Analytical Balance Features: Dynamic Weighing

Laboratory balances generally have more functions that the average weighing scale or balance. The main reason is the level of precision required when weighing in a laboratory, and features such as dynamic weighing help to improve weighing accuracy.

Dynamic weighing is often found on veterinary scales, however it may also be referred to as ‘animal weighing’ or ‘animal weighing mode’. On other scales, it may be referred to as ‘Hold.’ On analytical balances, dynamic weighing works just the same. Except, of course, the accuracy of analytical balances is far greater than standard vet scales – therefore the need for this function in many lab weighing applications is far greater.

What is dynamic weighing? 

Dynamic weighing is a feature that, when an item is added to the scale or balance, stabilises the weight reading on the display. This is useful if the subject being weighed is moving, as dynamic weighing will essentially stop the reading from fluctuating.

How does dynamic weighing work?

When a scale or balance is in dynamic weighing mode, it will measure the average weight based on the force exerted by the subject over a short period of time. When the average weight is determined it will ‘hold’ on the screen. This means, even if the subject continues to move on the scale, the weight reading will hold, and you are able to easily take a note of it.

Why is dynamic weighing needed in a lab?

Laboratories will need to weigh animals, but there are other reasons why dynamic weighing is so useful on an analytical balance.  

Liquid weighing benefits from the ability to hold the weight reading on the display, as even the smallest ripples in the liquid can affect the scale’s reading.

Sometimes it is bot the sample that is moving, but the environment. Materials that react to temperature differences, such as chemicals like mercury, can also be tricky to weigh accurately – dynamic weighing ensures you can still get an accurate weight reading.

It’s not unusual for dynamic weighing to be used regardless of the weighing subject, in order to get an accurate, reliable weight quickly. It’s a function that will be found on most analytical balances and, from a basic lab weighing point of view, one of the most valuable.

How to use dynamic weighing on an analytical balance

How dynamic weighing works may differ very slightly from balance to balance, so we’ve chosen our most popular analytical balance – Adam Equipment’s ‘Luna’ Analytical Balance – to demonstrate how the function can be used.

Begin by pressing Mode, and then use the up and down keys until the ‘Animal’ symbol appears on the display. Press Setup. ‘Run’ will be displayed on the screen, and you can begin weighing.

You can get a stable weight reading more quickly by pressing Print – the balance will then display the current average weight at that time.

Find out more about using dynamic weighing with the Luna Analytical Balance on page 21 of the user manual, which can be downloaded here.

Recommended analytical balances

Inscale’s bestselling analytical balances with a dynamic or animal weighing mode are the Luna from Adam Equipment, the Solis by Adam Equipment, and Kern’s ALS & ALJ Analytical Balance.

For help with buying the right balance for your needs, read our blog post 10 Considerations When Buying a Laboratory Balance.

For more information about using analytical balance features, call Inscale on 01908 972 660 or Get In Touch with us.