Often used to calibrate precision scales, these highly accurate test weights come with a certificate of calibration traceable to NIST that states they’ve passed a test for accuracy. Legal-for-Trade Test Weights with Calibration Certificate. Usually, after considering these factors, it’s determined that somewhere in the middle —certified calibration once per quarter with a weekly user spot check — is ideal to ensure quality control of scales that are used fairly often. Cylinder and Leaf Calibration Weight Kits include both cylinder weights and leaf weights to help calibrate weights and scales. They are available in a variety of materials and weight classes. Highly-polished finishes allow you to easily identify scratches and foreign matter that can affect scale calibration.
- How To Calibrate Digital Scale
- Calibrate Scale With Quarters Value
- Calibrate Scale With Quarters For Sale
- Calibrate Scales With Coins
- Procedure For Calibrating Scales
- Calibrate Scale Without Weights
- Taylor Scale Calibrate
Weighing scales, weighing instruments, weighing balances… different resources are using different terminology. I will be mainly using the term “weighing instrument” in this article.
Weighing instruments/scales/balances, are widely used in industry for various measurements. Some weighing instruments are small laboratory instruments measuring a few grams and are very accurate. While some industrial weighing instruments are very large ones that measure, for example, mass of trucks. We all see weighing instruments in our everyday life around us, for instance, when we visit a grocery store and weigh vegetables.
As with any measurement instruments, weighing instruments should also be calibrated regularly to assure that they are measuring correctly and accurately. A proper metrologically traceable calibration is the only way to know how accurately weighing instruments are measuring.
Many weighing instruments are used for legal measurements or measurements used as basis for monetary transfer and these are part of a legal or statutory verification program based on legislation. Often the calibration of weighing instruments is based on a quality system (such as ISO9000), health care, traffic (air, marine) safety or forensic investigation.
There are dedicated regulations for weighing instruments and their calibration (EURAMET Calibration Guide, NIST Handbook 44, OIML); more on those later in the article.
In this article, the main focus is to look at the practical considerations and the different tests you should perform when calibrating your weighing instruments.
Calibrating weighing scales/instruments
Let’s start by looking at some of the preparations you should make before the calibration and then look at the different tests you should be doing.
1. Preparations before calibration
Before you can start the calibration of the weighing instrument, you should clarify a few things and get prepared.
You should find out the technical characteristics of the weighing instrument (max weight, d value), the accuracy requirement (max error allowed and uncertainty) and what to do if the calibration fails (adjustment).
Typically, the whole measurement range is calibrated and the calibration is performed in the location where the instrument is being used. Make sure you have enough weights for the calibration procedure available.
The weighing instrument should be switched on at least 30 minutes before the calibration. The temperature of the weights should be stabilized to the same temperature where the calibration is to be done.
The weighing instrument should be at a horizontal level, especially for small and accurate weighing instruments. Perform a few pre-tests by placing weights close to the maximum of the range on the instrument and to ensure it works normally.
In case the weighing instrument fails in calibration and it is adjusted, you should make an “as found” calibration before adjustment and an “as left” calibration after adjustment.
Next, let’s take a look at the different tests that should be done during the calibration.
2. Eccentricity test
In normal use of a weighing instrument the load is not always placed perfectly on the center of the load receptor. Sometimes the results of a weighing instrument can vary slightly depending if the load is placed in different locations on the load receptor. In order to test how much effect the location of the load has, the eccentricity test is performed.
In the eccentricity test, the reference load is placed in a few different specified locations on the load receptor. First, the load is placed in the center of the load receptor (the load’s center of gravity) and the result is observed. Next, the load is placed in four different sectors of the load receptor, as illustrated in the picture below.
The above picture is for rectangular and round load receptors, but naturally in practice there are many different shapes of load receptors and the location of the load will vary. Standards OIML R76 and EN 45501 will give guidance for different load receptor shapes.
The calibration procedure should specify where to place the load during the test and calibration results (in certificate format) should also document the locations.
The test load used in an eccentricity test should be at least one third (1/3) of the max load of the weighing instrument. The test should preferably be done using just one test load, if possible. That way it is easier to be sure that the load’s center of gravity is in the specified location. For a weighing instrument with multiple ranges, the eccentricity test should be done with the highest range.
As the aim of the eccentricity test is to find out the difference caused by the location of the load, it is not necessary to have an accurate calibrated load. It is naturally important to use the same load through the test.
If the eccentricity test is used also to determine the errors of the indication, then a calibrated load should be used.
Procedure for the eccentricity test
The indication is zeroed before the test. The test load is placed to location 1 and indication is recorded. The test load is then moved to location 2 to 5 and indication is recorded in each location. Finally, the test load is placed again to location 1 to check that the indication has not drifted from the earlier indication in location 1.
The zero may be checked between each location to see that it has not changed. If necessary, the instrument can be zeroed in between each test.
Alternatively, you may also tare the instrument when the load is in location number 1, as this makes it easier to see any difference between locations.
3. Repeatability test
As any instrument, also weighing instruments may suffer from repeatability issues. This means that when the same load is measured several times, the result is not always exactly the same. To find out the repeatability of the instrument, a repeatability test is done.
The repeatability test is performed by replacing the same load on the same place on load receptor (to avoid any eccentricity error) multiple times. Test should be done in identical and constant conditions and with identical handling.
The load used should be close to the maximum load of the instrument. Often a repeatability test is done with one load only, but it can be done also with several different load values separately.
The load does not necessarily need to be a calibrated load, as the aim is to find out the repeatability. If possible, the load used should be a single load (not several small loads).
A repeatability test is normally done by repeating the measurement at least 5 times in row. For instruments with a high range (over 100 kg / 220 lbs), it should be done at least 3 times.
In the repeatability test, the instrument is first zeroed, then the load is placed on load receptor and indication is recorded once it is stabilized. Then the load is removed and zero indication is checked and zeroed if necessary. Then the load is placed again, and so on.
For a multi-range instrument, a load close but below the first range max is often sufficient.
4. Weighing test
The purpose of the weighing test is to test the accuracy (calibrate) of the weighing instrument throughout its whole range in several steps, with increasing and decreasing weight.
The most common practice is the following: start with zeroing the instrument without any load. Set the loads of the first test point, wait for stabilization, and record the indication. Continue increasing the loads through all the increasing test points. Once the maximum load is recorded, start decreasing the loads through the decreasing test points.
In some cases, the weighing instrument may be calibrated with increasing loads only or decreasing loads only. Typically, 5 to 10 different loads (test points) are used. The highest load should be close to the maximum of the instrument. The smallest test load can be 10% of the maximum load, or the smallest weight normally used.
Generally, the test points are selected so that they are equally distributed throughout the range. More test points can be used for the typical range of usage of the instrument.
With multi-range instruments, each range is to be calibrated separately.
Linearity
In a weighing test, using multiple points through the measurement range of the instrument helps to reveal any issues with linearity. Linearity issues means that the instrument does not measure equally accurate throughout the range. Even the zero and full span are correct, there may be errors in the middle of the range, which is referred as linearity errors, or unlinearity (or nonlinearity).
Below picture is a general illustration of unlinearity. Even instrument’s zero and full range are adjusted correctly, there is error in the midrange due to unlinearity of the instrument:
Hysteresis
Hysteresis is the difference in the indication when a test point is approached with increasing or decreasing weight. To find out any hysteresis issues in the instrument, you need to calibrate with increasing and decreasing points.
In a weighing test, when increasing or decreasing the load, it is important not to overshoot or undershoot. This means that when you increase the load, you must approach each test point with increasing weight. You should not add too much weight and then remove it, because then you lose the hysteresis information.
Likewise, with decreasing points, make sure that you approach each point with decreasing weight. Obviously, in order to be able do this, the usage of the test loads should be well planned in advance.
Picture below is a general illustration of hysteresis. When instrument is calibrated, the results are different with increasing and decreasing calibration points:
5. Minimum weight test
Minimum weight test is a test that is not always required to be done. This test is anyhow required within some industries, like the pharmaceutical industry.
The purpose of the minimum weight test is to find the smallest load that can be measured while still achieving reliable measurement results and fulfilling the accuracy requirements. When the measured value gets smaller, typically the relative error of the reading becomes higher. The weighing instrument should not be used to measure any loads smaller than the minimum load.
For the minimum weight test, the two main standards have different approach. Let’s take a quick look of those:
The US Pharmacopeia (Chapter 41)
- After the recent changes in the standard it does not refer to a minimum weigh test anymore, this has been replaced by the requirement to determinate the instrument’s minimum operating range by finding the point where the instrument’s repeatability (2 times standard deviation) is 0.10% of reading.
In practice, in some cases the standard deviation can be very small, but the minimum weight to be measured should anyhow not be smaller than 820 times the actual scale interval (d).
EURAMET Calibration Guide 18 (Appendix G)
- Has the principle that you calculate the measurement uncertainty for each calibration point and the smallest usable load is the point where the uncertainty is still small enough for the requirements for the instrument.
In addition to the above standard requirements, the requirements in the pharmaceutical industry requires a separate minimum weighing test, where a small test load is measured multiple times to find out the accuracy of the instrument with a small load.
6. Other tests
There are also some other tests specified in the standards, although these are typically not done during a normal calibration, but can be done as a type of approval test or in the initial verification.
Example of these tests are:
- Tare test
- Discrimination test
- Variation of indication over time
- Test of magnetic interaction
Additional topics in the related white paper
To avoid this blog post to come way too long, please download the related white paper to read more on this subject. The white paper discusses following additional subjects:
Weights
- Handling of weights
- Nominal mass / Conventional mass
- Calibration of weights
- Local gravity
- Air buoyancy
- Effect of convection
- Substitution load
Calibration certificate
- What information should the calibration certificate include.
Uncertainty
- What kind of things will cause uncertainty in the calibration of weighing instruments?
Instrument classes, Tolerance classes, Max permissible error
Written by
Heikki Laurila is Product Marketing Manager at Beamex Oy Ab. He started working for Beamex in 1988 and has, during his years at Beamex, worked in production, the service department, the calibration laboratory, as quality manager and as product manager. Heikki has a Bachelor’s degree in Science. Heikki’s family consists of himself, his wife and their four children. In his spare time he enjoys playing the guitar.
Related references
https://blog.beamex.com/weighing-scale-calibration-how-to-calibrate-weighing-instruments?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=Main+Facebook+-+Blog+posts+conversion&utm_content=%2A&hs_fb_account_id=320228164773536&hs_fb_campaign_id=6073417666044&hs_fb_adset_id=6089599340644&hs_fb_ad_id=6089599408044&hs_parent_creative_id=6089599507644&source=fb
- EURAMET Calibration Guide No. 18, Version 4.0 (11/2015)
- EN 45501:2015 – Metrological aspects of non-automatic weighing instruments
- NIST Handbook 44 (2017 Edition) – Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices
- U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention “Chapter 41 Balances” (2014) (abbreviation “USP 41” used in blog text)
- EA-4/02 (2013) – Evaluation of the Uncertainty of Measurement in Calibration
- JCGM 100:2008 – Evaluation of measurement data — Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement
- JCGM 200:2008 – International vocabulary of metrology — Basic and general concepts and associated terms
- OIML R76-1 – Non-automatic weighing instruments Part 1: Metrological and technical requirements – Tests
- OIML R 111 – OIML R111: Weights of classes E1, E2, F1, F2, M1, M1-2, M2, M2-3 and M3
- DIRECTIVE 2009/23/EC (2009) – Non-automatic weighing instruments
As we are marching towards living a healthier lifestyle, many people keep a digital scale in their house to keep a check on their weight. Calibrating this digital scale is vital to ensure precise and accurate results. It is suggested to calibrate your scale once in a while if you use it regularly. For the process of Calibration, calibration weights are available in the market. However, these weights are expensive and can also be misplaced easily. So to help you calibrate the scale at home without spending a fortune, I am going to describe an easy step-by-step procedure.
How to Calibrate My Digital Scale Without a Weight?
1. Prepare your scale for the process of Calibration
The first step is to clean your scale and get rid of dust or any particles on its surface. Such factors can also result in unsatisfactory results. To clean the scale, you can use a damp cloth and wipe its upper surface. You can also use ethanol or acetone. Once you clean it, let it dry down completely for 20 minutes approximately.
2. Find the right surface to keep your scale
Now, you should find an even surface to place your digital scale. Make sure that the surface is sturdy so that it doesn’t shake or wobble. You can place your scale on a table or the floor to calibrate it
How To Calibrate Digital Scale
3. Reset the scale to Zero
Switch on the scale and allow it to show zero on the screen. Place absolutely nothing on the scale until you get the reading. Make sure that the reading doesn’t fluctuate and if it does, place the scale elsewhere. Many digital scales show these fluctuations if not placed on a proper surface and also due to external factors such as pressure, temperature, etc.
4. Check for the Calibration process
Every digital scale comes with its calibration process, which is mentioned in the manual. Read all the instructions properly to understand it thoroughly. Many times there is a button on the digital scale that calibrates it.
Calibrate Scale With Quarters Value
5. Select Weights for calibrating the scale
Choose an appropriate weight to calibrate your scale. Although certified weights are recommended for calibrating the scale, you can use a candy bar or any other such item. You should know the exact weight of the item you are going to use for calibrating the scale, though. All household goods come with a Net Weight on their package, which is suitable for the calibration process.
Calibrate Scale With Quarters For Sale
U.S. coins are also a good alternative.You can use pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters as the weight of these coins is already known.
Calibrate Scales With Coins
6. Select the weight of your and calibrate the scale
It is advised to start with smaller weights first such as 5 or 10 grams. You can place the weight of your choice on the scale and press the Calibrate button. If you are using a U.S. nickel as a calibration weight, it will show 5 g on the screen. Press enter to save the data on the scale.
7. Keep adding weights until it reaches the maximum weight limit
For carrying out the calibration process rightly it is suggested to calibrate it with its maximum weight capacity. So if you are using nickel coins, stack 8-10 coins on the scale. Stacking ten nickel coins will result in 50 g, which is the maximum limit for many digital scales.Information about the weight limit can be found in its manual or on the manufacturer’s website also. Press the calibrate button after adding weight to calibrate the scale.
Procedure For Calibrating Scales
8. Check the Calibration
Calibrate Scale Without Weights
After your scale is calibrated, it is crucial to know if it is appropriately calibrated or not. For checking this switch off your scale and restart it in few minutes. Take any other kitchen item for weighing of which the weight is already known. Weigh this item and notice if it shows the correct weight or is within its error margin as described in the manual.
Taylor Scale Calibrate
If you get accurate readings, then your scale is now calibrated correctly and suitable for further use.
Concluding remarks
So this is easy and the most suitable process for calibrating your digital scale at home without wasting a lot of money and time. Make sure you use objects of which the weight is already known. If you do not use a digital scale, more often it is okay to calibrate it once or twice a year. Also, make sure that you are storing the scale in a proper place when not in use.