What is the difference between an analytical balance and a precision balance?

An analytical balance provides readability of 0.1 mg or better, while a precision balance typically reads to 0.001 g or 0.01 g. Analytical balances include draft shields and are designed for highly sensitive measurements. Precision balances handle larger samples and are less affected by environmental conditions.

What readability do I need for my lab application?

You need a readability that is at least one-tenth of your smallest sample weight or required measurement increment. For example, measuring 100 mg samples may require 0.01 mg readability, while gram-level work may only need 0.01 g. Selecting higher readability than necessary increases cost without improving results.

Do lab balances need to be calibrated?

Yes, all lab balances require regular calibration to maintain accuracy. Calibration ensures measurements remain traceable to certified standards. Internal calibration simplifies this process by automating adjustments, while external calibration requires manual verification with certified weights. In regulated environments, calibration records must be documented and retained.

What is the difference between readability and repeatability?

Readability is the smallest increment of weight a balance will display. Repeatability is the degree of agreement between multiple measurements of the same mass, on the same balance, under the same conditions.

What is the best way to clean my balance to ensure accurate readings?

Inspect and clean before each use. A flannel cloth or soft brush works well for dusting and light cleaning. Use a non-abrasive cleaner for light spills, and a dry flannel cloth for glass parts. Set a regular maintenance schedule for deep cleaning to ensure optimal performance and instrument longevity.

Can vibration affect the accuracy of my balance?

Yes — even slight vibration from a heavy footstep can affect accuracy. Place the balance on a sturdy benchtop away from high-traffic areas such as hallways, elevators, stairways, and doors. If that placement is not possible, an anti-vibration table should be considered.

What is a Thermohygrometer? | Antylia Scientific Blog

Monitor humidity to keep negative effects at bay.

Are you dealing with humidity in your work environment? Just like our comfort levels are affected, environments, too, can suffer the effects of humidity. Environments that use technical equipment such as lab equipment or computers, or your home are susceptible to the negative effects of humidity which can include corrosion, condensation, mold, warping, or other damage of materials for products.

Because humidity affects the properties of air and all materials that come into direct contact with air, various manufacturing, storage, and testing processes are dependent upon humidity. Materials that must be stored are vulnerable to damage from their specific environments. For instance, industry regulations call for storage areas to maintain 30 percent and 60 percent relative humidity. If moisture levels rise or fall outside of this range, sterility of any medical equipment stored can be compromised and not suited for patient usage.

Monitoring the temperature and humidity of a storage environment can preserve materials. Too much humidity can lead to condensation, which can result in corrosion or electrical shorts in environments. Yet if there is too little humidity, there may be a buildup of electrostatic charge, causing static electricity. Equipment may be damaged or destroyed as a result.

Measuring humidity in environments where there is a necessity to prevent and control corrosion, condensation, mold, warping, or other damage of materials for products like foods, pharmaceuticals and chemicals is critical. Yet managing temperature and humidity can be a challenging issue due to other day-to-day tasks that require immediate attention as opposed to long-term climate control.

To meet the challenge, use a thermohygrometer to measure your humidity. A thermohygrometer measures humidity and temperature, so you can control your environment and ensure it has the correct humidity level. For example, in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory guidelines suggest optimal lab humidity levels be somewhere between 30% and 50% with temperatures at
68 °F and 77 °F (20 °C and 25 °C).Here is one newly redesigned thermohygrometer we recommend:

What is a thermohygrometer?

Monitor humidity to keep negative effects at bay.

Traceable® Thermohygrometer with Clock

How to select a Traceable humidity product

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