By what Criteria Could You Select a Weighing Instrument? Capacity and Readability Focus on determining your true readability needs. Cost increases significantly with greater readability. Also bear in mind hat a quality balance usually has internal resolutions that are better than the displayed resolution. Stability is a more desired trait in analytical balances due to the small sample size Most high-end lab balances will calibrate themselves or will have some internal weight that the user can activate Most lab applications require straight weighing (or only ). Analytical balances may have an air buoyancy cor application, or determination of filament diameters. Other tions include Checkweighing Sets a target weight or desired weight; th oles to see if they hit the Accumulation Calculates how much of a pre-set formula has been filled by the material being weighed Counting. Calculates the number of samples present based on the reference weight of one sample Factor calculations. Applies a weighed sample into a formula to calculate a final result Percent weighing. A measured sample is represented as a of a pre-set desired amount Printout of sample information and weights Computer Interface Some instruments can share data with a computer How Can You generate the most reliable and Reproducible Measurements? Vessel si Use the smallest container appropriate for the weighing task t reduce surface and buoyancy effects. Sample Conditioning The sample temperature should be in equilibrium with the ambient temperature and that of the balance. This will prevent Troutman et alBy What Criteria Could You Select a Weighing Instrument? Capacity and Readability Focus on determining your true readability needs. Cost increases significantly with greater readability. Also bear in mind that a quality balance usually has internal resolutions that are better than the displayed resolution. Stability is a more desired trait in analytical balances due to the small sample size. Calibration Most high-end lab balances will calibrate themselves or will have some internal weight that the user can activate. Applications Most lab applications require straight weighing (or “weigh only”). Analytical balances may have an air buoyancy correction application, or determination of filament diameters. Other func￾tions include: • Checkweighing. Sets a target weight or desired weight; then weighs samples to see if they hit the target weight. • Accumulation. Calculates how much of a pre-set formula has been filled by the material being weighed. • Counting. Calculates the number of samples present based on the reference weight of one sample. • Factor calculations. Applies a weighed sample into a formula to calculate a final result. • Percent weighing. A measured sample is represented as a percentage of a pre-set desired amount. • Printout of sample information and weights. Computer Interface Some instruments can share data with a computer. How Can You Generate the Most Reliable and Reproducible Measurements? Vessel Size Use the smallest container appropriate for the weighing task to reduce surface and buoyancy effects. Sample Conditioning The sample temperature should be in equilibrium with the ambient temperature and that of the balance. This will prevent 54 Troutman et al