Analytical balances for laboratory research are necessary for precise results. Until now, purchasing managers at scientific laboratories and research facilities have always had to make a hard choice between standard industrial scales and magnetic force restoration scales.
Depending on the type of research, an industrial scale may not offer the precise, high-resolution measurements required for laboratory balances. And while an MFR scale may meet that need it often comes at a much higher cost and with certain vulnerabilities and limitations, which means neither of these options is truly an ideal solution.
Since our beginnings in 1978, Arlyn Scales has been pioneering innovative solutions to many of the industry’s greatest issues, and this Catch-22 is no different. We recently introduced the first major breakthrough in weighing technology in the last 40 years with the development of our Ultra Precision Scales. These industrial strength scales provide the high resolution and affordability required by laboratories and research facilities across the globe.
Understanding The Terminology
Resolution, readability, and accuracy are all terms scale manufacturers use to describe the performance power of our products. The resolution is usually expressed as the number of digits to which a scale can accurately weigh – for instance, 0.01 lb. or 0.001 lb.
Readability is usually expressed as parts of a whole and indicates the total number of increments (or different weights) the scale is capable of showing – for example, 1 part in 5,000. Accuracy is usually expressed as a fraction of a percentage – 1/10 of 1%, for example – and indicates how close the scale can come to the true value of an object’s weight. The readability of a scale is calculated by dividing the scale’s maximum capacity by its resolution.
Let’s use a standard industrial scale (one that uses strain gage load cells) as an example. It has a maximum capacity of 100 lbs. and a resolution of 0.02 lbs. (100 / 0.02 = 5,000). This means the scale has a readability of 1 part in 5,000, which is customary for strain gage scales.
Standard Industrial Scales Aren’t Always A Viable Option
The issue with standard industrial scales, however, is primarily a matter of accuracy. While all scales deviate from the true value of the weight of an object, the degree to which it does depends on the type of the scale, the standards of the manufacturer, and how well it’s been calibrated. In general, they’re accurate to 1/10 of 1%. This means that the displayed measurement can be within ± 0.1% of the object’s true weight. Such a small deviation isn’t an issue for most operations, but it can mean a great deal to a research facility working at a granular level.
The level of accuracy is affected by several factors. These factors include the mounting methods used to place the weighing device within the scale, the flexibility of the spring element, and the need for analog-to-digital signal conversion.
Neither Are Magnetic Force Restoration Scales
In addition to being expensive, MFR scales are also vulnerable to drifts with accuracy. Changes in temperature, air currents, and vibrations caused by other machinery can cause these drifts. They have very low maximum capacities, which limits the scalability of experiments.
MFRs are also delicate and must be handled with extreme care. Repairs and replacements are fairly common. So while these scales ultimately provide the high-resolution measurements you would need, these other issues don’t make them an ideal solution.
An Arlyn Analytical Balance: How It Works For Routine Weighing Tasks
When developing our Ultra Precision Scales, we use the same basic theory of load cell design seen in strain gage scales because of the stability, durability, and ruggedness it offers. Within this load cell is a device called a spring element. When a load is placed on the platform this spring element bends in direct proportion to the weight applied.
Yet instead of using strain gauges to detect the strain placed on the spring element, we’ve applied our internationally patented surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology, which registers the displacement of the spring element. We attach a transmitting and receiving SAW transducer at either end of the spring element.
When weight is applied to the platform, it causes the spring element to bend and creates a frequency change in the bulk wave in the element’s substrate. This wave is picked up by the transmitter, and sent to the receiver where it is amplified. Then it is passed back to the transmitter to create a feedback loop.
The frequency at which this wave oscillates between the two depends on the distance between them, which in turn is directly related to the bending of the spring element (and therefore the weight of the object on the platform). Our Ultra Precision Scales measure this frequency digitally and display the weight on the scale’s indicator.
Why It’s The Ideal Solution For Research Labs
When compared to the readability of 1 part in 5,000 and accuracy of 1/10 of 1% offered by strain gage scales, our Ultra Precision Scales offer remarkable readability of 1 part in 100,000 – 20 times better than strain gage scales! – and accuracy of 1/100 of 1% – 10 times better than a standard industrial scale!
Our SAW transducers require so little bending from the spring element because the measurements are taken digitally. As a result, our Ultra Precision Scales are inherently more accurate than strain gauge scales and far more rugged than MFR scales. Let’s compare a 500 lb. capacity industrial scale with a 500 lb. capacity ultra-precision scale to see what a difference this really makes.
| Strain Gage Scale | Arlyn Ultra Precision Scale | |
| Resolution | 0.1 lb. | 0.005 lb. |
| Readability | 1 part in 5,000 | 1 part in 100,000 |
| Accuracy | 1/10 of 1% (± 0.1%) | 1/100 of 1% (± 0.01%) |
The resolution of the Arlyn Ultra Precision Scale is 20 times better than the strain gauge one! At a 10 lb. capacity, you’ll see similar differences:
| Strain Gage Scale | Arlyn Ultra Precision Scale | |
| Resolution | 0.002 | 0.0001 |
| Readability | 1 part in 5,000 | 1 part in 100,000 |
| Accuracy | 1/10 of 1% (± 0.1%) | 1/100 of 1% (± 0.01%) |
Again, the resolution is 20 times better. The readability is 20 times better. The accuracy is 10 times better. When you need precise high resolution measurements without being limited by capacity or the conditions under which you can work, Arlyn’s Ultra Precision Scales are simply better.
Again, the resolution is 20 times better. The readability is 20 times better. The high accuracy is 10 times better. When you need precise high resolution measurements without being limited by capacity or the conditions under which you can work, Arlyn’s Ultra Precision Scales are simply better.
Invest In A New Experiment And Electronic Analytical Balance From Arlyn Scales
Arlyn Scales has taken a new approach to analytical balances. Innovation and quality assurance features can improve the weighing process. Our equipment gets consistently reliable results, with the appropriate software. Are you ready to connect with us? Contact Arlyn Scales today and see the difference our SAW technology can make in your lab! We’re here to answer any questions you may have or walk you through the selection process so you can feel confident you’re getting the scale you really need.
