Calibration weights for adjusting the scales

For centuries now, weight pieces have been used in scales for weighing procedures. This original purpose has now almost disappeared. Today, weights are used almost exclusively for adjusting and testing = calibration of electronic balances. They are now named “test weights” as this is their contemporary purpose.

Adjustment or calibration?

Adjusting a balance means that you are intervening in the weighing system, to make sure that the display is set to show the correct nominal value.

With calibration on the other hand, there is no intervention, you are testing whether the display is correct and documenting any deviation.

Testing, the right way!

The internationally valid OIML norm R111:2004 classifies test weights hierarchically in accuracy classes, where E1 is the most accurate and M3 is the least accurate weight class. With KERN you get the whole test weight range in  all OIML accuracy classes E1, E2, F1, F2, M1, M2, M3.

As the test weight only becomes an ISO 9000ff-compliant  test instrument when its accuracy has been proven, we offer the appropriate DAkkS Calibration certificate or verification certificate (in connection with a box) for all KERN test weights. For further details see chapter DAkkS Calibration Service.

We offers you the appropriate test weight package for your balance, consisting of the test weight, box and DAkkS-calibration certificate, as proof of its accuracy. The best prerequisite for a correct adjustment or checking of your scales.

Classes of accuracy of test weights E, F, M and their general relation to the types of balances:

E1

Test weights for customers who require a high degree of accuracy for the most demanding applications. For high-resolution balances with d > 1,000,000 Use recommended with DAkkS calibration certificate only.

E2

Most accurate test weights for high resolution analytical balances of verification class I ≥ 100,000 e

F1

Test weights for analytical balances/precision  balances for verification class I/II ≤ 100,000 e 

F2

Test weights for precision balances of verification  class II ≤ 30,000 e

M1

Test weights for industrial and commercial scales  of verification class III ≤ 10,000 e

The appropriate test weight for your new KERN balance can also be found directly in the accessories of the balance in our webshop.

Weight cases at a glance

It's your choice!

To protect your test weights we can offer you an appropriate weight case. If there are no legal or normative specifications, then you have  the choice between plastic, aluminium protected or wood. The available weight cases are shown as a symbol in the test weight tables on  the following pages.  This way you have all the materials, versions, sizes and prices at a glance, listed in a concise way.

It's so easy to order your suitable test weight

1. According to your safety requirements or the specifications of your QM system, you select the test weight with the appropriate weight value and the required tolerance (see chart below).
2. We offer many test weights in different designs, giving you complete freedom to decide which test weights you want to use for your application. It goes without saying that all our test weights comply with the OIML R111:2004 directive.
3. To protect your high-quality test equipment, we offer you cases in various designs. From low-priced plastic weight  cases to aluminium protected  weight cases to classic, high-quality wooden weight cases.
4. A DAkkS calibration certificate – the auditor's favourite! With this certificate you provide the standard-compliant proof of all important values of your test equipment and are on the safe side when operating and testing your measuring equipment.

Selection of the appropriate test weight for your balance

A balance can never be more accurate than the test weight that is used to adjust it, it all depends on its tolerance. The accuracy of the test weight should correspond to the readout [d] of the balance, or rather be more precise.

Nominal weight value is shown in adjust mode “CAL” in the balance display. Given a choice, the heaviest weight is the most suitable for accurate measurement.

Once accuracy and nominal weight value are specified, the suitable  test weight is selected according to the tolerances “Tol” of the  indi  vidual accuracy classes E2 – M3, see column “Tol ± mg” at the  respective weight.

Example:

Balance with weighing range [Max] 2000 g = 2 kg and readout [d] = 0,01 g = 10 mg

• The accuracy of the required test weight is determined by  readout [d]: max. tolerance ± 10 mg.
• Displayed weight size on “CAL” mode: 1000 g or 2000 g. The required test weight has a 2 kg weight size.
• Suitable test weights with ± 10 mg tolerance and 2 kg weight size,  can be found in accuracy class F1. 

Exception: analytical balances (readout [d] ≤ 0,1 mg): E1 test weights are recommended. Depending on the safety  requirements, E2 test weights with a DAkkS calibration certificate  will also be sufficient.

From finely turned to polished stainless steel – the right test weight for every situation

Composition table, valid for all KERN test weight sets from 1 mg

OIML norm R111:2004 for test weights

The key points from the OIML norm R111:2004 OIML (Organisation Internationale de Métrologie Légale) has established the exact metrological requirements for weights in verified applications in approx. 100 states all over the world. The OIML recommendation R111 (2004 Edition) for weights relates to sizes 1 mg – 5000 kg. Statements are made on the accuracy, materials, geometric shape, marking and storage of the weights.

Error limits for weights of classes E1 to M3

The error limit classes are in fixed hierarchical levels in the proportion of 1:3, where E1 is the most accurate and M3 is the least accurate weight class. When testing weights with other weights, the correct test class is the next highest class.

Error limit classes (= tolerances)

The values given in the table below (tolerances ± ... mg) are the  respective permitted fabrication tolerances. They are to be equal to the measuring uncertainty of the weight, if no DAkkS calibration certificate is available.

Conventional mass

The problem is the air buoyancy, which makes the weight appear lighter. In order to avoid this “distortion” in daily use, all weights are adjusted to the unit specifications as given in R111, e.g. it is accepted that: material density of the weights is 8000 kg/m3, air density is 1.2 kg/m3 and  measuring temperature is 20 °C.

Our test weights: Unless otherwise specified, they conform to  OIML R111:2004 in every detail.

OIML R111:2004 Maximum permissible errors for weights = permissible tolerances “Tol ± mg”

The DAkkS kalibration (DAkkS - German accreditation authority) documents traceability to the national standard and thus meets the specific normative requirements of QM Systems.

International recognition:

DAkkS/DKD

 COFRAC

UKAS

ACCREDIA

SAS

ENAC

PCA

AA

and much more