The discussion revolves around the search for the most accurate weighing scale, focusing on the types of scales available, their accuracy, and the requirements for specific applications. Participants explore various factors influencing scale performance, including calibration, measurement principles, and user needs.
Participants express a range of views on the accuracy and suitability of different types of scales, indicating that there is no consensus on a single best option. Multiple competing perspectives on scale technology and user requirements remain unresolved.
Participants highlight limitations in consumer scales, such as the lack of tare and calibration functions, and the variability in accuracy based on the type of scale and its intended use. The discussion also reflects differing requirements for accuracy based on the specific application, such as weighing humans versus laboratory measurements.
Secan said:I need something that can show exactly the weight.
hutchphd said:This statement has no technical meaning.
You need to specify what level of accuracy and precision you require and proceed accordingly. There exist scales that will meet almost any requirement. The will cost proportionally and might require periodic calibration.
shjacks45 said:I wonder how you know the book is 7.60 pounds? Another scale that you have calibrated, or you trust due to familiarity? Because the metric system is used in precision and scientific work, a scale in pounds probably won't be as accurate. Or specialized and more expensive. In picking a scale you need to know what accuracy you require and what range of weight you need to weigh. Digital bathroom scales are often inaccurate at low weight like your book. Scales, of course, you measure against real physical weights. My needs are to accurately measure milligram changes in 500g flasks or 99.999% accuracy, for example.
The other day they weighed me on 3 different digital scales, at a hospital, and got 3 different weights. Baby scales and adult (diet) scales have no need to be that accurate. I'd think the maker of the scale was more concerned if a baby fell out of the "weighing pan". Both adults and babies on scales are moving so no absolute accuracy. Most consumer scales don't even have a Tare function and never a Calibrate function. Quality scales like Mettler or OHAUS are temerature compensated and calibrating with NBS referenced weights was right on (off by .0001 gram). Still have to go thru that step.Secan said:I just need a very accurate baby scale with typical range of 0 to 44 lbs. And I'd use it for other things as well so i want to get the most accurate scale that can show 10kg as exactly 10kg or error of 0.5 ounce.
shjacks45 said:The other day they weighed me on 3 different digital scales, at a hospital, and got 3 different weights. Baby scales and adult (diet) scales have no need to be that accurate. I'd think the maker of the scale was more concerned if a baby fell out of the "weighing pan". Both adults and babies on scales are moving so no absolute accuracy. Most consumer scales don't even have a Tare function and never a Calibrate function. Quality scales like Mettler or OHAUS are temerature compensated and calibrating with NBS referenced weights was right on (off by .0001 gram). Still have to go thru that step.
shjacks45 said:I wonder how you know the book is 7.60 pounds? Another scale that you have calibrated, or you trust due to familiarity? Because the metric system is used in precision and scientific work, a scale in pounds probably won't be as accurate. Or specialized and more expensive. In picking a scale you need to know what accuracy you require and what range of weight you need to weigh. Digital bathroom scales are often inaccurate at low weight like your book. Scales, of course, you measure against real physical weights. My needs are to accurately measure milligram changes in 500g flasks or 99.999% accuracy, for example.