Analytical Balances

High-Performance Weighing Equipment for the Laboratory

An analytical balance is a highly precise measuring instrument used to determine the mass of small samples with a high degree of accuracy and precision. It is commonly used in scientific research, analytical chemistry, and quality control settings, where minuscule variations in weight can have significant effects. With a capacity ranging from 22 to 520 g and readability from 0.001 to 1 mg, METTLER TOLEDO analytical balances are perfectly suited to sensitive applications, such as density determination, sample preparation, differential weighing, formulation, and pipette calibration.

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FAQs

  1. What is an analytical balance?
  2. How does a typical analytical balance function?
  3. How can I use an analytical balance?
  4. How do I clean an analytical balance? How often should analytical balances be cleaned?
  5. What is the difference between zero and tare?
  6. Where are analytical balances used? What are the typical application areas of analytical balances?
  7. How do I select the right analytical balance for my weighing application?
  8. How can I manage data on an analytical balance?
  9. How can I transfer my weighing results to a computer?
  10. What is the difference between an analytical balance and a microbalance?
  11. What is the difference between an analytical balance and an electronic balance?
  12. Do I need to calibrate my analytical balance?
  13. How should I calibrate my analytical balance?
  14. What is scale measurement uncertainty?
  15. How to avoid analytical balance weighing errors?
  16. What is the uncertainty of an analytical balance?
  17. What is the analytical balance's minimum weight?
  18. What is the precision of an analytical balance, and what is the accuracy of an analytical balance? What is the difference and how can I test them?
  19. What are the effects of static electricity on an analytical balance?
  20. How can I eliminate static charges?
  21. What is a laboratory liquid dispenser and how is it used in weighing?
  22. What is the range of an analytical balance?
  23. How can I quickly identify the capacity of an analytical balance?
  24. What does the C mean in the analytical balance model name XPR226CDR?
  25. What is the maximum and minimum load that can be weighed on an analytical balance?
  26. What is the analytical balance bubble, and what is it used for?
  27. Where can I find the level bubble on my analytical balance?
  28. What types of analytical balances are available?
  29. How is an analytical balance different from a precision balance?
  30. What are the types of balances available?
  31. What is the scale division (d) and the verification scale division (e)?
  32. How can I weigh small samples on my analytical balance?
  33. How accurate is an analytical balance?
  34. What is the performance of an analytical balance?
  35. What is an approved balance? When do I need a legal for trade balance?
  36. Is my analytical balance legal for trade?
  37. How are analytical balances made?
  38. What is the most used analytical balance?
  39. Why do I need to level an analytical balance?
  40. How do I level an analytical balance?
  41. How to use my analytical balance in a sustainable way?
  42. What is the best analytical balance?
  43. What does the DU mean in the XPR Analytical Balance names (example: XPR205DU)?
  44. What does DR mean in the XPR Analytical Balance names (example: XPR205DR)?
  45. What does the H mean in XPR Analytical Balance names (example: XPR106DUH)?
  46. What does the Q mean in the XPR Analytical Balance names (example: XPR106DUHQ)?
  47. What do the numbers mean in the XPR Analytical Balance names?
  48. What does the name XPR stand for in the analytical balance?
  49. What are the different analytical balance levels offered by METTLER TOLEDO?
  50. What are the best features of the MX Analytical balance line?
  51. What size is an analytical balance?
  52. What does /M mean in an analytical balance model name?
  53. What is the purpose of draft shields in analytical balances?
  54. What features and accessories are available on XPR Analytical balances to mitigate the effects of static electricity?
  55. What is the importance of routine testing for analytical balances?

What is an analytical balance?

An analytical balance, also known as a semi-analytical balance, is a type of laboratory instrument that measures mass to a high degree of accuracy, typically having a readability of 0.1 mg (four decimal places) or smaller. An analytical balance has a highly sensitive weighing cell and thus is built with a draft shield to protect the sample and the container from air movements, which can cause instability and inaccurate results. Analytical balances from METTLER TOLEDO offer a weighing capacity from 22 g to 520 g and readability ranging from 0.001 mg to 1 mg.

Modern analytical balances are often equipped with various functions and features to help maintain accuracy and improve weighing ergonomics, such as internal testing and adjustment, intuitive touchscreen operation, quality assurance, and motorized doors. METTLER TOLEDO's analytical balances also make it possible to connect to dedicated data management software, such as EasyDirect and LabX™. Our XPR analytical balances also feature StaticDetect™, which automatically assesses the weighing error due to static charges on samples and containers and provides a warning if the error exceeds predefined limits. XPR analytical balances can also easily be upgraded for automatic powder and liquid dispensing. Analytical balances provide connectivity options, such as USB, RS232, and LAN, to enable digital transfers of results and facilitate balance connection to various peripherals, accessories, and data systems.

How does a typical analytical balance function?

The weighing principle of METTLER TOLEDO analytical balances is based on electromagnetic force compensation. The weighing cell inside the balance housing creates a counteracting electromagnetic force to the object that has been placed on the weighing pan. The analytical balance interprets the magnitude of this compensating electromagnetic force as the weight of the object. The result is displayed on the balance terminal in the appropriate unit (grams, milligrams, micrograms, etc.).

The weighing pan of an analytical laboratory balance (0.1 mg readability or smaller) is placed inside a draft shield, which protects the sample and container from external environmental influences like air drafts, improving general weighing performance. This is particularly important in analytical weighing when the accuracy of results is of the utmost importance.

Analytical balances are used for simple weighing applications, as well as for standard and sample preparation, formulation, density measurement, filter weighing, etc.

How can I use an analytical balance?

Before weighing, first check that the balance is level. If your standard operating procedure (SOP) requires it, you may need to perform a balance adjustment.

  • To start your weighing procedure, first press the zero button. This gives you a zero point as the start of your weighing process.
  • Open the draft shield door and place your target container, sometimes referred to as the tare container, on the weighing pan. Remember to wear gloves or use tweezers, if necessary.
  • Close the draft shield door and wait until the weight value of the container stabilizes. The weight of your tare container is now shown on the display.
  • Now press the tare button. The balance records the weight of your tare container, and the display will now show zero again (note that this is not the same as the zero point).
  • Start adding your sample until the desired target weight is reached.
  • Close the draft shield door. Once the balance has stabilized, it will release the weight result.
  • The balance has now recorded the weight of your tare container and the weight of your sample. If you print out the results, the weight values will be shown with T for tare, N for net, and G for gross.
  • After you have finished weighing, make sure you clean the balance and the bench around the balance according to your SOPs. If the instrument is unplugged for cleaning, allow time for it to warm up again before reuse.

If you are weighing an item, rather than dosing a sample into a container, simply zero the balance and place your item in the center of the weighing pan. Then close the draft shield door and wait for the balance to release the weight result. Read more in our free guide: Weighing the Right Way

How do I clean an analytical balance? How often should analytical balances be cleaned?

Cleaning analytical balances is very important for user safety and to avoid cross-contamination that affects result accuracy. In addition, good maintenance of your analytical balance will increase its lifespan.

The weighing pan, drip tray, housing, and terminal of the analytical balance can be cleaned with a tissue. Your analytical balance is constructed of high-quality, durable materials that allow it to be cleaned with commercially available mild detergents and cleaning agents, such as 70% ethanol or isopropanol. Do not use acetone to clean your analytical balance as it is incompatible with plastic handles, glued parts, and the terminal.

How to Clean an Analytical Balance?
How to Clean an Analytical Balance?

If not specified in your SOPs, it is recommended that you clean analytical balances at least weekly or monthly, depending on use. In many labs, a daily inspection of the analytical balance is recommended. Where toxic samples are being weighed, the analytical balance should be cleaned immediately after each weighing.

All METTLER TOLEDO analytical balance models come with features that enable easy cleaning. 

MS analytical balances provide a complete and effortless disassembly and assembly of the draft shield from the analytical balance housing via QuickLock without using any tools. This makes the MS model not only easy to clean but also easy to transport into confined spaces.

On the XPR analytical balances, cleaning is simplified with easy-to-remove elements, such as the drip tray and all draft shield parts, without the need for any tools. The parts can simply be cleaned with a dishwasher

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