Scales and balances are important instruments in improving the efficiency of a business. Their improper functioning can lead to issues like loss of material due to the wrong packaging of a product and as a result, taking a hit at the bottom line. Hence, to improve the ROI and trust of customers along with increasing efficiency, it is advisable that scales and balances are maintained properly. The maintenance can be in the form of routine calibrations to prolong its life and ensure its accuracy in all situations.
Factors Impacting Accuracy
Although it is imperative that scales and balances function to their optimum and provide accurate readings, the same can be influenced by several environmental factors as well. These relate to the impact of elements, variations of temperature, barometric pressure, malfunctioning of load cells, and power surges (or dips.) Also, the functioning can be impacted by rough handling and the presence of a varying gravitational force. To prevent the scales from facing downtime or a drop in their efficiency/accuracy, they should be calibrated from time to time.
Can Location Impact your Balance?
The gravitation force varies across locations depending on the way the place is positioned to the magnetic north. In case the balance is moved to a place of varying gravitational pull, the readings will appear to be different as well. This is due to the fact that scales or balances measure the gravitational force that pulls an object’s mass towards the centre of the earth. This difference will be more pronounced in a precision balance for laboratory due to the latter’s increased sensitivity.
Why is Calibration Important?
As scales age or are subjected to environmental factors, they tend to lose their tolerance levels. Thus, showing 2 pounds less would lead to a substantial loss of money not to speak of hitting the efficiency in the production chain downstream. Moreover, calibration is very important to ensure the upkeep of a precision balance that is used in a laboratory. As the findings of a researcher depend on the correct measurement of the input parameters, any loss of tolerance can impact the quality of research. Importantly, the wrong readings can lead to unforeseen consequences of say, developing a medicine with an incorrect value of the ingredients. This can have a direct impact on the lives of people. Hence, a technician should calibrate the scales against traceable test weights to keep the tolerances within limits.
Types of Calibration
It is of two types viz., internal and external. In internal calibration, the balance auto calibrates itself without the need for any manual input. It depends on many technologies, models and price range and is enabled by pressing a single button or made to auto calibrate at specific intervals of the day. Majorly, these motor driven balances come with built-in calibrated weights. Internal calibration can take into account the variance in temperature, movement, location, time and power fluctuations.
An external calibration uses approved weights by manual mode. Here, the approved weights are taken as a standard. Thus, should the weight on the scale is 1kg, the weight on the scale is to be set as 1kg as well. The weight should be properly maintained to ensure it does not gain or lose mass.
Conclusion
Irrespective of the type of calibration you subject the scales or balances to, it should be done in a systemic manner periodically. The periodic calibration of a precision balance for laboratory would yield positive results in terms of accurate reading, right tolerance level and less (or no) downtime.