Weighing Scales For Universities and Laboratories

Our society reaps the benefits from the in-depth research that is undertaken in the university setting. Without some of the financial stress and the pressures of time constraints, university research funding goes a long way. Some of the brightest minds are in the process of discovering cures for diseases that were heretofore untreatable.

We here at Arlyn Scales understand that in these research laboratories, it is imperative that the scales used are of the best quality and produce the highest level of weight accuracy the first time and every time. It is distinctly for these intensive experimentations, that our research and engineering design team have produced the finest, technologically advanced High Precision Weighing Scales on the market today.

At the same time, university laboratory and classroom settings also require the presence of weighing devices capable of measuring a variety of objects and types of substances. In university-level physics classes, for example, students are often times tasked with determining the exact measurement of weight or mass pertaining to various objects. And in university-level chemistry courses, students and professors are frequently found measuring or weighing chemical substances before using them in experiments or mixtures.

 

Standard Industrial Scale Options and Technology

Until recently, universities in need of high quality, accurate, and long-lasting scales for laboratories or classrooms really only had two options to choose between Strain Gage or Magnetic Force Restoration (MFR) scales. Unfortunately, and as you might have guessed, each choice has its faults.

 

Strain Gage scale technology functions by measuring the mechanical strain on an object or structure. Because of the materials used in its construction, these scales are subject to temperature variables, moisture, and shock load damage.

Moreover, Strain Gage scales measure weight initially using an analog signal, which must then be converted to a digital signal before displaying the weight reading to the scale user. This conversion process limits the accuracy and sensitivity of the measurements determined by Strain Gage scales.

 

Magnetic Force Restoration (MFR) also known as Force Motor scales function through the use of an electromagnet. As the load is placed on the scale, the amount of electrical current needed to support the load platform is measured, which subsequently allows the measurement of the load to be determined. In order to circumvent the effect of temperature changes on the accuracy of the reading, these scales are manufactured with an inner-calibration mass device. The sensitivity to temperature fluctuations requires that re-calibration is performed often. The addition of this calibration device adds cost to what is already an expensive proposition.

While Strain Gage scales can be damaged easily and are not the most accurate scale option, Magnetic Force Restoration scales provide extremely precise results; however, MFR scales are immensely expensive, require frequent re-calibration, and generally, do not have maximum capacities exceeding 50 pounds.

 

A Better Option: The Discovery of Surface Acoustic Waves

Small in weight and size, SAW sensors, have been discovered to be suitable in harsh environments, as they are not significantly affected by temperature changes. They are inexpensive, highly reliable and their methods of construction are environmentally friendly.

 

What Does SAW Technology Mean For Universities?

When determining the level of quality an industrial scale is, scale manufacturers use 3 terms: resolution, readability, and accuracy.

 

• Resolution is the number of digits a scale is capable of weighing accurately.
• Accuracy indicates how close a scale is capable of measuring the true weight of an object. It is expressed as a fraction of a percentage.
• Readability is calculated by dividing a scale’s maximum capacity by its resolution. Typically, readability is expressed as parts of a whole and specifies the total number of increments the scale is able to determine.

The better each of these is on a scale, the higher the quality of the scale is.

 

Arlyn Scales’ Weighing Devices Suitable for Universities

Arlyn Scales designs and manufactures a range of industrial scales suitable for a variety of purposes and environments including bench scales, drum scales, digital scales, intrinsically safe scales, and ultra-high precision scales—all of which one might find in a university setting.

• Bench scales are meant to be used on a bench, table, or countertop surface. They are the ideal weighing device for weighing parcels or counting many small parts. Bench scales can also be used to mix ingredients to the correct ratios.
• Drum scales are useful for monitoring the weight of liquid chemicals. Digital scales display weight readings in a digital format, which makes gathering weight data quicker and simpler for the scale user.
• Intrinsically safe scales were designed for hazardous and corrosive environments. Arlyn Scales manufactures a line of ArlynGuard scales capable of withstanding a range of hazardous area classes, divisions, and groups. Our ArlynGuard bench, cylinder, platform, and floor scales feature heat-treated stainless steel load cells and have internal resolutions of 1 part of 500,000.
• Ultra Precision Scales deliver results that are 20-times more advanced and 10-time more accurate than standard Strain Gage scales. Ultra Precision Scales with a capacity of 500 pounds have a resolution of .005 pounds, readability of 1 part in 100,000, and accuracy of 1/100 of 1% or +/- .01%. Moreover, Ultra Precision Scales helps protect the scales from shock and overloading.

 

Why Ultra Precision Scales are Perfect for Universities

Ultra Precision Scales are a great option for university-level classroom and laboratory settings because they are accurate, affordable, and long-lasting. Manufactured from high-quality materials and utilizing the most advanced weighing technology, professors and students can count on Arlyn Scales’ Ultra Precision Scales.

Our scales arrive at your door pre-calibrated and rarely require recalibration. Each scale features a zero button, which allows users to deduct the weight of containers and determine the true weight of an object or substance. Large LCD displays are featured on every scale, too, which means users can easily read weight values quickly.

All of our scales are capable of being connected to various communication options, such as Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, or RS-232. RS-232 allows users to transmit data from one workstation to another or to printers. Add-on communication capabilities allow users to keep track of and analyze all of the data a scale collects.

 

Readability of Weight Loads

For the extra sensitive mixing and batching of extremely small particulates, we offer scales with capacities in 120 grams, 300 grams, 1000 grams, and 4500 grams. Our readability rating for these highly precise scales is in microgram increments, which allows for ultimate, absolutely precise weight measurements. Additionally, because we design and manufacture scales right on our own premises, we can also customize the capacity to your specifications enabling you to deduce an even higher readability rate.

 

Output Options

Our High Precision scales are designed with a large LCD display where you can easily toggle back and forth between weight units and parts counting and check weighing functions. Included is a zero button allowing you to deduct the weight of your container thereby enabling you to determine the substance’s true weight.

Through the RS 232 protocol, you will be able to transmit data from one workstation to another or to printers and programmable logic controllers. Our RS-232 option is bi-directional, allowing the scale’s indicator to send data and receive commands from computers and PLCs. This option gives you full remote capability.

 

Contact our Team at Arlyn Scales Today

Our team of design engineers has covered a lot of ground in regards to incorporating all the needs that may arise in research laboratories and classrooms settings. From precision to ease of use and dependability, you may rest assured your best interests are our top priority.

Directly manufacturing our subscale components gives us the capacity to pass the savings onto our customers. You will find our price structure to be easy on your budget. Contact us for any questions and explore our inventory.