Contents
This is our section for laboratory scales and balances. We have listed the best places to buy scales and balances, including analytical scales for sale and laboratory balances. They are sorted according to quality, price, shipping and customer support. Simply scroll down to see what we recommend.
Analytical And Digital Scales For Sale
Amazon.com
Amazon provide a wide range of scales and balances, including analytical scales and precision balances. They are mostly focusing on Mettler Toledo, but have other brands as well; such as Denver Instruments and Sartorius Quintix Topload. Both overall quality of their products and general prices are good. Shipping can vary, but are mostly on time and their customer support is really nice and easy to deal with. To find out more simply click here.
Digital And Analytical Scales At Amazon
Laboratory Scales And Balances
At least every product in the world today has its weight measured and these quantities determine the price at which it is sold or bought. Measurements are an integral part of any scientific laboratory. The quantities of samples and specimen have to be constantly determined through weighing in every analysis. Laboratory scales and balances measure the mass and weight to the highest degrees of precision. A laboratory balance is categorized according to its weighing mechanism.
The first scales were used in Egypt where they were used to compare two masses with a simple balance on a pivot. Measuring weights has since seen various improvements in measuring technology. Scales now have a variety of uses in commerce, industry, agriculture and science. The market offers a variety of weighing scales for different utilities. Digital weighing machines are vital in production and quality control. With electronic advancements, the operation of scales and balances has become easier. The move from mechanical scales to digital scale has brought greater accuracy in analytical processes. Digital scales are best used in laboratories because of the nature of the quantities. They have keypads for input and digital display screens. This makes them easier and faster to use than mechanical scales. Items are placed on the weighing pad at the top of the balancing scale to determine their weight according to set parameters.
Laboratory digital scales are classified according to their functions and units of measurements. Digital scales often use the strain gauge mechanism to determine the mass or weight of an object. The most common scales used in lab analysis are the analytical, precision, 0.01gram and milligram/mg scales.
Analytical Scales
This is a laboratory electronic balance used in quantitative analyses like counting, density determination and to determine percentage weights. The analytical balance can be used to measure small mass objects to the sub-milligram levels. It is designed to minimize interference from air currents. The balance is enclosed inside a door with acrylic air foils. This electronic balance has a force restoration sensor that measures the force required to counter the object’s mass rather than the absolute mass (i.e. force required to balance the mass.). Additionally, the analytical balanced can be interfaced with other devices like the printer for hard copy output.
Sources of error for the analytical balance
The integrity of measurements can be compromised by the following factors:
- Changes in room temperature- slight temperature changes can cause differential change in sample mass. Efforts should be made to control the room environment as much as possible.
- This lab balance is sensitive to vibrations emanating nearby. It should therefore not be placed near refrigerators or other vibrating equipment. The vibrations alter the distribution of balance.
- Air current pressure- it can cause disruptions in balance due to the small sample sizes involved. Ensure strict procedures for regulating atmospheric conditions in the lab.
- Calibration- calibration should be conducted at least every 3-4 months to ensure accurate readings. Calibration determines the instrument’s resolution for precision.
During installation, the balance has to be properly leveled
Precision Scale
These digital weighing scales have more or less similar functions as the analytical scales but are much smaller and portable. They are useful in pain and dye mixing. It counts using a precision sensor mechanism of the strain gauge system. It is electrically powered and can be used in almost all industrial applications. Handheld precision scales are also available and have been useful in gem retail. It can weigh large capacity items and can be used under almost any industrial conditions. These scales also need to be leveled correctly during use to give the best results. Like any other digital lab scale, proper maintenance is key to correct functioning of the scale.
Gram Scale
A gram scale is a digital scale commonly used in kitchen applications for measuring ingredient quantities. They can be used for analyses that require 1/100 gram precision. They can also be used in drug stores to re-package drugs in smaller quantities. Most are portable and are easy to use. They come in various sizes with the smallest being pocket-sized.
The mg Scale
This is an electronic scale that can measure to 10mg range. It is used in packaging of small products like capsules, tablets, powdered products etc. It is however not as accurate and precise as the precision balance and analytical scales. A milligram balance is not considered to be a professional lab balance and is used for non-sensitive weighing functions. There are several grades of mg scales. Compare all the scales available when looking to buy milligram scales. The best milligram scale is more lab grade and is much more expensive. However, if precision is not an issue then you can go for the cheaper grades. A milligram scale for sale is easy to find from almost any online lab suppliers. A digital milligram scale is commonly available in almost all stores worldwide.
Maintenance of a Lab Scale
Scales need to be constantly calibrated to maintain weighing precision. This is done through application of known loads to the weighing machine in a certain order to check whether the correct measurement of the load is displayed. It is important to undertake this process in a controlled environment to eliminate all sources of error like vibrations, changes in temperature or off center loading. For a digital weighing scale, it is recommended that a certified technician calibrates the device because he can also identify the sources of errors. However, most electronic weighing machines nowadays are purchased with calibration manuals, tweezers and weights.
It should also be cleaned regularly to avoid accumulation of debris and development of electrostatic forces on vital parts. This might have an impact on the accuracy level of the laboratory scale due to weighing errors. Removable parts should be dismantled and cleaned separately. Cleaning also minimizes contamination from different chemical samples which can lead to erroneous results. A typical balance scale for sale comes with cleaning instructions.
Buying an Electronic Weighing Machine
Most electronic scales for sale are available from online science equipment stores and can be bought as new or used. Most people prefer to buy electronic scales because they are easy to use. A new electronic weighing machine will always offer you extended durability and low cost maintenance. Used lab balances might malfunction from time to time and they do not have warrants. A digital balance is a sensitive machine and should be packaged carefully accompanied with clear installation instructions. A lab balance price is determined by the model and its features. To buy a digital scale is not a complicated process so long as you know what you want to use it for. All you need is to gather is the information on specifications and compare prices from various suppliers.