The quality of work done in any laboratory is highly contingent upon the accuracy of weighing instruments. From sample preparation to environmental analysis and from density measurement to pharmaceutical formulation, weighing scales have many applications in laboratory settings.
There is no doubt that a weighing scale is a key tool in all types of laboratories no matter whether they are dedicated to education or advanced scientific research. This blog explores the many uses of these scales in laboratories. With this information, you will definitely realize why any laboratory is incomplete if it doesn’t have quality weighing scales so keep on reading till the end.
- What are Laboratory Weighing Scales?
- Important Features of Laboratory Weighing Scales
- Different Weighing Scales Types and Their Uses
- Analytical Balances
- Precision Balances
- Moisture Analyzers
- Density Balances
- Micro, Ultra Micro, and Semi Micro Balances
- School Balances
- Applications of Weighing Scales
- Sample Preparation
- Food Processing
- Manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Environmental Science
- Biological Studies
What are Laboratory Weighing Scales?
These are highly sensitive and precise liquid or solid measuring scales designed specifically for use in laboratories. These scales can detect even the smallest variations in mass with a very high degree of accuracy.
Modern laboratory weighing scales are digital and they use the magnetic force restoration principle for measuring weight. As the sample applies force on the scale, the electromagnetic present inside it tries to balance this force which is then converted into the weight.
Important Features of Laboratory Weighing Scales
Following are the main features of laboratory weighing scales that set them apart from the regular weighing balances we come across
- These scales offer a very high degree of accuracy and they can even measure weights in micro or milligrams.
- These scales come with several useful additional functions such as tare, data storage, computer or printer connectivity, and statistical calculations.
- The calibration of these scales needs to be done regularly and carefully to get accurate readings every single time.
- Most modern analytical balances feature intuitive controls and clear displays which makes them very easy to use.
- These scales are available in all sizes to handle your specific capacity weighing requirements in labs.
Different Weighing Scales Types and Their Uses
Following are the main types of laboratory weighing scales and their uses
1. Analytical Balances
These laboratory balances are highly sensitive and they can measure very small readings of up to one-tenth of a milligram. These balances have a capacity of about 500 g and they come with a draft shield to minimize the environmental effects.
These scales are commonly used in advanced research facilities and pharmaceutical labs. They facilitate accurate formulation, sample preparation, and quality control.
2. Precision Balances
Precision balances can be used to measure weights in the range of up to two decimal points in grams. These scales have much higher capacities than analytical balances.
These scales are used in packaging, manufacturing, and food processing industries where both accuracy and high capacity are needed.
3. Moisture Analyzers
These balances work by using a heating element to dry a sample and measuring its weight loss during the drying process. This helps in determining the accurate moisture content of any given sample.
These scales find applications in food and beverages, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
4. Density Balances
These scales work by comparing the weight of any given sample in air to its weight in some other viscous liquid. This gives you an accurate estimation of the density of the sample.
Density balances are used mostly in geology, material science, and gemology laboratories.
5. Micro, ultra-micro, and Semi-Micro Balances
Micro and ultra micro balances are highly sensitive instruments that give you a readability of about 1 microgram.
These scales mostly find uses in nanotechnology and pharmaceutical labs for particle size analysis.
The semi-micro balances give you a readability of about 0.01 mg making them less suitable for very small weight measurements.
These scales are used in chemistry labs and in some pharmaceutical applications where micro-level readings are not required.
Applications of Weighing Scales
Following are the main areas where weighing scales are currently being used in laboratories all over the world
1. Sample Preparation
Weighing scales are used in laboratories to prepare accurate samples for experimental research as well as for product preparation in food and beverage industries. The use of these scales reduces errors in the experiment by allowing you to prepare accurate concentrations and dilutions.
2. Food Processing
Labs in the food industry use these scales for recipe formulation and ingredient weighing.
3. Manufacturing
Laboratories dedicated to industries like automotive, electronics, and aerospace manufacturing also utilize these scales.
4. Pharmaceutical Analysis
These scales are used in pharmaceutical labs for formulations and medicine preparation. They also utilize these for quality control.
5. Environmental Science
In environmental science laboratories, these scales are used to weigh and test soil, water, and air samples. This analysis helps in environmental pollution assessment and remediation.
6. Biological Studies
Labs dedicated to biological studies use weighing scales when dealing with cells, microorganisms, and biomolecules. These are also used to find the right dosage of drugs and nutrients in applications where even the smallest change in the amount of these can drastically alter the experimental outcomes.
Conclusion
Laboratory scales come in a variety of sizes and shapes to meet your specific weight capacity and accuracy requirements. Precise weighing solutions not only enhance the quality of your laboratory work but also ensure you are able to benefit from the advanced features of these devices like data logging, tare, data transmitting, etc.
Every industry that deals with scientific research needs reliable weighing scales if it is to maintain accuracy and consistency in the work being done. With these scales, it is possible to ensure there are minimum risks of human errors and that can lead to much better research outcomes. You can Visit Accurate Meezan today to order our top-quality precision and analytical balances for all laboratory applications.
