Every precision weighing application is different, and the ideal precision balance for laboratory weighing may not be right for a very similar application in a production environment. In the laboratory, a precision balance may have the challenges of drafts, vibrations and fume hoods, whereas on a factory shop floor, for example, there may be dust, dirt, vibrations from machinery, and multiple operators across different shifts.
Precision weighing is often the first step of an analysis or process, so having accurate weighing results is important to avoid errors later. To achieve accurate results that meet your process tolerances, you need to be sure that your balance is fit for purpose. METTLER TOLEDO's free GWP® Recommendation service helps you choose the right precision balance for laboratory or manufacturing applications by considering several key factors:
- Maximum weight: the maximum amount you want to weigh (including the tare container)
- Smallest net weight: the smallest sample you want to weigh (excluding the tare container)
- Weighing tolerance: the degree of error that is acceptable, specified as a ± percentage
- Safety factor: to compensate for variations due to drafts, different operators, vibrations, etc., the minimum weight is multiplied by a factor that reflects the degree of risk associated with having an incorrect weighing result (i.e., a high negative consequence requires a high safety factor).
Not only does GWP® Recommendation help you choose the right precision balance for laboratory and production weighing applications, it can help you verify that your existing precision balance is fit for purpose. To learn more, see: How to Select a Laboratory Balance and Scale That Meets Your Requirements.