Portable balances are some of the most versatile in the Adam Equipment range, ideal for a variety of on-the-go jobs that need quick and easy weighing results. But how do you keep your balance working at its best? We have four simple maintenance tips that will help.
1. Protect Your Balance from the Environment
Portable balances can go anywhere you go. Wherever you bring them, take precautions against environmental factors that can influence their results or even harm the balance itself. For example, if there’s any risk of the balance getting wet or especially dusty/dirty, employ an in-use cover to prevent water and debris from seeping into the weighing mechanisms (unless it’s IP rated). Not only can water or dirt on the pan add extra weight to your weighing results, but they can also cause damage to the balance itself.
We also recommend that you use your portable compact balance out of direct sunlight, and any particularly freezing or hot temperatures, as the heat and cold can expand or contract the metal and cause fluctuations in results. Adam’s data sheets indicate the acceptable temperature range for use.
2. Store Your Balance Properly
When you’re not using your portable balance, ensure that there’s no weight on the pan, even if it’s small. Keeping weight on the pan for a long span of time can slowly weaken the load cell. Store your balance in a cool, dry and stable location. Cover it with an in-use cover or place it in a case if there’s a possibility it will get covered in dust or other particles. This will save you time cleaning later.
Adam Equipment’s and balances are uniquely designed to be stackable. Simply stack them one on top of the other using the designated slots. The weight is distributed on the casing instead of the pan, which doesn’t impact the load cell. Stacking the balances is particularly helpful in classrooms where there’s multiple machines for many students, but low storage space.
3. Avoid Overloading and Shock Loading
Portable balances last longer when care is taken to avoid overloading and shock loading.
Overloading
Overloading is when you place an item on the pan that’s heavier than the balance’s capacity. It’s easy to do by accident, but you’ll be able to recognise that the product is overloaded because the screen will show dashes instead of a weight. Remove the weight as soon as you notice. The occasional slight overload won’t do any harm, if it happens consistently and by a large margin, it could be something to be concerned about.
Shock Loading
Shock loading is when you apply a heavy weight with too much force, like dropping it on the pan. This sudden stress on the load cell can lead to your portable balance becoming inaccurate.
While avoiding both is the best way to maintain your balance’s overall ‘health’, Adam Equipment’s Highland and Core portable precision balances offer ShockProtect® technology, lending them an advanced defense against overloading and shock loading. In fact, you can even punch them! So, whether you’re dealing with clumsy students or the unexpected out in the field, you can trust your balance is durable enough to do the work.
4. Calibrate Regularly
Portable scales are likely to get less accurate and precise as time goes on. Luckily, this is both reversable and entirely avoidable with regular calibration.
For most Adam compact and portable balances, you’ll need to invest in at least one external calibration weight. You can learn which one to purchase through either the balance itself or the manual – and you’ll learn which type to order with help from our blog. For example, you would buy a Dune DCT 2000 a 2000g calibration mass, while you would purchase the DCT 201 a 200g. Don’t forget to treat your calibration weights well!
Some of our Highland Portable Precision Balances offer HandiCal® technology, a form of quick and easy internal calibration that involves using a key to lower an internal weight onto the load cell. This is a convenient option if you don’t want to deal with calibration weights.
After calibration, your portable balance will ‘remember’ what the correct weight values are and be able to provide accurate and precise results again.
Need help deciding which portable balance is right for you? Contact the Adam team, we’ll be happy to help.
