
Calibration, performed by an authorized provider offers the following benefits:
- Cost savings. Calibrated equipment allows sound decision making, which avoids waste, rework or product recall.
- Reliable measurements. Using calibrated equipment assures that measurements made in one place are compatible with those made in another. ...
- Compliance. ...
- Detection of aging equipment. ...
- Process and profit improvement. ...
What is scale calibration and why is it important?
Once the calibration range is defined, the calibration is done at several points from zero to span to ensure high accuracy. Once you realize that scale calibration is essential to the success of your business, you’re sure to have some questions:
How often should you calibrate your scale?
Manufacturers should have a recommendation for the frequency of calibration, and since all scales are made differently, it’s usually safe to assume the manufacturer knows best. If your scales are used multiple times throughout the day, every day of the week, normal wear and tear will occur faster than in scales that are used a few times per week.
Why calibrate your weighing machine?
Properly calibrated balance gives accurate results and decreases propability of a weighing mistake which can cost extra time and money. It is safe to say, calibration is an investment that builds customer confidence.
Why is it important to calibrate the balance of the Earth?
This is important because balances measure the force of gravity pulling the mass towards the center of the Earth. Combine this with variation in barometric pressure and you have a recipe for disaster if you don't calibrate your balance.

Why is calibration of scales necessary?
Balance or scale calibration is essential to achieve accurate weighing results. Ignoring this important service activity turns measuring into guesswork. In other words, it is negligent to weigh with a non-calibrated balance or scale. The accuracy of balances and scales becomes less reliable over time.
Do scales have to be calibrated?
Scales should calibrated frequently depending on the accuracy level of the scale and the frequency of use. If you are using a scale to measure items at a . 01 gram or 0.001 gram accuracy level , we recommend calibrating your scale daily.
Why is it necessary to calibrate your instrument?
Calibration of your measuring instruments has two objectives: it checks the accuracy of the instrument and it determines the traceability of the measurement. In practice, calibration also includes repair of the device if it is out of calibration.
How often do scales need to be calibrated?
A good rule of thumb is to calibrate scales two or three times each year. However, keep in mind that the frequency of weighing and the age of the scale are important factors in the frequency of the calibration required to properly maintain the scale.
Why is my weight different on different scales?
That's because each brand of scale may have different calibrations, and some scales may be synchronized for your own body type or BMI. If they're good scales, they'll probably get an accurate reading that's very close to your correct body weight.
Why does my weight change when I move the scale?
My Scale Changes When I Move It This is because a digital scale finds its “zero” measurement based on where it's positioned. Therefore, once you pick up the unit, it will need to recalibrate its “zero” measurement before you use it accurately.
What happens if you don't calibrate an instrument before using it?
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.
Why is it important to be able to properly calibrate and measure objects viewed through a microscope?
Microscope Calibration can help ensure that the same sample, when assessed with different microscopes, will yield the same results. Even two identical microscopes can have slightly different magnification factors when not calibrated.
Why is it important for medical equipment to be accurate?
Accuracy of medical equipment is especially important because it effects the overall output, relating to both quality and profitability. Notably, calibration of medical equipment is mandatory in order to receive certification and licenses from regulatory boards.
How much does it cost to calibrate a scale?
How much will it cost? o NMEDA has worked out some special pricing for members, in general if you're in a nominal travel range; the cost is about $150-$250 USD ($150 if within 25 miles, $250 if within 26-50 miles) for an on-site, no down time, calibration.
How do you know if your scale is calibrated?
Weigh two objects together.Place one object on the scale. Note the weight. Take it off and let the scale even back out. ... If it matches, the scale is accurate. If it doesn't, try it again and see if it is off by the same number. If it is, it might be that your scale is always off by that amount.
How do you calibrate a scale at home?
Here is how you should go about it;Place the scale on a flat surface, devoid of draft and very firm and stable.Turn on the Weighmax scale and let it stabilize till it reads “0”Press and hold the calibration key or button denoted as “CAL”The display should read 0.0g at this point.More items...•
What does it mean when a scale is calibrated?
When you purchase a scale, it often comes with “factory calibration” – meaning that it was calibrated at the facility before you got the scale. In the few days that have passed since it left the factory, you might assume that your scale is delivered calibrated and ready for use, right? Wrong. The location of the factory and your location are two different places – with two different elevations and therefore, the on-site calibration is the only way to ensure your scale is accurate where you intend to use it.
Why is calibration important?
In a laboratory setting, where results are dependent upon exact weights, scale calibration is of particular importance. An inaccurate scale could significantly hurt your business.
What is calibration tolerance?
Calibration tolerance is defined by the International Society of Automation (ISA) as “permissible deviation from a specified value; may be expressed in measurement units, percent of span, or percent of reading.“ When it comes to scale calibration, tolerance is the amount the weight reading on your scale can differ from the nominal value of the mass standard that has optimal accuracy. Of course, ideally, everything would match up perfectly. Since that’s not the case, tolerance guides ensure that your scale is measuring weights within a range that will not negatively affect your business.
What should you consider when determining calibration tolerance?
Rather, in addition to the manufacturer’s specified tolerance, you should consider: Regulatory accuracy and maintenance requirements.
What is the calibration range of an instrument?
Instead, there may be a calibration range that’s chosen, which ranges from zero to a maximum weight of your choosing (also known as the span). Once the calibration range is defined, the calibration is done at several points from zero to span to ensure high accuracy.
What to do once you have determined the frequency of your scales?
Once you’ve determined the appropriate frequency for your scales, you should look into signing a service plan with a calibration company. Many companies, like Precision Solutions, will work with you to learn more about your process and then create a maintenance plan tailored to you and your equipment
What is the legal requirement for commercial scales?
Commercial scales require legal-for-trade calibration. That means the scale needs to be calibrated according to the standards found in “Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices” — also known as “Handbook 44.”.
Why is balance calibration important?
Balance or scale calibration is essential to achieve accurate weighing results. Ignoring this important service activity turns measuring into guesswork. In other words, it is negligent to weigh with a non-calibrated balance or scale. The accuracy of balances and scales becomes less reliable over time.
Why is calibrated equipment important?
Calibrated equipment allows sound decision making, which avoids waste, rework or product recall. Reliable measurements. Using calibrated equipment assures that measurements made in one place are compatible with those made in another. Results from any balance in the process will be accurate and reliable, as will the final product.
What is the purpose of interpretation of calibration results according to defined tolerances?
Process and profit improvement. Interpretation of calibration results according to defined tolerances improves processes and ultimately increases profit.
Why is routine testing important?
Routine testing also ensures early detection of potential balance non-conformance with weighing process requirements.
How to reduce calibration risk?
Environmental changes can also lead to undetected drift or increasing random errors which degrade performance. Period ically scheduled calibration along with routine testing (see below) is the best way to reduce calibration-related risk.
How long is a calibration certificate valid?
In many cases the responsible person assumes that the calibration is valid for a year. This leads to the wrong conclusion that a calibration interval of one year is sufficient.
What is calibration in math?
But what is calibration? In simple terms, calibration is a quantitative comparison. To check the reading of a balance or scale, a reference weight is placed on the pan. The error is defined as the difference between the measured value (the reading) and the true value (the reference weight).
Why Do Scales Need Calibration?
To the newcomer, it might be a bit hard to grasp why scales require calibration. After all, you own a scale of the highest quality. But the truth is that, no matter the quality of your scale, occasional calibration is a necessity.
How Often Should They Be Calibrated?
How often your scales should be calibrated depends on a couple of things. If you’re just a hobbyist, a decent scale might last for years before it requires calibration. But the same cannot be said when they’re used in professional settings.
Contact The Scale People for Scale Calibration Today!
Since 1956, The Scale People have earned a reputation as the finest calibrator, servicer, and seller of scales in the mid-Atlantic area. Founded in Washington D.C., we have since expanded to offer our services in the states of Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and nationwide.
Gravity Variations
If you’ve just received a new piece of weighing equipment, it may have come with documentation certifying that it was ‘factory calibrated.’ This is a good way for you to know that it was in working order at the time when it was shipped out. But you need to calibrate it once more precisely because it is now in a new location.
Loss of Calibration in Transit
As the new owner of a balance or scale, you may already have read about the importance of properly storing your equipment. In addition to making sure your equipment is kept far away from any moisture and regularly cleaned, you have to be careful to store it somewhere where it is not frequently bumped or jostled.
CONTACT THE SCALE PEOPLE FOR Instrument calibration IN Norfolk, VA!
Since 1956, The Scale People have earned a reputation as the finest service provider for calibration and repairs of weighing equipment in the mid-Atlantic area. Our sales team can help work with you to find the best weighing equipment for your application.
Why do balances need to be calibrated?
There are many reasons a balance may need to be calibrated. For example, the simple process of shipping can cause small changes to the mechanics of the balance, whilst some users may have calibration weights that are slightly different from those used at the factory . These small changes can mean big differences in your measuring results.
What is weight used for in calibration?
During calibration, a previously determined weight is always used to set the balance's parameters, guaranteeing its accuracy. For example, when a one-kilogram mass (the standard) is placed on a balance, its force will always read as 1000g. Any other weight that is placed on the balance will be measured against this standard.
What is a less sensitive balance?
A less-sensitive balance, for example, one that is readable to 1.0g, may not be able to measure a change in gravity when it is moved to a different location. More sensitive balances, such as laboratory scales and balances, will more readily display the difference in gravitational forces. On the most sensitive lab balances, it is possible that a very small difference in location can cause large changes to the balance's calibration. For example an analytical balance capable of weighing 100g readable to 0.0001g can detect very miniscule changes in gravity.
What happens when you move a weighing balance?
If a weighing balance is moved to a place where the gravitational pull is greater or less, it will display a different value, as the force will vary. This is what happens as you move around the world.
Can you calibrate a balance externally?
Some balances are equipped with internal motorised calibration, and while it might cost more, it's a handy feature to have. But most balances with internal calibration also offer external calibration. External calibration is a fairly simple process; anyone can do it. It's just a matter of disciplining yourself to do it on a regular basis. (View our article Internal or External Calibration: Which is Right for You? for more information).
Is calibration necessary for balance maintenance?
Regular external calibration is an essential part of balance maintenance whether you are regularly using your balance or only occasionally. The question above frequently comes up when a customer purchases balance and dutifully reads the operator's manual, which recommends calibration before use.
What are the tools we calibrate?
The only tools we calibrate are those used for the acceptance or rejection of materials or products. For our purposes, this does not include scales used for shipping.#N#I would think that would be determined by your own internal procedures.
Do you need calibration stickers on instruments?
Calibration Stickers on instruments are NOT required!
