Choosing A Laboratory Balance
There are many types of laboratory balances on today’s market and when making a decision to purchase a balance, you need to ensure you are buying for the best outcome possible. Consider the application first, what is the maximum capacity? What is the accuracy? Consider ROI (Return on Investment) next, what is the load cell protection? Is it Auto calibration or Manual calibration? What is the service warranty? Does the brand have a good track record for reliability?
In the article below we go over standard features and applications for Analytical balances, Precision balances, Microbalances, Ultra-micro balances, Top loading balances, Moisture analysers and Portable balances.
Analytical Balance
An analytical balance is designed to measure small mass in the sub-milligram range (typically between 0.01 mg and 1 mg). Analytical balances are usually utilized for differential weighing, interval weighing when connected to a PC with special software, formulation weighing, density measurement, pipette calibration, sample management and any other analytical weighing requirements a laboratory might need.
Precision Balance
High precision or precision balances are referred to the electronic balances used in the laboratory and offers up to 10,000 grams weighing capacity with readability to 0.1 grams.
Micro-Balance
Micro-balances are generally used in laboratory settings as standalone instruments but are also incorporated into other instruments, such as thermogravimetry, sorption/desorption systems and surface property instruments. The accuracy of micro-balances is usually between 1µg (0.000001 g) and 0.01 mg (0.00001 g). Micro-balances are typically used for stent weighing, particulate matter weighing, pipette calibration, elemental analysis of glass, analysis of pesticides and any other critical micro weighing applications in the laboratory.
Ultra-Micro Balance
Ultra-micro balances are designed for the smallest samples and high resolutions of up to 0.0001 mg.
Top Loading Balance
A top-loading balance is among the most common types of weight measuring scales used in the laboratory. Top-loading balances are available in a variety of sizes and weight capacities, from 20 g to 64.1 kg. Top-loading balances are typically used to weigh solid material when the precision of 0.1 g is adequate.
Portable Balance
Portable balances are usually used during field sampling. They are typically simple, quick and easy to use, compact and lightweight. Portable Scales may be battery-powered or AC connected for dependable results every time.
Moisture Analysers
Moisture Analysers determine moisture or solid contents with either infrared or halogen heat sources.
They are accurate, fast and easy to operate. These instruments are perfect for exacting applications including grains, pharmaceuticals, soils, sludge, chemicals and much more.