What Calibration Weights Do I Need?

Regular calibration is an essential maintenance task with any scale or balance – at least, any that you want to keep accurate and precise. However, it can be difficult to determine exactly which calibration weights you need when there are so many options. Let us help you choose!

Learning Which Test Weights You Need

The great thing about choosing the right calibration weight for your scale or balance is that it’s rarely a guessing game. Often your balance will let you know what weight it needs for the most effective calibration.

This information may be provided in the manual, but there’s a simpler way to learn: the Calibration menu on your scale or balance. When preparing for calibration, the screen will show a weight, such as 100g or 200g. This isn’t a weight reading; it’s a request for a test weight of that value. Sometimes there’s a choice between a few different weights, in which case you can decide which would be best for your circumstances.

After learning what weight you need, you’ll need to decide whether to get one individual weight or a full set.

Individual Weights

Purchasing just one weight would be the best option if you’re only planning to use it for regular calibration. Of course, you may have to purchase more than one simply because you have multiple types of scales or balances that require different weights, but in this case, there’s no need to purchase more than one per machine.

Weight Sets

Calibration weight sets offer multiple weights ranging in value. For example, Adam Equipment’s F1 1mg – 500g set includes 17 different calibration weights. They range from 1mg all the way to 500g.

Sets are the way to go if you’re going to be frequently calibrating the linearity on your scale or balance, because linearity calibration involves using weights across the capacity span. It helps guarantee that the balance is accurate at the bottom, middle and height of its capacity.

Another reason you may decide to purchase a set is if you want a method of easily verifying accuracy between calibrations. For example, even if your balance requests a 100g weight, you may decide to purchase a set that includes 100g as well as 20g, 10g and 1g. This would be for the express purpose of verifying that your balance’s weight readings are correct before crucial weighing sessions that involve items around those weight ranges. That way, if you were to place a 1g weight on the balance and the display doesn’t read exactly 1g, you know to calibrate before weighing.

Now that you’ve chosen between individual weights or a full set, you need to guarantee you’re getting the right type of weight.

Choosing Between OIML Classes

OIML stands for the International Organization of Legal Metrology. It’s the body that oversees all things calibration weights. It guarantees they’re designed, made and used properly. OIML classifies calibration weights based on their accuracy and precision, separating them into categories so you can choose based on your specific needs. Scaletec offers OIML Classes E2, F1 and M1.

Class E2

E2 weights are the finest on Scaletec, precisely crafted for calibrating and verifying semi-micro and analytical balances like Adam’s Solis or Luna with readabilities between 0.0001g and 0.00001g.

Class F1

F1 weights are better for analytical and precision balances that offer readabilities between 0.001g and 0.0001g.

Class M1

M1 weights are ideal for precision balances as well as compact and bench scales with readabilities from 1g to 0.01g. Cast iron weights in this category are ideal for high-capacity calibration on floor and platform scales.

Tips for the Use and Care of Calibration Weights

So, now you should know what weight you need, how many AND what type. However, the work isn’t done once you’ve made your purchase. Calibration weights require a surprising amount of care to keep them at tip-top shape.

Use

Most of the calibration weights on Scaletec’s site are made from high-quality stainless steel, crafted to emulate the promised weight value as close as possible. Mistreatment of your weight can result in it becoming inaccurate over time.

We recommend touching or interacting with your weights with tweezers or gloves, so as not to transfer acidic finger oils onto the surface, which can degrade the metal over time. It’s also a good idea to set and lift the weights directly up and down to avoid dragging them along the metal of the weighing pan. Not only can this cause scratches that can impact accuracy but can also cause a buildup of static electricity, leading to your weighing results drifting.

If you know that there’s going to be a great temperature difference between where the weights are stored and where you’re going to use them for calibration, give the weights ample time to heat up or cool to room temperature. This prevents the metal from expanding or contracting more than the metal on the balance itself.

Cleaning

Harsh chemicals can corrode calibration weights over time, so we don’t recommend using any kind of cleaner, soap or even water. A soft bristle brush or a microfibre cloth is enough to gently wipe off any lint, dust or dirt that’s gotten on the weight without leaving its own residue behind. If some kind of liquid really is required to loosen up the debris, try ethanol or alcohol, which will typically disperse quickly.

After cleaning the weight, make sure you’re cleaning your brush or cloth as well, so you don’t re-transfer the debris later.

Storage

Store your weights in the container or box they came in, as they’re specifically designed with padding that protects them from falling or the perils of transportation. Keep them in a cool, dry, stable environment outside of direct sunlight.

Scaletec’s team would love to recommend the right Adam Equipment calibration weights for your exact needs. Contact us!