Right Calibration Weights for Weighing Equipment Testing
To ensure the accurate
performance of your weighing scales or balances, it is essential to regularly
assess them using calibrated weights. The frequency of these checks—whether
daily, weekly, or monthly—depends on the criticality of the measurements to your
product or process and the potential consequences of any deviation from
tolerance in your weighing equipment.
While a professional weighing
company typically certifies and calibrates your equipment every six months or
annually, this certification only guarantees accuracy at the time of testing.
To safeguard against unforeseen issues or damage that may affect calibration,
we recommend additional checks using calibrated weights. Surprisingly, even
minor factors like a poorly fitting protective cover can introduce significant
weighing errors, which may remain unnoticed without these regular assessments.
Understanding Weight vs. Mass:
It is crucial to clarify the distinction between weight and mass in the context
of calibration. Technically, a calibration weight or test weight represents
mass rather than weight. Weight refers to the force exerted by a mass when
subjected to gravity and is what a weighing scale or balance measures. However,
"weight" is the commonly used term. To illustrate, consider that the
mass of an object remains constant regardless of its location (e.g., the moon).
Still, the force it exerts, known as weight and measured by a scale, varies due
to differing gravitational forces. On the moon, a 1000g mass will weigh
approximately 166g, and a person weighing 80 kg on Earth would only weigh 13.3
kg on the moon.
Types of Calibration Weights:
Calibration weights come in
various forms to suit different weighing equipment.
Here are some common types:
Cast Iron Bar and Hex
Calibration Weights: These weights are the most frequently used for testing
industrial, commercial, and retail scales. They are typically adjusted to the
M1 tolerance or class, which translates to an accuracy of 1:20,000 or 0.005%.
For instance, a 20 kg (20,000g) calibration weight with M1 accuracy will have a
maximum error, as supplied, of +/-1g. Please refer to the Weight Classes
section for more details.
Cast iron bar and hex
calibration weights are designed for single-person handling. The smaller
weights, such as 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, and 25 kg, are referred to as bar weights
due to the handlebar, while those ranging from 100g to 2 kg have a hexagonal
shape. We recommend M1 cast iron calibration weights for checking and
calibrating scales with a resolution (readability) of 1g or more. They offer
stability in dry environments and are a cost-effective choice compared to other
options.
Brass Calibration Weights
Stainless Steel Calibration
Weights
Stainless Steel M1 Class
Calibration Weights
Stainless Steel F2 Class
Calibration Weights
Stainless Steel F1 Class
Calibration Weights
Stainless Steel E2 Class
Calibration Weights
For wet environments, we
advise using brass or stainless-steel weights because iron weights are prone to
rust when exposed to moisture, which can lead to deviations from tolerance.
In conclusion, choosing the
appropriate calibration weights is essential to maintain the accuracy of your
weighing equipment. The selection depends on factors such as the equipment's
resolution, environmental conditions, and the level of precision required.
Regular checks with calibrated weights will help ensure that your weighing
equipment consistently provides accurate results.
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