because the right solution would optimize the process and enhance the cleaning capabilities of the machine. My sister plans to open her own jewelry store, and she wants to buy an ultrasonic cleaning machine for her new business. I’ll share this with her at our family dinner tomorrow night. Thanks!

1 Comment on "Making the Best Use of Ultrasonic Cleaners"

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