FAQ

A calibration certificate is a document that provides details about the calibration process and results for a specific instrument or piece of equipment. It typically includes information such as the date of calibration, the name and address of the laboratory or company that performed the calibration, the instrument’s model and serial number, and the results of the calibration.

Calibration certificates are important because they provide evidence that the instrument or equipment has been calibrated and that it is functioning correctly within its specified tolerances. This can be important for industries where accurate measurement is critical, such as manufacturing, engineering, and pharmaceutical.

Some regulatory bodies or quality management systems may require that instruments are calibrated and that a valid calibration certificate is obtained and kept on file. For example, ISO 9001, a widely used quality management system standard, requires that measurement equipment is calibrated and that calibration records are maintained.

In summary, a calibration certificate is a document that verifies the accuracy and reliability of an instrument or equipment, and it may be required for regulatory compliance or quality management purposes.

Some of the most common types of weighing machines used for industrial weighing are:

Moisture Analysers: A moisture analyser is a laboratory instrument that measures the moisture content in a sample. It is commonly used in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. The instrument typically uses a heating mechanism to dry the sample and a sensitive balance to measure the weight loss of the sample as the moisture evaporates. The moisture content is then calculated based on the weight loss.

Precision Balance: A precision balance is a type of laboratory balance that is used to weigh small quantities of materials with a high degree of accuracy. It typically has a readability of 0.001 grams or better and can measure up to several hundred grams. Precision balances are commonly used in scientific research, chemical analysis, and quality control in manufacturing.

Analytical Balance: An analytical balance is a highly sensitive laboratory balance that is used to measure the mass of substances with a high degree of accuracy. It typically has a readability of 0.0001 grams or better and can measure up to several grams. Analytical balances are commonly used in analytical chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and other fields where precise measurements are required.

Platform scales: Platform scales are used to weigh heavy items, such as pallets or large containers. They are designed with a flat platform for the item to be placed on and typically have a weight capacity of several tons.

Bench scales: Bench scales are used to weigh smaller items, such as packages or ingredients. They are typically designed to sit on a workbench or tabletop and have a weight capacity of several kilograms.

Floor scales: Floor scales are similar to platform scales, but they are designed to be installed directly onto the floor. They are typically used for heavy-duty weighing applications, such as weighing large machinery or vehicles.

Counting scales: Counting scales are used to count large quantities of small items, such as screws or bolts. They work by weighing a sample of the items and then using that weight to calculate the number of items in a larger quantity.

Crane scales: Crane scales are used to weigh items that are too heavy to be moved by hand. They are typically attached to a crane or hoist and can weigh items that weigh several tons.

Weighbridges: Weighbridges are large scales that are used to weigh entire vehicles, such as trucks or buses. They are typically installed at weigh stations or other locations where vehicles need to be weighed for legal or logistical purposes.

Force Gauges: A force gauge is a measuring instrument used to quantify the force applied to an object. It is commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and quality control to measure the force required to compress, pull, push, bend, or twist materials and products.

The class test weights you would need for checking the accuracy of your weighing application depend on the accuracy class of the weighing device you are using. The accuracy class of a weighing device is determined by international standards and is based on the maximum permissible error of the device.

The most used accuracy classes for weighing devices are below.
The accuracy class is defined by the maximum permissible error of the weighing device, and the more accurate the device, the smaller the maximum permissible error.

• Class E2: Maximum permissible error of 0.1% of the applied weight
• Class F1: Maximum permissible error of 0.1% of the applied weight.
• Class F2: Maximum permissible error of 0.2% of the applied weight.
• Class M1: Maximum permissible error of 1.0% of the applied weight.
• Class M2: Maximum permissible error of 2.0% of the applied weight.

To test the accuracy of your weighing application, you would typically use test weights that have a known and traceable mass. The test weights should be of the same accuracy class or higher than the weighing device you are testing. For example, if your weighing device has an accuracy class of F1, you would need test weights that are also of class F1 or higher.

It is important to ensure that the test weights are clean and free of any contaminants that could affect their weight. You should also handle the test weights carefully to avoid damaging them or altering their mass.

Once you have the appropriate test weights, you can use them to calibrate your weighing device and check its accuracy. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for calibrating your weighing device and use the test weights to check its accuracy at various points across its measuring range.

The accuracy class you would use for each resolution of your weighing device depends on the required level of accuracy for your specific application. In general, the accuracy class of the weighing device should be at least one class finer than the required resolution. For example, if your weighing device has a resolution of 0.01 g, you should choose an accuracy class of at least E2 to ensure the device can accurately measure to the nearest 0.01 g.

Here are some general guidelines for selecting accuracy classes based on the resolution of the weighing device:

For resolutions of 0.1 g or coarser: Class M1 or M2
For resolutions of 0.01 g to 0.1 g: Class F2 or F1
For resolutions finer than 0.01 g: Class E2 or E1

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and the required accuracy class may vary depending on the specific application and regulatory requirements.
The material you use for your test weights will depend on the environment in which you plan to use them. Here are some suggestions for materials to use in different environments:

Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a commonly used material for test weights because it is durable and easy to clean. It is suitable for use in most indoor environments and is resistant to corrosion and rust.

Cast iron: Cast iron test weights are also durable and are suitable for use in most indoor environments. However, they are not as resistant to corrosion as stainless steel and should be kept dry to prevent rusting.

Brass: Brass test weights are often used in laboratory settings because they are non-magnetic and do not corrode easily. However, they are not as durable as stainless steel or cast iron and can be easily scratched or dented.

Aluminium: Aluminium test weights are lightweight and are suitable for use in laboratory settings. However, they are not as durable as other materials and can be easily damaged.

Plastic: Plastic test weights are lightweight and are often used in educational settings or for simple weighing applications. However, they are not as accurate as metal test weights and can be easily damaged.

It’s important to choose a material that is appropriate for the specific environment in which you plan to use the test weights. For example, if you plan to use the weights in a wet or humid environment, you should choose a material that is resistant to corrosion and rust, such as stainless steel or brass. If you plan to use the weights in a laboratory setting, you may want to consider using brass or aluminium because they are non-magnetic and will not interfere with magnetic fields. Ultimately, the material you choose will depend on your specific application and the level of accuracy and durability required.

Trade approved scales, also known as EC verified scales, are scales that have been tested, verified and approved by a national or international regulatory body, such as the National Measurement Institute (NMI), to ensure that they meet specific accuracy and quality standards. These scales are used in commercial settings for weighing goods, and they are required to meet specific regulatory requirements in order to be used for commercial transactions.

The EC (European Commission) verification process involves a range of tests to ensure that the scales meet the required accuracy and precision standards. This includes testing the scale’s load capacity, accuracy, repeatability, and stability under various conditions. The scale must also be calibrated to a specific standard and have a calibration certificate that proves its accuracy.

Once a scale has been approved, it is marked with a trade-approved seal, which indicates that it has passed all the required tests and is suitable for use in commercial transactions. This ensures that businesses can have confidence in the accuracy of the weights they are using to sell their products or services, and that consumers can trust that they are receiving the correct weight for the items they are purchasing.

A calibration certificate is a document that provides details about the calibration process and results for a specific instrument or piece of equipment. It typically includes information such as the date of calibration, the name and address of the laboratory or company that performed the calibration, the instrument’s model and serial number, and the results of the calibration.

Calibration certificates are important because they provide evidence that the instrument or equipment has been calibrated and that it is functioning correctly within its specified tolerances. This can be important for industries where accurate measurement is critical, such as manufacturing, engineering, and pharmaceutical.

Some regulatory bodies or quality management systems may require that instruments are calibrated and that a valid calibration certificate is obtained and kept on file. For example, ISO 9001, a widely used quality management system standard, requires that measurement equipment is calibrated and that calibration records are maintained.

In summary, a calibration certificate is a document that verifies the accuracy and reliability of an instrument or equipment, and it may be required for regulatory compliance or quality management purposes.

ATEX scales are weighing scales that are designed to operate safely in potentially explosive environments where there is a risk of fire or explosion. ATEX stands for Atmospheres Explosibles and refers to the two European directives for controlling explosive atmospheres in the workplace.

These scales are typically used in industries such as chemical processing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and food manufacturing, where hazardous substances may be present in the atmosphere. They are used for weighing materials such as chemicals, powders, and liquids, and are designed to minimise the risk of sparks or other sources of ignition that could cause an explosion.

ATEX scales are built to strict safety standards and must be certified as safe for use in hazardous environments. They are typically made from non-sparking materials such as stainless steel or aluminium and are designed to prevent the build-up of static electricity. They may also be equipped with special features such as explosion-proof enclosures or protective barriers to minimise the risk of ignition.

In summary, ATEX scales are a specialised type of weighing scale designed for use in potentially explosive environments. They are used in industries where there is a risk of fire or explosion due to the presence of hazardous materials in the atmosphere.

Here are a few examples of the different types of weighing machines that are used for industrial weighing. The type of weighing machine that is best for a particular application will depend on factors such as the size and weight of the items being weighed, the accuracy required, and the environmental conditions in which the weighing is taking place.

Food and beverage industry: Moisture analysers, bench scales, platform scales, and counting scales are commonly used in the food and beverage industry to weigh grains, meat, dairy, ingredients, packaging, and finished products.

Pharmaceutical industry: Moisture analysers, are commonly used to measure the moisture content of drugs and drug delivery systems, while analytical balances are commonly used to measure the exact amount of a drug or active ingredient in a formulation.
Chemical industry: Floor scales, platform scales, and counting scales are commonly used in the chemical industry to weigh raw materials, finished products, and hazardous materials.

Logistics and transportation industry: Weighbridges, platform scales, and crane scales are commonly used in the logistics and transportation industry to weigh vehicles, cargo containers, and other heavy items.

Manufacturing industry: Platform scales, bench scales, and counting scales are commonly used in the manufacturing industry to weigh raw materials, finished products, and packaging.

Mining and quarrying industry: Weighbridges, platform scales, and floor scales are commonly used in the mining and quarrying industry to weigh vehicles, minerals, and other heavy items.

Agriculture industry: Platform scales and bench scales are commonly used in the agriculture industry to weigh crops, livestock, and other agricultural products.

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