Exploring universal rules for perfect weighing

OHAUS, a leading worldwide manufacturer of scales and balances, who recently announced the launch of Explorer® Semi-Micro, is now focused on gathering good weighing tips in order to simplify the weighing process and support the achievement of good results.

Weighing is one of the most basic tasks performed in the laboratory. That is why it is important we do not underestimate certain factors that can influence proper results. Incorrect usage or unsuitable conditions may cause errors, especially for semi-micro balances, that are used to weigh the lightest samples. OHAUS has been present on the market for over a 100 years and has always been concerned about the universal rules for good weighing as well as developing the perfect tools for that activity.

"The comfort and satisfaction of our customers is of key importance to us and that is why we continuously strive to grow, develop and deliver what is best. We fully understand the importance of  providing our customers not only with a variety of  reliable balances and tips on how to adjust the conditions around and make sure they create the ideal measurement  environment" says Zbigniew Pobocha, the General Manager of OHAUS Europe GmbH. "Starting with the balance location, through power supply and levelling, up to reading the weighing results, each step requires time and accuracy and OHAUS wants to be able to make this process faster yet more thorough".

To ensure the most complete and versatile approach OHAUS created a set of materials to support good weighing tips. We have a great offer, because the first 1000 people who will register on the website will receive special OHAUS gadgets.

The four basic steps to follow: checking the location, keeping it plugged in, levelling and reading stable results.
Checking the location - correct location of the balance in the working area will minimise the influence of the environment on the proper weighing results. Not only is direct sun light exposure not recommended, but the balance should also be placed away from any air flows (windows, doors, A/C devices or ventilators, including computer ones). Monitoring conditions in the room is crucial as every change in temperature or humidity can influence the weighing results. OHAUS AutoCal™ internal calibration system efficiently protects against this factor calibrating the balance automatically every time it senses a temperature change significant enough to influence the weighing results or every X hours, depending on the balance's model. Work place ergonomics is equally important, therefore, make sure there is enough space around the instrument to provide unobstructed use and sufficient work comfort.   

Once the optimal location of the balance is determined you might want to verify another step – Keeping it plugged in. The balance should be connected to a power outlet and left on stand-by mode when not in use. When the balance is freshly installed, let it warm-up for some time in order to adjust to the working environment. Depending on the type of instrument, 3 to 12 hours are required for the balance to reach its optimal parameters.  Providing constant electricity supply allows the electronic parts to be warmed-up enough for immediate operations.

As very small things may affect accuracy, Levelling is crucial prior to first use and the level position should be checked and adjusted periodically. Different devices offer various options to perform that task, in OHAUS Explorer the levelling is made easy using the up-front levelling bubble and levelling assistant screen. The user should turn the thumbwheel, depending on the location of the air bubble in the balances level.

The last, but not least, point in the set of four basic main rules, is Reading stable results. The first thing to remember is to make sure the balance shows ZERO before each weighing. Then the results can be checked only when the balance is stable. A small asterisk (on the left hand side of the display on Explorer) will confirm you are getting correct results.

Among various factors that may disturb the weighing results, there is one more worth mentioning - electrostatic charges. In particular plastic containers in low humidity environments tend to cause a drifting display. To avoid errors, make sure to use electrostatic-free containers or eliminate the unwanted charges using an ionizer. Selected models of OHAUS balances are equipped with a built-in ionizer as standard. For all the others, a standalone device is available.

OHAUS portfolio covers a wide range of Analytical, Precision, Portable balances, Moisture Analysers, Industrial, Food and Mechanical Scales. We hope to be able to present you our company and products during Analytica 2016, from May 10-13 in Munich. Please visit us at: Hall B stand 137.