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How to Calibrate Your Counterbalance

A fixture in most laboratories, counterbalance scales come in two varieties. While the digital versions are easy to use out of the box, individual manufacturer's specifications often result in limitations. The classic analog counterbalance scale, which positions weighing pans on either side of a fulcrum point, offers versatility that depends only upon the supply of weights added to the measuring surfaces. Keeping either variety of counterbalance scale calibrated with a multiple point process assures reliable measurements.

Things You'll Need

Counterbalance scale
Two identical sets of weights with known masses
Screwdriver

Instructions

Digital Counterbalance Calibration
- 1
  Remove any weights from the digital counterbalance scale's weighing surfaces.
- 2
  Press the tare button. Observe the readout, which should indicate 0.00.
- 3
  Activate the calibration function according to the individual model's instructions. Add the requested weight to the scale. Activate the digital scale's measurement capability.
- 4
  Repeat Step 3 with several different weights to ensure reliable calibration.
Analog Counterbalance Scales Calibration
- 5
  Remove any weights from the counterbalance scale's measuring surfaces. Observe any unevenness on the scale's weighing surfaces. Adjust the calibration screw with a screwdriver until the pans are level.
- 6
  Add identical weights to either measuring surface. Observe whether the pans are level. Make minor adjustments to the calibration screw until the surfaces are level. Remove all weights from the massing pans. Verify the empty pans are level.
- 7
  Add a second set of identical weights to the measuring pans. Observe whether the pans are level under this new weight. Make minor adjustments to the calibration screw until the surfaces are level. Remove all weights from the counterbalance scale pans. Verify the empty pan surfaces are level.
- 8
  Add the heaviest sets of identical weights. Observe whether the measuring surfaces are level under this new weight. Make minor adjustments to the calibration screw until the surfaces are level. Remove all weights from the counterbalance scale's measuring surfaces. Verify the empty pans are level.

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