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.

Lab Equipment: Overview of Laboratory Ovens

Gravity Convection Oven, 1.9 cu. ft., 115 VAC

Is it time to upgrade your laboratory equipment with a new oven? If you are softening, ageing, drying, or sterilizing, you likely use a gravity oven or laboratory oven. When assessing the market for your next oven, keep in mind the various types available. Here is a quick overview:

Cleanroom Ovens: A type of mechanical convection oven (see below) specifically for cleanroom uses such as semi-conductor chip cleaning, electronic parts curing, and wafer baking. Meet Class 100 air standards with cleanroom ovens outfitted with a HEPA filter for maximum contamination protection.

Mechanical Convection Ovens: These ovens feature a motorized fan which sends air across the heating elements into the warming chamber. Distribution of air is consistent. Good for those uses that require uniform temperatures and quicker heating and drying times.

Gravity Convection Ovens: Use when temperature uniformity is not essential. These ovens are more economical than mechanical convection ovens. Typical applications could be when a substance (or powder) is dried or heated and fan-generated air flow is not a problem.

Safety Ovens: Another type of mechanical convection oven (see above) with a blow-out back panel. This panel safeguards the user if an explosion occurs inside the oven, directing the blast away from the user. However, these ovens are not explosion-proof. They will not prevent volatiles from combusting.

Vacuum Ovens: When lack of atmosphere or inert atmosphere is needed, for applications such as desiccating, outgassing, vacuum drying, and plating, a vacuum oven is an excellent choice. Heat is conducted from the side walls of the chamber to the sample by way of the metal shelf.

View our selection of ovens.

Lab Equipment: Overview of Laboratory Ovens

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