Several things are put into consideration when choosing the right laboratory balance.
When buying a Laboratory balance, these are what you should consider:
The first step is knowing the types of applications you want to perform. Asides from weighing, will you want your balance to have functions that are inbuilt like formulation or check weighing? Will the balance be used in a field or lab? Will other equipment be connected to it?
The second step is determining the readability your balance will need. Readability is defined as the smallest division a balance can display. The level of precision in results is a requirement in your application. A balance with a readability of 0.001 is recommended when weighing chemicals to the nearest 10mg (0.01g).
The next is knowing the capacity required to complete your daily tasks. The maximum weight the balance can weigh is capacity. The weight of containers you used is included when you are calculating capacity.
Some Laboratory balances are capable of being weighed in different units. Specific weighing units is required in certain applications. For instance, jewelry requires carats, grams and milligrams is required by scientific laboratory applications.
The fourth step is making a note of the units of measure you need for your task.
In the fifth step, you determine the pan size. A large weighing pan is required to accommodate all items weighed, in addition to the container that holds them while weighed. The location of the balance also plays a part in choosing a pan size. When space is restricted, you might opt for a smaller platform.
Also, you should look out for additional features:
Do you like an internal or external calibration?
Do you need to carry out a below-balance weighing?
Will what you weigh to be a living or moving animal – this weighing function is important?
Will a USB or RS-232 connection help while collecting and recording data?
Will specific gravity be calculated by your balance? Most balances do this automatically.
Will the substance or item you work on or you weigh need consideration between plastic or all-metal housing?
Do you have a lockdown capability on your device for workplace issues requiring it?
It is an investment when choosing the right Laboratory balance. The right tools helps in reducing waste and improving efficiency. It also makes you spend less later on. When you buy the wrong balance, it means you will sacrifice precision and accuracy, which is a costly mistake.
What are the types of laboratory balances
-ANALYTICAL BALANCE
-MEDICAL BALANCE
-MICROBALANCES
-MOISTURE BALANCE
-PRECISION BALANCE