subject: Buying A Balance For Your Laboratory [print this page] Scales and balances are integral parts of any laboratory setup. There are a number of different scale types that are used within a laboratory environment - the most simple being the basic spring scale. This scale can be used to weight both solids and liquids, but it can be affected by gravity, meaning the readings that you receive might actually be inaccurate.
If you can, it would be wise to purchase an analytical balance with two platforms that are not affected by gravity. You will be able to use such a scale on any surface regardless of where the surface is located, and there are a number of other features that come as standard with these analytical scales.
For one thing, these balances are digital, meaning you will not have to worry about working out the readings that you would have to do with an analogue model. Analytical scales also have much more environmental control than their spring powered counterparts. These laboratory devices are protected by a plastic or glass enclosure that is well ventilated, preserving the life of the sample while keeping dust particles out of the mix.
Usually, the more you spend, the more accurate your balance will be. There are also some balances that are more suited for certain jobs than others. For instance you have the option of using regular balances, or you can use microbalances and ultra-microbalances. These scales are used for measuring extremely small samples. These types of scales can measure weight in many different units. Some of the more popular units include newtons, grains, ounces, grams, and kilograms.
Make no mistake, these scales are the top end of the price bracket. For a good analytical scale you could pay up to four thousand dollars, though the average price is about two thousand. They are accurate and work nicely after calibration. These scales are very robust and will earn their high price tag every day in the laboratory.
If you cannot afford to buy a brand new scale you might consider looking for a refurbished model. There are plenty of websites that offer them, and you will want to make sure you are buying from a reputable vendor. That being said, check their credentials and talk to others who have used their services. This will help you to get a decent product that will last for a long period of time.
As far as calibration goes, you should always make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendations, and of course make sure you follow other precautions. The scale needs to stay level at all times so that you can obtain an accurate reading and you should make sure it stays in a well ventilated environment. These are a few of the things that you need to know about lab balances. If you can utilize them properly, they will become an intergral part of your every day existence within the lab.
by: Andrew Long
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