Weighing is a critical part of many manufacturing processes. If a scale is not the right size or maintained properly, it can cause errors in the production process and impact profitability.
Scales can be used to measure everything from raw ingredients to the final product packaging. GWP(r) can help ensure accurate weighing results in harmony with quality standards in laboratory and manufacturing.
Types of Materials
The weighing process can involve a myriad of chemical components. Typical applications include corrosive liquids, finely divided powders, and solids of all shapes and sizes. Using the right equipment and proper procedure can reduce the chance of a mishap, while ensuring the most accurate measurement possible. A reputable laboratory supply house can help with all your lab weighing needs. From the right sized container to the correct forceps and pipette, a well planned out and implemented weighing system will ensure the best results possible. The weighing process is a science unto itself, so make sure to read the instructions carefully and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way. You’ll be glad you did. With a little planning and a few well chosen tools, you’ll be able to weigh the competition with flying colours in no time.
Calibration
Calibration refers to a process where the relationship between a scale’s value and a known standard is established. It is a crucial step in establishing traceability and helping to ensure accuracy for compliance, efficiency, safety and sustainability purposes.
The first method of calibration is using trade approved calibration weights, which are used to test the scale’s capacity and accuracy. These weights are obtained from a reliable source and maintained carefully to make sure they don’t gain or lose mass.
A second method of calibration is to use material weighed on a secondary, calibrated scale. This can be helpful when a certified set of weights aren’t available or usable.
This is the most accurate calibration method and can produce accuracies of up to +.05% of the target load applied. However, it can be challenging and requires more than one person to complete the job. It can also be more expensive than other methods of calibration.
Safety
Weighing is a critical process for making analytical measurements and requires adherence to strict safety measures. These include a clean, dry weighing chamber and surrounding bench space to avoid cross contamination of samples and erroneous weighing results.
To minimize weighing errors caused by air currents, temperature fluctuations and mechanical noise, balances should be installed away from heat vents. Temperature control should be maintained at the recommended limits in all areas of the laboratory and balances should be set to a steady zero setting before use.
In addition, shock loading can cause damage to weighing systems and affect the accuracy of measurements. For this reason, the material flow onto the weighing system should be controlled with a feeder or other device to prevent shock loading.
Load cells in a weighing system sense load weights and apply the load to strain gauges bonded at points on the cell. Incorrectly applied loads can change the cell’s electrical signal and produce errors in weighing measurements.
Equipment
When it comes to weighing, a wide range of equipment is available. These include laboratory balances, load cells and scales for large vehicles.
The type of weighing equipment used in your operation can impact accuracy and speed. This can have a significant effect on production and the bottom line, so it’s important to choose the right weighing device for your needs.
For example, if you’re transporting dry bulk materials, choose a weighing system that can handle the weight capacity of your products. This will reduce the stress on the scale and help to maintain accurate results.
Scales and balances should be regularly calibrated to ensure that they remain accurate. This is done by placing a series of certified test weights on the weighing platform and recording the results. If the results do not match the test weights, adjustments can be made to correct the drift.