ME 326 Assignment 2

Calibration of
Platform Scale
Members:
Mary Rose Erlano
Denver Val Hubilla
Jamil Mencias
Mark Angelo Peran
Jeanelle Sta. Ana
Reeno Villamea
BSME 3B

February 10, 2023

What is scale calibration?
Scale calibration is a process that makes sure a balancing or weighing scale produces accurate weighing
results to the level indicated on the scale. Through repeated usage, dust accumulation, or aging, the
accuracy of weighing scales can deteriorate over time; this process is known as "drift." Scales and balances
should be frequently maintained for this reason.

Platform Scale
Platform scales are widely used for weight measurement in various
industries and applications. They provide accurate and reliable weight
measurements for commercial, industrial, personal, domestic, medical,
and laboratory purposes. Having accurate weight measurements is
crucial for generating revenue, maintaining safety, and ensuring quality
in these industries.

Large industrial platforms called platform scales are used to weigh big
objects like pallets, containers, and other objects. Platform scale
calibration can be challenging without prior experience, so operators must feel at ease connecting
indicators, utilizing interfaces, and selecting calibration weights that are appropriate for the weight
capability of the scale. This manual offers an easy and clear method to guarantee that your platform scales
are consistently calibrated correctly.

Why is calibration of platform scale crucial?

Calibration is a critical process for ensuring the accuracy of weighing instruments, such as scales and
balances. Regular calibration is essential to maintain the accuracy of these devices, as their accuracy can
decline over time due to factors such as regular use, dust buildup, or age. Inaccurate measurements can
lead to serious consequences, particularly in fields where precise measurements are crucial, such as in
medicine and laboratories.

The process of calibration involves correcting, determining, and checking the accuracy of the weighing
instrument against a standard or accepted range of results. The scale's accuracy is rated within a specific
quality system, and the calibration procedure is tailored to the type of weighing instrument used. For
example, medical and laboratory scales require more accuracy and precision and are calibrated in a
controlled environment, whereas industrial scales used in less precise applications can be calibrated
on-site.

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Importance of calibration
The importance of calibrating weighing instruments cannot be overstated. Ignoring calibration turns
measuring into guesswork and can lead to incorrect measurements. For instance, an incorrect weight
measurement of a 15-wheeler could pose major safety risks, and an incorrect volume of medicine could
result in disastrous side effects. On the other hand, regularly calibrating weighing instruments ensures
accurate and reliable measurements, which are essential for making informed decisions in various fields.

How to Calibrate a Platform Scale?

Calibrating Adam’s PT Platform scales with AE403 indicators

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/286rBnw3-Bw

Step 1

Place the platform base on a flat floor surface, making sure

there is plenty of space around the scale base for safe
operation.

Step 2

Remove anything that has been placed on top of the

platform.

Step 3

Connect a weighing scale indicator to the platform base

using an RS-232 connection cable.

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Step 4

Power on the indicator and wait for it to configure.

Step 5

Before configuration is complete, press Tare when the

display is showing the countdown for the digits.

Step 6

To enter the password, use the directional buttons ⭡ or ⭣ to

scroll through numbers 1-9. Use the ⭢ directional key to
move to the next digit.

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Step 7

Enter the correct password [1000] and press [Tare].

Step 8

After pressing [Tare] ↵, ‘noload’ should appear on the

display.

Step 9

Use the directional button ⭡ to switch to ‘load1’.

Step 10

Set the desired weight limit of the test object to be placed

on the scale using the ⭡ or ⭣ directional buttons and the ⭢
directional key to move to the next digit.

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Step 11

Once you have selected the desired weight limit of the test
object, press the [Tare] ↵ key to confirm.

Step 12

The display will show 'load'. Load the desired weight onto
the platform.

Step 13

Once the weight is on the platform press the [Tare] key to

confirm.

Step 14

Once confirmed, the indicator will enter the configuration

process. When the process is complete the indicator will
show the desired weight currently on the platform.

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Preparation Before Calibration

1. Preparation before calibration

You should make a few clarifications and prepare before beginning the calibration of the
weighing instrument.

● You should learn the weighing instrument's technical specifications (maximum

weight, d value), the accuracy standard (maximum error allowed, uncertainty), and
what to do if the calibration fails (adjustment).
● In most cases, the calibration is done where the instrument is being used,
covering the entire measurement range. Make sure you have adequate weights
on hand to complete the calibration process.
● At least 30 minutes before the calibration, turn on the weighing device. The
temperature of the weights should be maintained at the desired calibration
temperature.
● Particularly for compact and precise weighing equipment, the weighing instrument
should be at a horizontal level. Place some weights on the instrument that are
close to the range's maximum for a few pre-tests to make sure it functions
normally.
● You should perform a "as found" calibration before adjustment and a "as left"
calibration following adjustment if the weighing equipment experiences calibration
failure.

2. Eccentricity Test

The load is not always exactly centered on the load receptor during routine usage of a
weighing device. If the weight is positioned differently on the load receptor, the findings

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 of a weighing instrument may occasionally fluctuate slightly. The eccentricity test is
carried out to determine how big of an impact the placement of the load has. The
reference load is applied to the load receptor at a number of different predetermined
sites throughout the eccentricity test. In order to see the outcome, the load is first
positioned at the load receptor's center of gravity. The load is then positioned in the load
receptor's four separate sectors.

While there are many various types of load receptor forms and loads can be located in different
places, the graphic above shows rectangular and circular load receptors. Different load receptor
shapes will be governed by standards OIML R76 and EN 45501.

3. Repeatability Test

In order to rule out any eccentricity error, the repeatability test is carried out by repeatedly
replacing the same load on the same location on the load receptor. The test needs to be
conducted under consistent, identical, and handling-free settings. The load applied
should be somewhat close to the instrument's maximum load. A repeatability test is
frequently conducted with a single load, but it can also be conducted separately with
several distinct load values.

4. Weighing Test

The objective of the weighing test is to evaluate the weighing instrument's accuracy
(calibrate) over the course of multiple steps with rising and decreasing weight. The
weighing device may occasionally be calibrated using simply increasing or only
decreasing loads. It is typical to employ 5 to 10 distinct loads (test points). The highest
load should be quite near to the instrument's maximum. 10% of the maximum load or the
lightest weight typically employed can be the smallest test load.

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 Linearity

In a weighing test, employing a selection of points across the instrument's

measurement range aids in identifying any linearity problems. Because of linearity
problems, the instrument does not measure reliably across the whole range.

Hysteresis

It's crucial to avoid overshooting or undershooting during a weighing test when

increasing or reducing the load. This implies that you must approach each test
point with more weight as you increase the load. If you add too much weight and
then take it off, the hysteresis information is lost.

5. Minimum Weight Test

Testing for minimum weight is one that is not usually necessary. Anyhow, some
companies, notably the pharmaceutical industry, need this test.

The goal of the minimal weight test is to identify the least load that can be measured
while still producing accurate measurement findings. The relative reading error often
increases as the measured value decreases. Any loads smaller than the minimum load
should not be measured using the weighing device.

6. Other Tests

There are a few other tests that are listed in the standards; however, these are normally
not carried out during a routine calibration, only during the initial verification or as a kind
of approval test.

Examples of such tests include:

● Tare test
● Discrimination test
● Variation of indication over time
● Test of magnetic interaction

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Reference:
Adam Equipment. (2019, July 11). How to Calibrate a Platform Scale. Retrieved from Adam
Equipment:
https://www.adamequipment.com/how-to-calibrate-a-platform-scale#:~:text=Scale%20calibration
%20is%20a%20procedure,referred%20to%20as%20'drift'.

Heikki , L. (2017, May 16). Weighing Scale Calibration-How to Calibrate Weighing Instrument.
Retrieved from
https://blog.beamex.com/weighing-scale-calibration-how-to-calibrate-weighing-instruments#Prep
arations-before-calibration