Volume 2, Issue 2

A Closer Look Inside Laboratory Products & Services with Sartorius Team Members

Michelle Sheridan
Sales Specialist, Premium Weighing
Sartorius Corporation

What influencing factors could affect my weighing results?

Many factors found in the laboratory can influence the behavior of a balance. The most common are:
Temperature has strongest influence on a balance because sudden changes in temperature can cause mechanical stress
within the weighing system and affect the electronic components. It is important to maintain stable, constant room
temperature and minimize direct contact with samples or weights.
Humidity optimum relative humidity is between 45-60%. If humidity is too low, static electricity may occur. If humidity
is too high, condensation may occur.
Vibrations it is best to select a location free of vibration on a non-bending surface, in the corner of a room (outer
circumference of a building), near a load bearing wall on the lowest floor level and avoid placing near high traffic areas
when possible. Do not place the balance on a surface where writing or other tasks occur as a balance will react to the
slightest vibration/slant. Use a granite slab or balance table with anti-vibration dampening elements.
Static Electricity the number one cause of issues with weighing and will occur on material with low electrical conductivity
or when there is very low humidity. There are many devices available to assist with neutralizing the static electricity charges. The Sartorius Cubis balance series offers a draft shield with a built in ionizer to help with this specific issue.

How long does it typically take to properly warm up a balance?

Balances need to be warmed up after new installation, or if the power has been turned off to provide the most accurate
weighing results. To avoid having to warm up the balance again, practice the following: do not disconnect the power plug
and always leave the balance in standby mode when not using in order to always be ready for use. Here are typical warm up
times required based on balance type:

Precision Balances (d 1 mg).................... ~ 30 min

Analytical Balances (d = 0.1 mg)............... ~ 4 hours
Semi-micro Balances (d = 0.01 mg).......... ~ 12 hours
Ultra-micro/Micro Balances (d 1g)...... ~ 24 hours

Why does a balance need to be leveled prior to weighing?

One of the worst errors that can occur during weighing is if the balance is not leveled. Even a slight tilt can cause an inaccurate weight measurement. For precise and accurate weighing results, its essential to level a balance at the place of use
following initial installation as well as after the location of a balance has been changed, including after moving it to clean
underneath. For example, if the balance is inclined only
400m on one side, an incorrect measurement is produced
when weighing a 200g weight: The mass of a 200.00000g
weight is displayed as 199.99963, which is a -0.00037g difference.
Sartorius Cubis balances have a safety feature built inside
to constantly monitor the leveling status to protect the user
from weighing incorrectly. For models with capacity
6.2kg, but >6.1g, the Automatic Motorized Leveling feature will automatically level the balance at the touch of a
button, making sure that leveling is properly achieved. All
other Cubis models offer real-time, guide-assisted leveling
that provides support to level the balance quickly and accurately. Sartorius also offers the Secura balance line that
features LevelControl for guide-assisted leveling.

What is the difference between calibrating and adjusting my laboratory balance?

Calibration is simply checking the relationship between the displayed (reported) weight value and the true mass (actual)
value indicated by a (certified) weight. Calibration is the most important source of information for checking a balances uncertainty of measurement under actual installation and operating conditions. Adjustment is eliminating the difference between the displayed value and the true mass of the balance; or correction of this deviation. This can be achieved 2 ways: either via external or internal calibration and adjustment. External calibration and adjustment procedure will use external
weights whose values and uncertainty must be known and documented. Internal calibration and adjustment uses internal
weights via automatic activation of calibration and adjustment function.

Why does a balance need to be calibrated and what is the recommended frequency for
balance calibration?
Calibration is required anytime the ambient conditions change, a balance has been moved or is found out of level. Since
deviations in sensitivity/span can occur, its important to calibrate your balance at regular intervals to ensure the balance is
functioning within its specifications. Sartorius recommends calibration and preventive maintenance for your laboratory
balance at least once a year or more frequently depending on your environment or standard operating procedure.

To get more information on Laboratory

Weighing, please email Michelle at
michelle.sheridan@sartorius.com

Sartorius Corporation
5 Orville Drive, Suite 200
Bohemia, NY 11716
Phone +1.800.635.2906
Fax +1.631.254.4264
www.sartorius.us