Understanding Types of Balances and Their Sensitivity Levels

Weighing Balances stand out as one of the most common weighing instruments available, capable of measuring tiny variations in weight with incredible precision. These instruments typically weigh in grams, with sensitivities ranging from 1g to as fine as 0.000001g, depending on the model and purpose.

Here’s a breakdown of balance categories based on their sensitivity and type:

• Portable Balances: These have 1g or .1g sensitivities and are often used in production and laboratory environments. With less sensitivity, portable balances can have high capacities.
• Precision Balances: These have sensitivities of 0.1g, 0.01g, or 0.001g and are ideal for less stringent measurements.
• Milligram Balances: These have sensitivities of 0.1g, 0.01g, or 0.001g and are ideal for less stringent measurements.
• Analytical Balances: With a sensitivity of 0.0001g, laboratories commonly use these for tasks requiring high accuracy.
• Semi-Micro Balances: These measure in increments of 0.00001g, offering even greater precision for specialized applications. Some semi-micro balances are single range, meaning they have the same sensitivity from 0 to their capacity, while others are dual range, meaning they may have the .00001 g sensitivity for the first part of their range and then automatically switch to .0001 sensitivity for the remainder (e.g. 52/200 g x .00001 / .0001 g would mean that the first 52 grams would read by .00001 g, and from 52 to 200 g the balance would have .0001 g sensitivity.
• Micro-Balances: These instruments measure down to 0.000001g at the pinnacle of sensitivity, making them indispensable for highly detailed scientific work.
• Mechanical Balances: Mechanical balances are not digital; they are mechanical, so they have no load cell. They typically work with balance beams that slide left and right to decrease or increase the weight reading, and when the needle hits the middle of the indicator bar, your weight is achieved. Some examples include Cent-O-Gram balances or field test balances.
• Triple Beam Balances: These are also mechanical balances but have three beams, usually one that increments per 100 grams, one that increments per 10 grams, and one that increments by 1/10 to 1 gram.
• Moisture Balances: Moisture balances can analyze and determine moisture content by measuring the weight of something, applying heat for a specific test time, and measuring the weight loss to calculate the percentage of liquid.
• Intrinsically Safe Balances: Intrinsically safe balances are certified not to expel voltage into a hazardous environment that can be flammable.
• Washdown Balances: Washdown balances have a measurable level of protection against water ingress.

High-sensitivity balances often include draft shields, which help protect the weighing chamber from environmental factors like air currents or vibrations. These shields ensure stability and maintain the accuracy of your measurements, even in challenging conditions.

When choosing a balance, understanding its sensitivity and features is crucial to finding the right tool for your needs. Whether you’re conducting basic lab weighing work or intricate research, there’s a balance tailored to your precision requirements. Shop now, or contact a AAA Weigh balance expert to help you find the right weighing solution for your company.