Blog

A laboratory balance may not be at the forefront of your mind until you need it for a particular project. However, they might be imperative to completing your project without error. Laboratory balances are used to measure the mass of an object with precision. This may sound simple enough, but the need for precision can be essential to some projects and not every scale or balance can achieve the correct amount of accuracy. This is why you will need to consider the facts and features of laboratory balances before choosing the right one for you. 

Laboratory Balances: The Facts

Laboratory balances work by using several different internal pieces to create the highest quality accuracy measurement. They actually measure the force needed to counter the mass of the object being weighed. The weighing pan in most laboratory balances is sealed so that dust and other contaminants do not get in the way of the precision weighing. Here are a few things to consider when choosing which balance to get:

1. Display: When it comes to displays you have options. It can either be an analog display or a digital display. In some cases, you may be able to find remote displays.  
2. Broad weighing range
3. High accuracy
4. Room temperature samples: Keeping samples at room temperature prevents the formation of air currents.
5. Interface: You have a few choices when it comes to interface including parallel, universal serial bus, serial and wireless.

These are significant considerations to keep in mind when you are determining which kind of laboratory balance you should choose. 

Analytical Balances

Analytical balances are some of the most precise measuring devices, which means there are several margins for error. These small, but significant factors can cause an entire project to go haywire if you are not cautious. Be on the lookout for these sources of errors:

• Evaporation
• Friction
• Buoyancy
• Misalignment
• Condensation
• Miscalibration
• Seismic disturbance
• Gravitational abnormalities

Analytical balances are essential for laboratories to get the most precise readings possible for projects. These balances are best used to weigh small masses with top-notch accuracy. 

However, they are often very sensitive and maintenance should be a priority to keep the project’s integrity in order. You should have a professionally trained technician regularly calibrate your balance. 

Selecting the Right Laboratory Balances for Your Lab

Selecting the correct laboratory balance can be difficult at first, which is why you will need to consider a few factors before making a decision:

• What is being measured?
• What are your accuracy needs?
• What are your maximum capacity needs?
• How much space do you have to place the balance?

When determining the correct scale and balance for your laboratory, you will need to ask yourself these are critical questions. You will also want to consider budgetary limits as laboratory balances can get costly. There is a range of laboratory balances to choose from that can meet your needs, such as:

• Equal-arm balances
• Unequal-arm balances
• Beam balances
• Platform balances
• Moisture balances
• Spring balances
• Top-loading balances

You will need to determine which one is best for your needs and then find the best one on the market. 

Rent Balances from AAA Weigh Incorporated

When you have determined which balance is right for you, you need to find a company with the best offers on balances, scales, and maintenance options. Look no further than AAA Weigh Incorporated. We have a range of balances and scales available to purchase. We also offer a variety of scales and balances to rent for short-term projects. Contact us online or call us at 866-728-6292 to get started today.

It goes without saying that your truck scales must be calibrated for the most precise measurement possible. And how do you ensure that? By calibrating the scale properly and regularly, of course! Even the slightest error in calibration can result in major losses in revenue and lead to overweight ticketing and fines. This risk increases exponentially if you are weighing several trucks every day.

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, follow these tips for truck scale calibration and get the most accurate measurement every time, without fail.

The Truck Scale Should Be Tested & Certified

The initial certification is critical when it comes to proper calibration of the truck scale. This certification guarantees that everything is working exactly the way it should and also considers factors like gravity tolerance, scale location, and scale model.

When your truck scales are installed, make sure they have undergone testing and certification for their performance. While this may sound like an obvious thing, you’d be surprised to know how many new scale owners don’t realize its significance.

Keep Up With the Indispensable Calibration Tests 

There are three tests you can perform yourself to check the accuracy of your truck scales: the eccentricity test, repeatability test, and linearity test. The eccentricity test requires you to place the weight on different spots of the scale to ensure an accurate reading every time.

The repeatability test requires you to add and then remove the same volume of weight onto the scale multiple times in a row, to ensure it is consistent. And in the linearity test, you group different weight sets together to see how the calibration may need to change in case of an error. Please note that there’s much more to truck scale calibration than these three tests and you should schedule periodic calibration from trained professionals.

Regular Calibration For Optimal Performance

How often you calibrate your truck scales depends on the scale as well as several other elements like:

• How many measurements are being made per day
• How many days the scale is being used
• How the weather or environment might affect the scale

Consistency is the key here. By calibrating regularly, you will reduce the risk of external factors affecting the scale’s performance.

Periodic Cleaning & TLC

As the old adage goes, when you respect your things, they will respect you back. Proper functioning and accurate measurements rely largely on your treatment of your truck scales. While regular calibration will keep it working correctly, proper and timely maintenance will make sure it lasts a long time.

This means checking the scales often for dirt, dust, mud, debris, and other signs of wear and tear. Don’t forget to winterize your truck scales and take other measures to protect your investment during extreme temperatures. Even something as seemingly inconsequential as dirt can build up over time and lead to inaccurate measurements. Be sure to spend some time taking good care of your truck scales.

AAA Weigh Truck Scales: Weighing the World, A Pound At A Time 

Are you ready to schedule a truck scale calibration appointment with a dependable team of technicians in California? With over 42 years in the industry and thousands of installations completed, we have the expertise in calibrating and servicing truck scales to help you achieve superior performance. Give us a call at 800-394-6622 or complete this online contact form to know more.

A truck weight scale goes through a lot. It is exposed to extreme temperatures and is often used in relentless environments. To make sure your scale doesn’t break down in the middle of operations and lasts a long time, you need to invest in a high-quality product that comes with a solid warranty. Here are some of our best tips to help you choose the best truck weight scale to maximize your ROI.

Check Local Regulations & Laws

You should be aware of all the laws regarding truck scale standards and usage in your city and state. While all scales should meet the requirements set by the State Weight and Measures Department, your state may have more regulations you should know about.

Look for Truck Weight Scale Resilience

Buying a scale that is built and tested in real-world conditions is a must. Find a manufacturer who performs weighbridge tests to test their scales; these tests are designed to imitate real-world scenarios.

Also, consider these factors:

• Are load cells protected against lightning strikes? (this should be confirmed by a test conducted by an independent, third-party lab)
• Do the axle load safety factors surpass the maximum allowed weight on the highway in California (or whichever state you live in)?
• How many trucks can the scale handle per year?

Consider Truck Weight Scale Utility and Operation

When it comes to mode of operation, a scale can either have a system of digital load cells (electronic) or levers (mechanical). Each option has a set of advantages and disadvantages so choose wisely based on your specific application.

You may want to buy a weighbridge that can be connected to your personal computer so the scale can provide weight reports, print tickets, and do much more. This is just an example; there are many more utility features you may find attractive for your business.

Review Truck Weight Scale Warranty

We always recommend comparing warranties before you buy a scale. Look out for any exceptions to the coverage and additional fees. Many manufacturers cover the scale, but will charge you extra for:

• Time and travel expenses to get to your location to perform repairs/replacement of parts.
• Labor to replace broken parts.
• New parts that will be needed for repair.

All these expenses can really add up, as you can imagine. You should account for the travel time, labor cost, mileage cost, and parts cost when you are looking at the warranty.

Determine Truck Weight Scale Maintenance Requirements

Every scale must undergo a recalibration of cells on a regular basis, especially when it is being used heavily. Some scales require more frequent servicing than others so don’t forget to check the periodic maintenance schedule supplied by the manufacturer when you are making comparisons. It’s always best to choose a reliable, authorized distributor who offers calibration and repair too.

Ready To Buy A Truck Scale? Contact Us Today!

There are many different brands with dozens of different models of truck weight scales on the market. If you are having a hard time choosing between the different options and features, let AAA Weigh help. Our specialists have over 42 years of experience in the industry and can help you choose the right product to fit your budget and needs. Talk to us at 800-394-6622 or leave a message here.