Why Precision Balances Are Essential for Laboratory and Industrial Applications

A precision balance is a highly accurate scale with precise readability increments. These balances are typically used in labs and manufacturing and work best with small-to-medium sized samples. Precision balances offer greater sensitivity than standard digital scales, making them ideal for measuring weights up to 0.001g or 1mg.

Precision balances are super-accurate and can be used to measure even small incremental differences in weight. Put simply, they’re more precise than your typical scale or balance. Available in a range of sizes and capacities, these balances are more often used for small-medium sized objects. 

Read on to discover which industries tend to use precision balances and why they can be so crucial to your operations. Let’s get into it. 

What is a Precision Balance?

A precision balance is a high-accuracy weighing scale designed for precise measurements of small to medium-sized samples. Unlike standard digital scales, precision balances offer greater sensitivity and can measure weights to a higher degree of accuracy, such as up to 0.001mg, which are known as micro balances. Precision, analytical, semi-micro, and micro balances are the main types of lab balances, with each balance varying in readability. 

You’ll typically find precision balances in environments where precise measurement is critical to product integrity and compliance, such as laboratories. However, the precision of these instruments means they’re more suited for use with smaller objects. 

Which Industries Use Precision Balances?

There are plenty of industries that use precision balances, even more than the few listed below, but here are some of the sectors that most commonly use precision balances. 

Food and Beverage Industry

Quality control in the food production industry means precisely measuring even the smallest ingredient. After all, small products like salt can make a huge difference to the taste and health standards of a particular food. 

Laboratories

When it comes to chemical processes, even the slightest difference in amount of a substance can cause huge disruptions to the end result. Precision balances are used in lab settings for measuring agents, samples, and compounds in analytical procedures. When a high degree of accuracy is required, precision balances can measure even the smallest increments. 

Manufacturing

Precision balances are used in industrial settings to ensure quality control and maximise efficiency. Precision balances can ensure consistency on the production line, resulting in a more reliable product for consumers. 

The Benefits of Using Precision Balances

High Accuracy

In many sectors, high readability is a must to ensure you can sense even the smallest change in weight of a substance. Precision balances offer high accuracy, promising peace of mind for your production. The ability to detect even minor weight variations is crucial in industries that require exact formulation and compliance with sector-wide legal regulations.

Reduced Material Waste and Cost Savings

By using measurements that are as precise as possible, you can save money and materials. Think about it this way – the more precise your balance, the easier you’ll be able to pick up on even the slightest overuse of substance, allowing you to cut back on material wastage. Even the smallest reduction will have a helpful effect on your overall profits. 

Improved Efficiency

Most electronic precision balances are not only super accurate, but super fast. With access to quick, precise measurements, you’ll be able to keep your production line flowing and reduce the chance of any bottlenecks. This improved efficiency eventually results in more revenue, all thanks to the introduction of an affordable but crucial precision gadget, especially in busy manufacturing settings. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between readability and linearity?

Precision balances are generally very accurate, but it’s important to understand the difference between a scale’s readability and its linearity. Readability refers to how the scale displays weight on the screen, which is often mistaken for accuracy. 

A scale can only show weight in fixed increments, such as 1g, 0.5g, or 0.0001mg, meaning it will only increase or decrease in those levels. 

For example, if you place 10g on a scale, it may display 10g. If you add 0.5g more, the scale might still show 10g or round it to 11g rather than displaying 10.5g because it doesn’t have the readability to display smaller increments.

Linearity, on the other hand, measures how consistent the scale is in reflecting the true weight. It is usually represented with a ± value in grams, indicating how much the measurement might differ from the actual weight. More expensive models tend to have better linearity, meaning they provide more accurate results, so you might want to spend a little more if linearity is your key concern.

A scale’s overall accuracy depends on multiple factors, including readability, linearity, stabilization time, repeatability, and its ability to handle external influences like vibrations. 

How do you use a precision balance?

The exact use of a precision balance will depend on the model in question, but the general rules stay the same. 

1. Place the balance on a surface – ensure it’s a vibration-free and level surface to maintain accuracy.
2. Use calibration weights to ensure the accuracy of the balance before getting started. 
3. Place the sample in the centre of the balance for the most accurate reading. 
4. Use the digital display to log the measurements. 

Where can I buy a precision balance?

The best option for purchasing a precision balance is to buy from a retailer with a wide range of brands and budgets. That way, you’ll find it easier to find the right model for you. 

Here at Scales and Balances, we’re home to a huge range of precision electronic balances from the biggest names in the industry. With models from plenty of well-known brands, there’s something for every budget and sector. 

Need extra support finding the perfect precision balance for you? Our expert team will be happy to help.