Weighing In: 3 Reasons to Use a Micro Balance

When minimal levels in weight variation may make a big difference, such as in product testing or quality assurance labs, consider using a micro balance. Three reasons to use a micro balance:

Mettler Toledo™ Excellence XS Dual Range Micro Balance

1. Sensitivity. Micro balances can take a precise measurement of weight of an object of relatively small mass, such as a million parts of a gram. Comparatively, a standard analytical balance is 100 times less sensitive. Micro balances are also very sensitive to exposure to air currents, dust, and thermal fluctuation. Because of this, micro balances should be placed in a hood or enclosure when in use. Some models offer air buoyancy correction software which compensates for fluctuations in air density.
2. Precision. These balances are designed to meet exacting production standards. Laboratory researchers use micro balances for checking uniformity in critical components.
3. Features. Depending on the model, features can range from a built-in ionizer and anti-static glass breeze break to improve weighing by eliminating static to advanced weighing technology to maximize performance in strictly regulated environments. Some micro balances offer technology that enhances the user experience specifically for complex applications.

Environmental conditions may cause weighing variations. If the load cell of a micro balance is disturbed, either by sample loading or environmental exposure, the instrument will need to settle completely before accurate measurements can be taken. Therefore, a vibration isolation system’s settling time is a key criterion affecting the throughput of these instruments.