5 Essential Laboratory Scales to Buy for Your Lab

Laboratories are where the magic happens… or at least where the science happens. Weigh your way to accurate and reliable results in your lab by investing in the right laboratory scales. This blog will discuss what a laboratory scale is, how to purchase one, and the five types of scales you absolutely need for your lab.

What is a Laboratory Scale?

Laboratory scales provide highly precise and accurate weight measurements in lab settings of all varieties, whether it’s a research and development, pharmaceutical, forensic or chemistry lab. Laboratory scales such as analytical or precision balances will typically have lower capacities and readabilities than their more industrial counterparts in order to produce more exact results.

However, sometimes you need a laboratory scale with a higher capacity or an IP rating for heavy or messy samples, in which case a bench scale can work in a pinch. Many lab scales will also perform different functions such as parts counting, checkweighing, and dynamic/animal weighing to make all applications easier and more convenient.

How to Buy Laboratory Scales

Before you purchase a laboratory scale, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind first. For example, what capacity and readability do you require? Remember that the lower the readability, the lower the capacity; it’s much more difficult to get extremely accurate measurements on large or heavy objects and samples. Another factor is what features you require. For example, if you frequently count small objects, you may want a laboratory balance with a parts-counting function.

How much room do you have on your worktop? Will a full-size scale barely squeeze in? Perhaps you would prefer a compact balance instead. Do you require that your balance be recalibrated frequently to keep results precise? In that case, a balance with internal calibration may be a better investment than one with external calibration.

In addition, you need to consider your budget and whether your scale needs to be portable or trade approved, among others. To read about this in more depth, check out our blog 10 Considerations When Buying a Laboratory Balance.

Essential Laboratory Scales to Buy for your Lab

Inscale supplies a wide range of laboratory scales, let’s look at a few that may suit your needs.

1.     The All-Purpose Portable Scale

If you work in the field or an environment with unreliable electricity, a scale like Adam Equipment’s CBX is perfect for you. The CBX has a respectable capacity range of 1200g to 6000g, with readabilities from 0.1g to 1g. Its rechargeable battery provides 200 hours of use, and its compact build makes it easy to take it anywhere you need it to be.

2.     The Precision Accuracy Balance

When you need high accuracy for small samples, without the worry of external factors like wind or vibrations affecting accuracy, the Luna Precision Balance is best for you. Luna has capacities ranging from 220g to 15kg and readabilities from 0.001g to 0.1g, which is impressive accuracy for the weight it can handle. A benefit of the Luna Precision Balance is that it is available with a draft shield to protect from outside influences, so you can weigh without worry.

3.     The Ultimate Professional Analytical Balance

Adam Equipment’s Equinox Analytical & Semi-Micro Balance is at the top of the line for accuracy and intuitiveness, delivering remarkable precision to labs that perform highly detailed testing. Capacities range from 120g to 510g with readabilities as fine as 0.01mg. Not only that, but Equinox has an array of advanced weighing functions such as parts counting, checkweighing, formulation, peak hold, percentage weighing, density determination and dynamic animal weighing.

4.     The Larger-Than-Standard Scale

If a standard scale just doesn’t have a high enough capacity, you can turn to Adam’s ‘Nimbus’ Precision Balance. The NBL has capacities from 420g to 32kg, with outstanding readabilities that range from 0.001g to 0.1g. Choose between NBL’s small and large pan models depending on your needs. The Nimbus is proof that even if you increase the capacity, the readability certainly isn’t something to ignore.

5.     The Bench Scale for When Things Get Messy

If you work with substances that occasionally make a mess, you need a bench scale like Adam’s ABW-S. Despite being a bench scale, the ABW-S still suits the lab with capacities ranging from 4000g to 32kg and readabilities down to 0.1g. This scale has extra protection against dirt and erosion and is fully waterproof with its IP68 rating and grade 304 stainless-steel construction, which also makes it extremely easy to clean.

Important Accessories

When working with analytical or precision balances, it’s important to keep in mind that they’re extra sensitive to influences such as vibration. Any vibration, such as the construction down the street or even footsteps close to the balance may affect your results. Accurate readings equal reliable results, so vibrations are not your friend. An accessory like Adam’s AVT Anti-Vibration Table is the perfect way to prevent this. Simply place the balance on the shock-absorbing granite slab and watch the risk of errors reduce before your very eyes!

Have questions about which laboratory scale is right for your lab? Contact the Inscale team.