Weighing is the process of determining the mass, force exerted, tension or resistance of an object. Mechanical scales, like balances, use scientific principles to convert forces into a weight reading.
For highly precise measurements, analytical balances need to be located in a draft-free, stable environment and calibrated periodically with standard reference masses.
Accuracy
The accuracy of a scale or balance is important for many applications. Inaccuracy can lead to product rejects, give-away, or customer dissatisfaction. It can also cost money, such as in shipping costs or rework costs to correct misread data. High accuracy can reduce these costs and ensure product quality.
A weighing system is accurate if it can consistently produce correct results within a defined tolerance, or range of deviations. The specifications for determining accuracy include repeatability, linearity, and resolution.
Repeatability measures how closely repeated weighings of the same object display the same result. For example, if an analytical balance is set to 0.1 mg readability and has a linearity of 0.3 mg, each time the same sample is placed on the scale it will display exactly the same weight. A high level of repeatability is essential for many weighing applications like food or science labs.
Efficiency
Accurate weighing is one of the most important processes in many different applications. For example, food manufacturers depend on accurate weighing to ensure that the final product meets specification. Likewise, labs need precise and consistent weight measurements to perform experiments. Inaccurate weighing can lead to wasted time and money and may require costly rework.
The weighing process involves comparing the gravitational pull of the sample to that of established mass standards. This is done using instruments called balances. To achieve accuracy, the balance should be in a draft-free location on a solid bench that does not vibrate. Ideally, the instrument should be calibrated periodically with standard weights to maintain accuracy.
The key to efficient weighing is to have a balance that is both accurate and consistent. For instance, a high-accuracy system that yields a single correct measurement but cannot replicate it consistently can cause batch rejections or product give-away and impact profitability. To maximize efficiency, the system should have a low standard deviation.
Safety
Weighing is a critical step in many biotechnological experiments, ensuring that chemicals are measured accurately and that materials have the correct weight for use. Aside from scientific accuracy, accurate weighing is necessary for international trade and fair pricing. The precision of a weighing process relies on the consistency of the weighing procedure, preventing environmental factors like drafts and vibrations from influencing weight measurements. Analytical balances should be located in a draft-free location and placed on a solid bench free from vibrations to achieve precise results. Before weighing, ensure the balance is zeroed and that the sample is in a centered position to prevent imbalances. After weighing, wait for the balance to stabilize before opening the door or touching it. Follow a standard weighing procedure every time to guarantee repeatable and reliable results.
Automation
In addition to saving time by eliminating manual processes, automation also eliminates human error. For example, a check weighing system is integrated directly into a production line, verifying that packages fall within an appropriate weight range without having to weigh them individually. This allows workers to focus on more complex tasks, boosting quality control & efficiency.
Another common automated weighing system is the in-motion scale, which integrates a conveyor system with a scale to gather continuous weight information automatically. This helps you track inventory, sort & ship items more efficiently and ensures accurate billing based on weight.
Finally, unattended truck kiosks make truck weighing easy 24/7, allowing drivers to simply follow the kiosk prompts and drive onto the scale for instant results. This removes the need for them to wait in line or leave their cab, and eliminates errors like double-loading or overloading that can impact customer service. All weighing results are instantly recorded in the visitor profile of your Peripass YMS, making it easy to manage all truck traffic in real-time.