Calibrating Your Balance

 

Why Do I Need Calibration Weights?

To ensure optimal performance, Scientech balances should be calibrated with the recommended calibration weight for each balance. All electronic balances need to be calibrated since they respond to force, including environmental forces. Forces due to the acceleration of gravity vary in different parts of the world. The balance’s location relative to magnetic north, and changes in elevation and barometric pressure all affect the acceleration of gravity. Balances measure the weight by the "force" on the weighing pan, and force is equal to mass times the acceleration of gravity. Therefore, it is essential to perform routine calibrations of balances using high precision calibration weights.

 

Scientech offers three classes of calibration weights, some available with certification traceability, to optimize the accuracy of your laboratory balance. Here’s a brief guide to understanding our weights, and how to order exactly what you need.

 

International Organization of Legal Metrology Recommendation R 111

The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) is a worldwide, intergovernmental organization. Tolerances for each class are described so that individual weights can be chosen for the appropriate applications.

OIML Class E1

Used for calibrating Scientech’s analytical (readability 0.1 mg) and semi-micro (readability 0.01 mg) balances where the stability of the environment and careful handling are required. Class E1 weights are equivalent to ANSI/ASTM E617 weights.

OIML Class E2

Used for calibrating Scientech’s precision (milligram) and lab (0.01 gram) class of balances with readabilities as low as 1 mg.

OIML Class F1

Used for calibrating Scientech’s lab (0.01 gram) and general purpose (0.1 gram) balances with a 0.1-gram readability.

 

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Traceable certificate: Traceable Certificates are designed for laboratories and companies that require traceability to meet stringent quality or regulatory requirements. The Traceable Weight Certificate measurement process is based on a single standard, and the weight comes with a Certificate. Longer lead times of about 6 weeks are required to obtain weights with the Certificate.

No certificate: For most applications a traceable certificate is not required with the calibration weight. Most of these calibration weights are stocked and can be ordered individually or shipped with balance order.

 

Note: Calibration weights are not returnable after purchase.