Precision balances come in a variety of specifications. To find the specifications of precision balances of your interest, navigate to the model on the filter page. Below the precision balance model name, you will find a preview of some preliminary information. For details, you can click on the model to go to the precision balance product page, which includes a specification table and a tab with documentation on precision balances. Alternatively, you can compare METTLER TOLEDO precision balances by selecting different models and clicking Compare.

The accuracy of precision balances is given by the combination of their trueness and precision. The trueness of values measured on precision balances describes how close they are to the well-defined mass of a calibrated test weight. Precision refers to the range of variation of repeated measurements made under the same conditions on the same precision balance. Repeatability is the measure of precision typically reported on datasheets and should not be confused with the term readability. Readability, down to 0.1 mg for precision balances, is only a first indication of performance.

METTLER TOLEDO offers precision balances with readabilities ranging from 1 g to 0.1 mg, i.e., 0 to 4 digits to the gram are shown on the display of these precision balances.

The range of a precision balance or precision scale refers to its weighing range. The weighing range is known as the capacity of the balance and is the maximum amount that can be weighed on the balance.

Before starting to weigh on your precision balance or precision lab scale:

• Check that calibrations and routine tests are up to date.
• Check that the balance is level.
• If necessary, wear gloves to protect yourself as well as to avoid contaminating your sample. For some samples, personal protection equipment may be required; check your SOP.
  

To weigh a sample on your precision balance or precision lab scale:

1. Zero the balance
   • This gives you a zero point from which to start your weighing process.
2. Place your container centrally on the weighing pan
   • This avoids corner load error.
3. Allow your precision balance to settle.
   • The weight of your tare container will be shown on the display.
4. Press the tare button.
   • Although the display will now show zero (the number of decimal places will depend on the model of precision balance), the balance has recorded the weight of your container. This is not the same as the zero point and to indicate this, the net weight indicator 'N' will also be shown on the display.
5. Add your sample to the container until you reach the target weight.
   • Many METTLER TOLEDO precision balances and precision scales feature a weighing-in guide to help you weigh more precisely within your defined tolerances.
6. When the balance has stabilized, you can record the net weight of your sample.
   • The balance has now recorded the weight of your tare container and the weight of your sample.
7. Print out or transfer your results.
   • The different weights will be shown with T for tare, N for net, and G for gross (total).
8. Clean the balance and the area around the balance according to your SOP.
   

To weigh an item on your precision balance or precision lab scale:

1. Zero your precision balance.
2. Place your item centrally on the weighing pan.
3. The weight value is released once the precision balance has settled.
4. Clean the balance.
   

For more information on all aspects of weighing, download our indispensable weighing guide:

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. A precision balance for a laboratory 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, but it can also help you verify that your existing precision balance is fit for purpose. To learn more, see:

The smallest net weight that can be weighed accurately on your precision balance or precision scale is known as its minimum weight. It is the accuracy limit of the instrument and is the smallest amount that the precision balance can weigh accurately. It is not the same as the scale division, d; this is the balance readability, which is the smallest difference in weight that can be determined. The minimum weight is not the same for every precision balance and depends on its location, the performance of the weighing cell, the ambient conditions, and the required weighing accuracy. Below the determined minimum weight value, the measurement uncertainty becomes larger than the required accuracy, and weighing results cannot be trusted.

To avoid this problem, many METTLER TOLEDO precision balances incorporate a function known as MinWeigh. MinWeigh monitors the weight of the sample being added to the balance. When the weight of your sample is below the minimum weight, the figures on the display remain red, and the weight value is not released. The minimum weight of each individual precision balance must be determined in its place of operation. For example, precision balances for the food industry and precision balances for the laboratory can require different minimum weight values depending on the application. METTLER TOLEDO service technicians can determine the minimum weight for you as a key part of the precision balance service.

Learn more from our white paper:

The capacity of your precision balance or precision scale defines the maximum load. METTLER TOLEDO precision balances offer capacities from 120 g up to 64 kg and the model name indicates the balance capacity. For example, the capacity of the XPR4002S is 4.1 kg with 2 decimal place readability (0.01 g), and the MX8001 has 8.2 kg capacity with 1 decimal place readability (0.1 g). The maximum load includes any container and the sample being weighed.

The precision balance level bubble is a small circular bubble that can be found right next to the display at the front of your precision balance and it is meant to provide you with a visual aid to adjust the balance feet until the level bubble is positioned in the middle. Once the level bubble is placed in the middle you can ensure the measurements are accurate. At METTLER TOLEDO we offer precision balances with a  built-in LevelControl function which issues warning when the balance is not level. Onscreen guidance tells you how much to turn each of the adjustable feet to help you level the balance in seconds.

The level bubble is conveniently located at the front of your balance, so it’s easy to confirm if your balance is level before you start weighing. With one fixed foot at the back and two large adjustable feet at the front, levelling your balance is quick and easy.  

Calibration is an assessment of balance performance. Whether you need to calibrate your precision balance or not will depend on where it is being used and whether there are any applicable regulations. In certain regulated environments, calibration is a necessity to verify that the balance is performing as required.

Calibration does not involve making any changes to the behavior of the balance. In contrast, a precision balance adjustment is an intervention that changes its behavior. Typically, a precision balance calibration procedure might indicate the need for an adjustment.

Calibration should always be carried out by an authorized service technician. As part of the whole calibration service, the technician may make an adjustment and calibrate the balance again to verify its performance.

Precision balances need to be calibrated regularly to ensure continued accuracy over the life of the instrument. The required calibration frequency for precision balances can be determined on an individual risk basis. It also depends on the use and environment of your precision balances. METTLER TOLEDO offers calibration services for your precision balances to help you keep your equipment operating at peak performance.

In between regular calibrations by a technician, you should also routinely test your precision balance using two external weights. These routine tests highlight any deviations from the weighing process requirements and detect potential issues early.

METTLER TOLEDO has developed a globally applicable scientific standard for the correct selection, calibration, and operation of weighing equipment known as GWP^®, or Good Weighing Practice™. Our GWP^® Verification service provides you with all the information you need concerning calibration frequency and routine testing for your specific process and quality requirements:

The frequency of servicing for a precision balance will depend on various factors, such as the frequency of use, the environment in which the balance is used, and the importance of the weighing results for your processes. METTLER TOLEDO offers GWP® Verification service to precisely help you answer this question based on your individual need to ensure your precision balance provides you with accurate results over the lifetime of the instrument.

If you use your balance frequently or if you work in a harsh or dusty environment, you may need to service your balance more often.

Additionally, regular maintenance can help prevent issues and minimizes the risk of breakdowns and ensures that it remains accurate and reliable. METTLER TOLEDO offers Balance Preventive Maintenance Service to help you prevent unplanned downtime.

XPR precision balances have a range of quality assurance features that work together to help you ensure accurate results and to comply with any applicable regulations.

The StatusLight™ is built into the front of the balance terminal and uses color to let you see at a glance if the balance is ready for weighing to begin. The balance status is recorded against each weighing result to provide additional process security.

The GWP Approved function not only actively monitors the balance status, it also ensures you always weigh within the safe weighing range. The on-screen icon is your reassurance of accurate, reproducible results. GWP Approved needs to be activated by your service technician.

The Tolerance Profiles ensure weighing tasks meet defined quality requirements and regulations. An on-screen warning is given if results are out-of-spec. By using the same profile each time a specific task is carried out, consistency and traceability are assured.

To clean your precision balance or precision scale, you will first select your cleaning agent. The cleaning agent selected will depend on your laboratory or workplace and the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals or active substances. However, the cleaning agent must be able to fully remove any contamination without damaging the balance. As a rule, your precision balance should be cleaned after each use or change of weighing substance, but this can vary according to your industry, application and frequency of use. Check your cleaning SOP for the recommended frequency.

A standard precision balance cleaning procedure follows:

1. Get ready – protect yourself and have your cleaning SOP instructions on hand
2. Disconnect the balance from the power supply
3. Clean the area around the balance
4. Disassemble all removable parts
5. Clean the balance itself
6. Reassemble the balance
7. Ensure the balance is ready for use
   
   

Full details on how to clean your precision balance, including cleaning methods, cleaning agents, and tips on how to keep your precision balance clean, can be found in our free guide, a cleaning SOP is included:

As the name indicates, overload protection safeguards the weighing cell when objects that are too heavy are placed on the weighing pan or if something is accidentally dropped on it; without this protection, the sensitive weighing cell could be damaged. A warning is provided on your balance display when the balance capacity is exceeded. All METTLER TOLEDO precision balances and precision scales incorporate overload protection. 

In commercial applications that involve the direct selling of products by weight, a Legal for Trade balance is required. You should check the legal requirements of the country and area in which you are manufacturing the products and where they are sold. Most METTLER TOLEDO precision balances are available as Legal for Trade versions. Our Legal for Trade precision balances undergo additional testing. We can supply precision balances verified as Legal for Trade (/M models). However, your local regulations may require that the verification is done by weights and measurement inspectors or authorized service technicians in your area (/A models). Local regulations should always be checked prior to making a purchase.

The Legal for Trade seal gives your customers confidence that the balance mechanism has not been tampered with and the weighing results are true.

METTLER TOLEDO precision scales & balances can support you with simple data transfer without the need for additional software. Your precision balance must first be connected to your PC, either through the RS232 or USB connections.

• With Advanced and Standard level precision balances, you need to activate PC Direct. Simply press 'Print' to transfer your weighing result to an Excel spreadsheet or Word document.
• With Excellence level precision balances, you need to activate the HID (drop-to-cursor) function. After weighing your sample, press 'Add result' on the balance display, and your result will be transferred directly to an Excel spreadsheet or Word document.

For more advanced data management possibilities, we can offer you dedicated software:

• Our EasyDirect™ software provides extended result management capabilities for our Advanced and Standard level precision balances, including csv file exporting, statistical calculations, and review of results.
• LabX® laboratory software offers advanced data management and results analysis for our Excellence level precision balances. LabX is a highly flexible solution for the centralized management of data, tasks, instruments, and users, and can assist you with compliance with 21 CFR part 11 and ALCOA+ data integrity requirements.

A precision balance or precision scale typically offers readability from 0-3 decimal places (1 g to 1 mg) whereas an analytical balance is defined as having readability of 4 decimal places or more (0.1 mg).

METTLER TOLEDO offers many precision balances and precision scales that can be broadly categorized as shown below:

1. Large platform
   
   • Precision balance with a large weighing platform to accommodate heavy and bulky loads.
   • Readability: 1 g – 1 mg
   • Decimal places: 0-3
   • Capacity range: 12.1 kg – 64.1 kg
   • Weighing pan: Rectangular pan SmartPan (large)
2. Small platform
   
   • Precision balance with a small weighing platform to accommodate standard loads and less bulky items.
   • Readability: 1 g – 1 mg
   • Decimal places: 0-3
   • Capacity range: 310 g – 10.1 kg
   • Weighing pan: Rectangular pan SmartPan
3. High-performance, large platform
   • Comparator precision balances, carefully selected for their exceptional repeatability at higher capacities.
   • Readability: 1 mg
   • Decimal places: 3
   • Capacity range: 26.1 kg – 64.1 kg
   • Weighing pan: LevelMatic weighing pan (large)
4. High-performance, small platform (supplied with a draft shield) 
   • Comparator precision balances, carefully selected for their exceptional repeatability at higher capacities.
   • Readability: 0.1 mg
   • Decimal places: 3-4
   • Capacity range: 2.3 kg – 10.1 kg
   • Weighing pan: LevelMatic weighing pan (small)
5. With a draft shield
   • Precision balances with a higher readability for weighing smaller loads.
   • Readability: 1 mg – 0.1 mg
   • Decimal places: 3-4
   • Capacity range: 101 g – 5.1 kg
   • Weighing pan: Circular pan Square pan SmartPan (small)
6. Portable
   • Lightweight precision balances, easily moved to wherever you need to weigh and can be battery operated.
   • Readability: 100 mg – 10 mg
   • Decimal places: 1-2
   • Capacity range: 220 g – 6.2 kg
   • Weighing pan: Circular pan

METTLER TOLEDO offers a wide range of high-quality precision balances:

Excellence Level Precision Balances 

Outstanding weighing performance and innovative sample-handling technologies, these high-precision balances help make your challenging weighing tasks efficient, error-free, and compliant. 
Product Lines: XPR  

Advanced Level Precision Balances 

The right choice when you need great performance and durability. Intuitive operation and integrated applications make your weighing processes fast and convenient. 
Product Lines: MX, MR

Standard Level Precision Balances  

Enter the professional world of weighing with our robust and easy-to-use Standard Precision Level Balances. High-quality construction and solid performance ensure consistent and precise weighing results. 
Product Lines: MA, LA

If you are unsure which precision balance is right for your process requirements, METTLER TOLEDO offers a free GWP® Recommendation service to help you select the right precision balance by matching your precision balance performance and characteristics to your requirements. 

The power consumption of a laboratory precision balance can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Some models may have additional features that increase their power consumption slightly, but in general, precision balances are designed to be energy efficient. METTLER TOLEDO precision balances are available with power saving capabilities such as Stand-by Mode (applicable to our XPR, MA, LA balance lines) or Power Saving Mode (applicable to MX and MR balance lines). The typical power consumption of a precision balance can be around 3.1 KWh but with our sustainable built-in feature, the Power Saving Mode, our precision balances MX and MR allows you to save energy up to 55% annually. This is calculated based on an average number of hours a high precision balance is used in a laboratory per week. 

METTLER TOLEDO precision balances are packed in 100% recyclable packaging. Our MA-P balances are packed with 100% renewable materials. They are made completely out of cardboard and have minimal carbon footprint due to low energy requirements in the production process. Additionally, all our accessories for balances without draft shields are packed in full cardboard. For the packaging of the other balance lines and accessories for balances with draft shields, we used EPP foam (expanded polypropylene).  EPP is 100% recyclable, highly elastic and provides high impact resistance capabilities. It’s a sustainable and lightweight material that consumes minimal resources (it’s composed of 90% air) and minimizes emissions thanks to the lightweight of the material.

Precision balances are used in a wide range of laboratory applications that require highly accurate and precise measurements. Here are some common lab applications where precision balances are commonly used:

• Analytical chemistry: Precision balances are often used to measure the mass of chemical substances used in analytical chemistry, including reagents and solvents.
• Microbiology: In microbiology, precision balances are used to accurately measure the mass of small samples, such as bacterial or fungal cultures, or for weighing out precise amounts of growth media.
• Material testing: Precision balances are used in material testing to measure the mass of samples used in mechanical and physical property testing.
• Pharmaceutical research: In pharmaceutical research, precision balances are used to accurately weigh out small quantities of active ingredients or excipients for use in drug development.
• Quality control: Precision balances are also used for quality control purposes, such as measuring the mass of products or ingredients to ensure they meet certain specifications.
  
  

Our precision balance for the laboratory can be used for all your lab applications and laboratory settings. You can also check out our precision balance accessories to find more to support your applications.