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.

Celebrating Summer Solstice Around the Globe

Posted By: Cole-Parmer Blog Team June 21, 2012

If yesterday (June 20) felt like a particularly long day, it’s because it was. Summer Solstice marks the longest amount of daylight hours in the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Stockholm, Sweden logs a whopping 18 hours and 37 minutes between sunrise and sunset. On this day in Fairbanks, Alaska, the sun rises at 2:58 am and goes down 22 hours and 48 minutes later for nearly 23 hours of light.

According to the Washington Post.com, just after 7:00 pm last night, the sun shone directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer as the North Pole reached its maximum tilt toward the sun.

Here’s the view from some of Cole-Parmer’s offices:

Bright and sunny in Chicagoland. Vernon Hills, IL in the midst of a heat wave:

Monsoon season in Mumbai. Courtesy of Pradeep Teli, Cole-Parmer India:

Annually visitors gather at Stonehenge to mark the event. Near our UK office.

Celebrating Summer Solstice Around the Globe

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