Understanding the terminology behind weighing systems and calibration services can help you make more informed decisions, ensure compliance, and communicate effectively with service providers. Below is a glossary of commonly used scale terms in the weighing and calibration industry, designed to support both new and experienced users.
A
Accuracy
The degree to which the displayed weight matches the actual weight. High accuracy is critical for quality control and compliance.
Analog Scale
A scale that uses a mechanical system to display weight, typically with a dial or pointer, rather than a digital display.
B
Balance
A precision instrument used for measuring mass. Often used in laboratories for high-accuracy weighing of small items.
Bench Scale
A compact scale designed for use on a workbench or tabletop, commonly used in industrial and commercial applications.
C
Calibration
The process of adjusting and verifying a scale’s accuracy using known weights. Worcester Scale offers ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration services.
Capacity
The maximum weight a scale can measure accurately. Exceeding capacity can damage the scale or produce incorrect readings.
Checkweigher
A scale used to verify whether an item falls within a specified weight range, commonly used in packaging and manufacturing.
Crane Scale
A scale designed to weigh suspended loads using a crane or hoist system.
D
Digital Indicator
The display unit of a digital scale, which shows the weight reading and may include functions like tare, units conversion, and printing.
Dimensional Weighing
A system that measures both the weight and physical dimensions of an object, often used in shipping and logistics.
Drift
A gradual change in measurement over time, which can indicate the need for recalibration.
E
Environmental Factors
Conditions including temperature, humidity, vibration, and airflow that can affect the accuracy of a weighing system.
F
Floor Scale
A heavy-duty scale placed on the floor for weighing large or bulky items, such as pallets or containers.
Force Gauge
An instrument used to measure force, typically in tension or compression. Common in quality testing and calibration services.
G
Graduation
The smallest increment of weight that a scale can display. A finer graduation allows for more precise measurements.
I
ISO/IEC 17025
An international standard for calibration and testing laboratories. Worcester Scale has been accredited to this standard since 2001.
Indicator
Another term for the display or control panel of a weighing system.
L
Load Cell
A transducer that converts force (weight) into an electrical signal. Load cells are the core component of most digital scales.
M
Moisture Balance
A specialized scale used to measure the moisture content in materials, often used in laboratories or quality control settings.
Metrology
The science of measurement. In weighing, metrology ensures standards and traceability.
N
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
A U.S. agency that develops measurement standards. Calibration services at Worcester Scale use NIST-traceable test weights.
P
Pallet Jack Scale
A mobile scale integrated with a pallet jack to allow weighing during material handling.
Precision
The repeatability of a scale’s measurements under the same conditions. A scale can be precise but not accurate if it consistently measures incorrectly.
R
Repeatability
The ability of a scale to deliver the same result under the same conditions. High repeatability is a sign of consistent performance.
Resolution
The smallest possible change in weight that a scale can detect. Higher resolution allows for more detailed readings.
S
Scale Calibration Certificate
A documented report showing a scale’s calibration results, often required for audits or quality systems.
Sensitivity
The ability of a scale to detect small changes in weight.
Service Interval
The recommended timeframe for routine maintenance or calibration. This varies based on usage, environment, and industry requirements.
T
Tare Function
A feature that allows the scale to subtract the weight of a container, displaying only the net weight of its contents.
Test Weights
Certified weights used to verify and calibrate scales. Worcester Scale maintains a wide range of NIST-traceable test weights.
W
Washdown Scale
A scale designed for easy cleaning and resistance to water and contaminants, commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Weight Classifications
Regulatory bodies define accuracy and tolerance as performance standards for specific applications.
Need Help Choosing Equipment?
If you have questions about scale terminology or want help choosing the right equipment or calibration plan, call us at 508-853-2886 or contact our team. Worcester Scale is here to support your weighing and measurement needs with expertise and clarity.
