When determining the weight of something in the lab, the balance you use must be highly accurate and correctly calibrated.These devices are designed to have different weighing capacities, which can be based on the material you’re weighing.

All that is to say, there is a lab balance to meet everyone’s needs in the lab. Whether you need to measure materials in kilograms or sub-milligrams, you’ll have a wide selection of lab balances to choose from. Industrial balances can measure extremely heavy materials, while precision analytical balances can measure microgram quantities and offer exact readability.

When looking to lease a lab balance, it’s essential to know exactly what material and how much of it you will be weighing. This can inform which lab balance you ultimately pick.

In addition, you must consider what your environment will be like. Will there be drafts or dust/particulate in the air affect the weighing process? What about vibrations or temperature fluctuations?If a factor like drafts applies to your workspace, consider whether or not the balance comes equipped with doors, often referred to as a draft shield, that safely enclose the weighing pan.

There are various types of balances available and are categorized according to the function they must perform. Common laboratory balance types include top-loading balances, portable balances, analytical balances, semi-micro balances, and microbalances.

In terms of readability and accuracy, there are some overlaps. When this is the case, the user’s application and weighing environment, mentioned above, will generally determine the type of balance required.