Calibration and Weighing Instruments (2024)

FAQs

How to calibrate weighing instruments? ›

Place the calibration weights on the platform, starting with the lowest weight and gradually increasing to the maximum capacity. Compare the scale's readings with known weight values in order to determine how accurate the scale is. Ideally, the difference should be within the scale's acceptable tolerance range.

The weighing test aims to test the accuracy (calibration) of the weighing instrument throughout its whole range in several steps, with increasing and decreasing weight. Start with zeroing the device without any load. Set the limitations of the first test point, wait for stabilization, and record the indication.

If you don't have confidence that the out-of-tolerance equipment was capable of producing good results, then you must handle the suspect product as necessary, including segregation, quarantine, recall, reinspection or retesting (using recalibrated and approved in-tolerence equipment), and repair or rework the product.

Expansion and contraction can alter the calibration of the instrument, and that is why you should endeavor to keep it within a normal room temperature range. Avoid holding instruments in your hands for an extended period of time, for example, and don't rest them on surfaces that are either too hot or cold.

Calibration involves checking measures at several points between the min and max range of the instrument, usually in pre-defined increments, and comparing against standard values. The calibration range is defined as the span between the limits within which the target parameter is measured.

We recommend an annual calibration to ensure that your test weights are performing as expected and they conform to manufacturers standards.

Environmental changes, such as in temperature or humidity. Exposure to harsh conditions, such as corrosive substances or extreme temperatures. Sudden mechanical or electrical shock or vibration. Frequent use and natural calibration degradation over time.

A calibration process starts with the basic step of comparing a known with an unknown to determine the error or value of the unknown quantity. However, in practice, a calibration process may consist of "as found" verification, adjustment, and "as left" verification.

INACCURATE RESULTS: If you do not calibrate your equipment, it will not give accurate measurements. When the measurements are not accurate, the final results will also be inaccurate, and the quality of the product will be sub-standard. SAFETY FACTORS: Uncalibrated equipment can pose a number of safety risks.

What is poor calibration? ›

An incorrectly calibrated or tared instrument, like a scale that doesnt read zero when nothing is on it. A person consistently takes an incorrect measurement. For example, they might think the 3/4 mark on a ruler is the 2/3 mark.

Explanation: Systematic errors are caused by poor calibration of instruments.

You simply add calibration weights or U.S. coins on the scale until they add up to the weight on the scale's display. For example, if the display weight is 50.0 g and you have 5.0 g weights, add 10 weights on the scale.

We suggest weights be calibrated annually. Periodic calibration will assure that measurements made using your weights are valid. Periodic calibration will detect changes in mass value which otherwise may go unnoticed. These changes could have an impact on the quality of your measurement results.

You can also try stepping on the scale alone, noting the weight, and then stepping on the scale with an object that weighs X amount of pounds, like a 5 pound dumbbell or a 1 pound bag of flour. Then, check to see if the weight goes up by the exact amount that you are holding. If it does, then the scale is accurate.

In some cases, a simple battery reset can bring your digital scale back to its accurate self. Begin by removing the batteries from the scale and allow it to remain without power for approximately 5 minutes. This step allows any residual charge to dissipate, effectively clearing the scale's memory.