Calibrating a Weight Scale in a Laboratory

[momatwork]

As a part of preparing in-house media in microbiology lab we use a weight scale. It is calibrated but we need to buy a balance to chek it every day. Is one calibratated balance enough? We use it for weighing 0.30 grams to 55 grams.

[Stijloor]

I started a new thread for you and moved it to the Calibration forum.
Hopefully, you'll get more responses.

Stijloor, Forum Moderator.

[tomvehoski]

I would think your easiest solution would be to get a set of certified weight standards to cover the range of your scale. Looks like you can get them online for a few hundred dollars or less (but I don't know the range/precision you require). You could also contract with a calibration supplier to come in and calibrate it for you at periodic intervals.

[BradM]

In Reply to Parent Post by momatwork

As a part of preparing in-house media in microbiology lab we use a weight scale. It is calibrated but we need to buy a balance to chek it every day. Is one calibratated balance enough? We use it for weighing 0.30 grams to 55 grams.

Hi there!! Welcome to the Cove!

I'm a little confused by some of your wording. When you say:

It is calibrated but we need to buy a balance to check it every day.

Do you mean weights instead of balance?

Tom's right, you can buy a set of weights to cover your range. I would get a set up to 100 grams. That way, you always have choices. If you just get one weight, and it gives you suspect readings, you are not sure if it's the balance or the weight. Sometimes weights get junk and all on them and get off a bit.

[DsqrdDGD909]

In Reply to Parent Post by momatwork

As a part of preparing in-house media in microbiology lab we use a weight scale. It is calibrated but we need to buy a balance to chek it every day. Is one calibratated balance enough? We use it for weighing 0.30 grams to 55 grams.

What precision do you need? This will guide what class weights you need.

How often will the the scales be calibrated by an outside source?

We used to check our analytical scales at 1%, 25% and 100% of capacity.