Laboratory Balances: Your FAQs, Answered

Laboratory balances must be accurate and precise since poor readings can throw off the results of experiments. The most common laboratory balance types are precision, analytical, semi-micro, and micro. To ensure accuracy in your lab balances, buy from a reputable supplier, opt for a trade-approved model, and calibrate regularly. 

If you work in a laboratory environment, you’ll know that lab scales are some of the most used equipment – and for good reason. Accuracy and precision are a must in a lab, and when you’re weighing chemicals and other lab materials, precise readings can mean the difference between creating your desired substance or something else entirely. 

If you’re in the market for laboratory scales, you’re probably wondering where you can find them, how much they cost, and how to find the most accurate model possible. Luckily, we’ve got answers to all these questions and more in our lab scales FAQ article. Let’s get into it. 

What Types of Laboratory Balances Are There?

The most commonly used lab balances are precision, analytical, semi-micro, and micro, which refer to the accuracy of the balance. Understanding the different types can help you establish which one is best for your lab environment. 

Precision balances offer a good balance between accuracy and readability, typically measuring to the nearest 0.01 g or 0.001 g. They are used in laboratories where a high level of precision is required but extreme sensitivity is not necessary, and they usually offer a higher capacity than the norm. Precision balances are ideal in environments such as in general research, formulation, or quality control applications. They’re sometimes referred to as a top-loading balance.

Analytical balances are highly sensitive and highly accurate, usually measuring up to 0.0001g (0.1mg). Use analytical balances in lab environments that primarily deal with smaller samples. 

Semi-micro balances are capable of measuring a readability down to 0.00001g (0.01mg) and they’re used for very fine measurements. 

Microbalances provide the highest level of accuracy and readability since they can measure down to 0.000001g (0.001mg). These are ideal for use in highly specified fields. 

How Much Do Lab Scales Cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much lab scales cost – this depends on the size, brand, and type of lab balances you’re buying. 

You can expect to pay anything from around £100 to thousands of pounds for the highest-end models with all the bells and whistles. Rather than focusing extensively on price point, look for value for money. 

Scales being expensive doesn’t automatically make them more accurate, and cheap scales aren’t automatically a bargain just because they’re cheap. Instead, work with a third-party supplier to find scales that balance affordability with quality, so they work well without breaking the bank. 

Do Laboratory Balances Need Calibration Certification?

Trading standards prefer or often require you to have your weighing equipment calibrated, so buying calibration certification or pre-certified models is the best course of action. 

How Long Do Lab Balances Take to Deliver?

When you order from Scales and Balances, most orders take 3-7 days to deliver, so you’ll have your new stock to hand within a week. While sometimes we’ll need to order an item or wait for re-stock, we’ll always do our best to deliver laboratory scales to you as soon as possible. 

Custom, large, or complex models can take more time. You’ll receive an estimated delivery date when you order online from Scales and Balances, so you can plan ahead based on when your order is most likely to get to you. 

Are Lab Balances Accurate?

Lab balances, especially those trade-approved, are accurate provided there’s no fault with the model. To test your scale’s accuracy, you can purchase test weights and calibrate them regularly. 

Bear in mind there’s a difference between accuracy, precision, and readability, so establish which is your priority before your lab balance search. Readability is how the scale shows you the weight on the screen and often mistaken for its accuracy. 

A scale/balance may display 1g, 0.5g or 0.0001mg and will only increase or decrease in these increments. For example, if you put 10g on a scale it may say 10g, if you put 10.5g on a scale it may say 10g or 11g but will not show the 0.5g on the screen. Linearity is more like a tolerance and refers to the consistency of measurements. Often shown as a +- or in grams (g) it’s how close to the actual result a scale is allowed to be off by. The more expensive models have a lower linearity and the combination of both the readability level, linearity, stabilisation time, repeatability and the scales’ ability to deal with outside influences such as vibrations contribute to its accuracy to the actual weight measured.

Where Can I Buy Lab Balances?

Buying from a trusted third-party supplier is the perfect plan of action, as it allows you to look at a range of brands and types of lab scales to find the ideal one for you. 

Here at Scales and Balances, we boast a huge range of laboratory scales, from precision scales to analytical scales, to ensure quality control and precision across your lab work. With even the slightest change in the amount of a substance causing potential issues in your work, precision and accuracy are non-negotiable. 

Plus, if you’re not sure where to get started, our friendly team can help you find the perfect scales order that matches both your business needs and your budget. Explore our extensive range of laboratory scales today and find your perfect match.