Glossary

Scales used in legal-for-trade applications are classified into accuracy classes based on their measurement accuracy, as regulated by Directive 2014/31/EU (formerly MID) and the international recommendation OIML R76.

Adjustment is a technical procedure where a scale's display is intentionally corrected or aligned using a known reference weight to eliminate measurement deviations. It adjusts the scale's sensitivity and accuracy to defined conditions (e.g., local g-value, temperature).

Air buoyancy refers to the buoyant force exerted on an object by the displacement of air, similar to water. In weighing, it affects the measurement result, as the weight appears slightly lower.

An analytical balance is a highly precise laboratory scale designed for accurately weighing very small masses in the milligram and sub-milligram range. It is characterized by fine readability (typically 0.1 mg or 0.0001 g), high sensitivity, and reproducibility.

The animal weighing function is a special filter function in electronic scales that dynamically averages the weight of fluctuating objects, such as animals, to display a stable and usable weighing value.

In weighing technology, a protective cover is a transparent, mechanical enclosure or housing placed on or over the scale to protect the device from contamination, splash water, dust, or chemical influences. It contributes to the longevity and operational safety of the scale, particularly in challenging laboratory or production environments.

Readability (also: display increment or division value, abbreviated as d) refers to the smallest change in weight display that a scale can indicate. It corresponds to the distance between two consecutive display steps on the scale's display.

The resolution of a scale indicates how many individual measurement values can be displayed across the entire weighing range. It is typically expressed as the ratio of the maximum weighing range (Max) to the readability (d): Resolution = Max / d

Gross weight is the total weight of the weighed item, including all packaging, containers, or other additional materials. It represents the complete value measured by the scale before subtracting the tare or packaging weight. Formula: Gross Weight = Net Weight + Tare Weight

Type approval is a regulatory testing procedure to verify whether a scale or weighing device meets the legal requirements for use in legal-for-trade applications. It is a prerequisite for a scale type to be calibrated and used in commercial transactions.

Calibration is a metrological procedure where a scale's display is compared to a known, traceable reference weight without altering the scale. The goal is to determine and document the deviation between the displayed and actual values.

A calibration certificate is a documented record of the results of a scale or test weight calibration. It includes all relevant measurement data, uncertainties, and traceability evidence, showing how much the display deviates from a known reference value.

A calibration weight is a standardized test weight used for adjusting (aligning) a scale. It serves as a reference mass to ensure the scale's display matches the true value of the weight.

Capacity (also: Max or weighing range) refers to the maximum permissible load a scale can handle and display correctly without damage.

A conformity certificate is a formal document confirming that a scale meets the legal requirements under measurement and calibration law (e.g., MID, MessEG). For many new devices, it replaces traditional initial calibration.

The conventional weighing value (also: conventional mass) is an agreed-upon reference value for the mass of an object, based on the standard gravitational acceleration g = 9.80665 m/s² and a defined air density (1.2 kg/m³).

The corner load test is a procedure to check the load distribution sensitivity of a scale. A defined test load is placed in each of the four corners of the weighing pan to verify whether the display remains within acceptable tolerances.

A data interface is a physical or digital connection on a scale that allows the exchange of measurement values, control commands, or device status between the scale and external systems (e.g., PC, printer, LIMS, PLC). Typical interface types include RS-232 (serial interface) and USB.

The dead load is the constant load on a scale that is not altered or removed and is not part of the actual weighed item. This includes, for example, heavy sample holders, components, adapters, or fixtures.

The Declaration of Conformity is a statement signed by the manufacturer confirming that the product (e.g., a scale) complies with all applicable EU directives.

A density determination kit is an accessory for laboratory scales used to determine the density of solids or liquids through buoyancy measurement (based on Archimedes' principle). Typical components include wire holder with buoyancy basket, beaker with liquid, support frame, and software function for automatic calculation.

Differential weighing is a method where the change in weight between two states is measured, rather than the absolute weight. It is often used when a substance is added or removed.

Dosing refers to the controlled application of a defined mass of a substance using a scale, typically in the context of formulations, mixing processes, or filling operations.

A strain gauge is an electrical measuring device that converts mechanical strain or compression into a change in electrical resistance. In weighing technology, it is the central sensor element in many load cells.

This design, also known as electromagnetic force compensation or electromagnetic balance principle, involves counteracting the weight force of the weighed item with an electromagnetically generated counterforce. This technology is the standard for high-precision laboratory scales.

Electromagnetic force compensation is a weighing mechanism where the weight force of the weighed item is balanced by an electromagnetically generated counterforce. The required current strength is proportional to the object's mass and is measured.

A scale equipped with internal calibration weights allows for easy adjustment of sensitivity (calibration factor) with the press of a button. Shimadzu has integrated functions such as PSC (Perfect Self-Calibration) and Clock CAL for automatic calibration.

Error limits specify the maximum permissible measurement deviation for a calibrated scale under defined test conditions. They depend on the accuracy class (I-IV), the load range, and the verification value (e).

The filter setting in a scale affects how strongly the display reacts to environmental disturbances (e.g., vibrations, drafts, movements). It stabilizes the weight display.

GLP stands for Good Laboratory Practice and refers to a mandatory quality and documentation system for the systematic execution and traceability of non-clinical laboratory studies. GLP was developed to ensure the integrity, traceability, and verifiability of measurement and test data.

Gravitational acceleration (g) is the force with which the Earth attracts objects. It affects the weight force and thus the weight displayed on the scale. The g-value varies depending on geographic location, so high-precision scales must be adjusted to the local g-value.

Industrial scales are robust, often modular weighing systems designed for use in production, logistics, or harsh environments. They are characterized by high load capacity, durable construction, and customizable functions.

Internal calibration is a function in scales with built-in, motor-driven calibration weights, allowing sensitivity adjustment with a simple button press, without external test weights. This enables quick adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

The IP protection rating (per DIN EN 60529) indicates the degree of protection an electrical device offers against the ingress of solid foreign objects and water. Examples: IP65 (dust-tight, protection against jet water), IP67 (dust-tight, protection against temporary immersion).

Quality management systems for quality assurance.

Testing of scales or other measuring devices for accuracy using a recognized but non-accredited procedure.

Laboratory scales are highly precise measuring devices for determining masses in the milligram to gram range, specifically developed for use in analytical, pharmaceutical, chemical, and biological laboratories. Types include analytical balances (0.1 mg readability), semi-microbalances (0.01 mg), and precision scales (1 mg to 0.01 g).

An LCD display (Liquid Crystal Display) is a digital display type where liquid crystals are controlled by electrical voltage to display numbers and symbols, commonly used in scale displays.

The level indicator, or more precisely a circular level, is a small leveling instrument built into or on a scale to align the scale in a horizontal position. It ensures the scale is correctly leveled for precise and repeatable measurement results.

Linearity describes the maximum deviation of a scale's display from an ideal straight line (linear function) across the entire weighing range. It indicates how accurately a scale measures at different load levels.

Mass is a fundamental physical quantity describing the amount of matter in an object, independent of location or gravity. In weighing technology, it is determined via the weight force and expressed in kilograms (kg) or grams (g) per the SI unit system.

Measurement uncertainty describes the range within which the true value of a measured quantity lies with a defined probability. In weighing technology, it is critical for assessing the measurement capability of a scale or weighing procedure.

A microbalance is an extremely high-resolution laboratory scale capable of measuring masses with a readability of 1 μg (0.000001 g) or better. It is used for very small sample quantities with the highest accuracy requirements.

The minimum load is the smallest load at which a verifiable scale operates within the permissible error limits according to its type approval. Below this value, the measurement is not legally valid.

The minimum piece weight is the smallest individual weight that can be reliably detected and counted in counting scales or piece-counting applications. It should be at least 10–20 times greater than the readability.

The minimum weighing is the smallest mass at which a scale operates within the permissible measurement uncertainty, independent of calibration limits. It is determined by the calibration laboratory and is often greater than the minimum load (Min).

Moisture determination is a thermogravimetric method where the weight difference before and after drying is used to calculate the moisture content of a substance. Formula: Moisture [%] = (Weight loss / Initial weight) × 100

A multi-interval scale is a scale where the verification value (e) automatically increases in defined steps as the load increases. Example: 0–3 kg → e = 1 g, 3–6 kg → e = 2 g, 6–15 kg → e = 5 g.

A multi-range scale is a scale with multiple separate weighing ranges, each functioning like an independent scale with a specific Max and e. It automatically switches to the next range when exceeded.

The counting function enables a scale to calculate the number of identical parts by determining the individual weight (reference weight) and relating it to the total weight. Formula: Piece count = Total weight / Reference weight

Precision weights are highly accurate reference weights used for the adjustment, calibration, or testing of laboratory scales. They comply with tight tolerances per OIML R111 and are certified according to their class (E1/E2 for calibration laboratories, F1/F2 for analytical scales, M1-M3 for industrial scales).

Recalibration is the repeated calibration of a scale or test weight after a defined period or for a specific reason (e.g., relocation, repair, audit). It ensures that measurement deviations remain within permissible tolerances.

Reproducibility (also: repeatability) refers to a scale's ability to consistently display the same value when weighing the same object multiple times under identical conditions. It measures precision, not accuracy.

The RS-232 interface (Recommended Standard 232) is a serial data interface widely used in weighing technology to connect scales to computers, printers, PLCs, or peripheral devices.

A mechanism present in electronic scales classified as specific weighing equipment, equipped with built-in calibration weights to correct the influence of gravitational acceleration (g-value). This eliminates the need for verification at the place of use.

A semi-microbalance is a highly precise laboratory scale with a readability of 0.01 mg (0.00001 g), offering ten times the precision of a standard analytical balance. It bridges the gap between analytical balances (0.1 mg) and microbalances (0.001 mg).

Stability refers to the state where a scale's display no longer fluctuates after a load is placed, showing a constant value considered a valid measurement result. It is influenced by environmental conditions, mechanical properties, and filter settings.

The stability indicator is an optical symbol on the scale's display (e.g., a circle, checkmark, or 'STAB' symbol) that signals the weighing value is stable and can be considered valid.

The stabilization time is the duration a scale requires after placing a load until the displayed value is recognized as stable and the measurement is considered valid.

The standard deviation is a statistical measure of the spread of measurement results around their mean. In weighing technology, it is a key criterion for assessing the reproducibility (repeatability) of a scale.

The summation function records and stores multiple individual weighings and outputs the total mass at the end. It is particularly useful for goods receipt, formulations, inventory processes, or batch recording.

This scale type can perform the tare function and then automatically switch to a smaller weighing range with an additional decimal place (higher resolution), provided the sample is within the permissible weighing range.

Tare is the preload, i.e., the weight of a container, packaging, or other additional weight not part of the actual weighed item but included in the measurement. Taring involves resetting the display to zero to eliminate this preload. Formula: Gross weight - Tare = Net weight

Verifiable scales are scales with type approval (or conformity assessment per MID) and can be used in commercial transactions or official applications. Non-verifiable scales do not meet these requirements and must not be used in legal-for-trade applications.

The verification value e is the smallest legally recognized display or counting increment that a verifiable scale may use. It can be equal to or greater than the readability (d) and is used for legal classification and testing of the scale.

Weighing-in is the mass of a substance introduced into a container and determined by a scale. Types include gross weighing-in (including container), net weighing-in (actual substance amount after taring), and target weighing-in (desired target mass).