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What are Weights

Weights are objects with standard masses used for measuring the mass of other objects. They are usually in the form of blocks or flakes and their masses are precisely calibrated. Weights are generally used in conjunction with weighing instruments such as balances or scales. By placing weights on the other side of the balance until it is balanced, the mass of the object being weighed can be determined. Weights are made of various materials, such as cast iron and stainless steel, and their shapes and sizes vary according to different masses and usage scenarios.

History of Weights

Weights have a very long history, dating back to ancient civilizations. In ancient civilizations like ancient Egypt and ancient Babylon, simple weighing tools and corresponding weights had already emerged. In the early days, weights were mostly simply processed from stones, metal blocks and so on. With the development of trade and the progress of science and technology, the manufacturing process of weights has gradually become more refined. For example, in ancient China, there was a relatively complete weighing system, and the production of weights became more and more accurate. In modern times, international standards and manufacturing specifications for weights have become stricter, and the accuracy of weights has also been greatly improved to meet the needs of high-precision scientific research, industrial production and trade.

Purposes of Weights

• Commercial Use: In commercial transactions, weights are used to measure the mass of goods to ensure fairness in transactions. For example, in the transactions of grain, gold and silver jewelry, etc., weights are essential tools. Accurate weighing is used to determine the weight and value of goods.
• Industrial Production: In the industrial field, weights are used to calibrate various industrial scales and balances to ensure the accuracy of processes such as ingredient batching and product quality inspection. For example, in industries such as chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, accurate weighing is crucial for product quality control, and weights play a key role in this process.
• Scientific Research: In scientific experiments in physics, chemistry, etc., weights are used to accurately measure the mass of objects. In some high-precision experiments, such as the measurement of the gravitational constant and the determination of the density of substances, high-precision weights are needed to ensure the accuracy of experimental data.

Principles of Weights

Weights work based on the principle of leverage or the principle of pressure sensors (in electronic scales). In traditional mechanical balances, when the object to be weighed and the weights are placed on the two trays of the balance respectively, according to the principle of leverage (effort × effort arm = resistance × resistance arm), when the balance is balanced, the mass of the weight multiplied by its arm length is equal to the mass of the object being weighed multiplied by its arm length. Since the arm length of the balance is fixed, the mass of the weight represents the mass of the object being weighed. In electronic scales, when weights or objects to be weighed are placed, the pressure sensor will sense the change in pressure and generate an electrical signal. After processing and conversion, the mass of the object will be displayed according to the pre-calibrated parameters. And weights can be used to calibrate the accuracy of electronic scales in this process.

Features of Weights

• High Precision: High-quality weights have high precision and can be accurate to the milligram or even microgram level to meet the weighing requirements of different precision scenarios. For example, the weights used in the precision analytical balances in laboratories can reach a very high level of precision, ensuring the accuracy of experimental results.
• Good Stability: High-quality weight materials and manufacturing processes give them good stability, and their masses will not change easily under normal use and storage conditions. For example, stainless steel weights can maintain mass stability for a long time under appropriate environments, reducing weighing errors caused by mass changes.
• Various Specifications: Weights come in a variety of specifications, ranging from a few milligrams to dozens of kilograms. Appropriate combinations of weights can be selected according to different weighing ranges and usage needs. For example, in a small balance in a jewelry store, weights ranging from a few grams to dozens of grams may be used, while in a scale used to weigh container goods at a port, weights weighing several tons may be needed to calibrate the scale.

Types of Weights

• [!--empirenews.page--]Classification by Material: There are cast iron weights, stainless steel weights, copper weights, etc. Cast iron weights have a relatively low cost and are often used in situations where the precision requirement is not extremely high. Stainless steel weights have good corrosion resistance and are suitable for most laboratory and industrial environments. Copper weights may be used in some special occasions, such as high-precision electrical experiments (considering electromagnetic compatibility).
• Classification by Precision Grade: They are divided into first-class weights, second-class weights, third-class weights, etc. First-class weights have the highest precision and are usually used for scientific research with the highest precision requirements and national measurement benchmarks. Second-class weights have slightly lower precision and are used to calibrate high-precision working scales and balances. Third-class weights and others are used for general commercial and industrial purposes.
• Classification by Shape: There are cylindrical weights, square weights, flake weights, etc. Different shapes of weights have different conveniences in the use process. For example, cylindrical weights are relatively easy to pick up and put down during operation, and square weights are relatively stable when placed.

Precautions for Using Weights

• Corrosion Prevention: Avoid contact between weights and corrosive substances such as strong acids and alkalis. Although stainless steel weights have a certain degree of corrosion resistance, long-term contact with corrosive substances may also affect their mass and precision. After use, the surface of the weights should be cleaned in time.
• Collision Prevention: Weights should be prevented from colliding during use and transportation, because collisions may cause deformation or damage to the weights, thus affecting their mass and precision. Especially for high-precision weights, even slight collisions may cause them to lose their original precision.
• Proper Handling: Use appropriate tools (such as tweezers, gloves, etc.) to handle weights and avoid direct contact with weights by hand to prevent substances such as sweat and oil on the hands from adhering to the surface of the weights and affecting their mass. For high-precision small-mass weights, tweezers are a good handling tool.
• Regular Calibration: Weights should be calibrated regularly to ensure the accuracy of their masses. The calibration cycle depends on factors such as the frequency of use and the precision grade of the weights. Generally, high-precision weights have a shorter calibration cycle, while weights for general commercial use can have a relatively longer calibration cycle.

Considerations When Purchasing Weights

• Precision Requirement: Determine the precision grade of the weights needed according to the usage scenario. If it is used for scientific research or high-precision mass measurement, it is necessary to purchase first-class or second-class weights with high precision. If it is for general commercial use, such as calibrating the scale in a small grocery store, third-class weights may be sufficient.
• Mass Range: Consider the mass range of the objects to be weighed and choose an appropriate combination of weights. For example, if mainly weighing small objects ranging from a few grams to dozens of grams, a set of small-mass weights can be purchased. If calibrating large industrial scales, it may be necessary to purchase weights with larger masses.
• Material: Select the material of the weights according to the usage environment and budget. If used in a humid or corrosive environment, stainless steel weights are a better choice. If you are more cost-sensitive and the usage environment is relatively good, cast iron weights may be more appropriate.
• Compatibility with Supporting Equipment: If purchasing weights for specific balances or scales, consider the compatibility of the weights with the equipment, including factors such as shape and size, to ensure that the weights can be normally placed on the equipment for calibration and weighing.
• Budget: The prices of weights vary depending on factors such as precision, material, and mass. When purchasing, it is necessary to consider the price factor according to your own economic strength and actual needs, and choose weights with high cost performance.

Related Terms of Weights

• Precision: It refers to the degree of closeness between the actual mass of the weight and the nominal mass. The higher the precision, the more accurate the measurement result. Precision is usually expressed by the error range. For example, a weight with a precision of ±0.001g has an actual mass within the range of ±0.001g of the nominal mass.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Nominal Mass: It refers to the mass value marked on the weight. It is the mass that the weight should ideally have and is the reference value for measuring the mass of objects.
• Mass Grade: It is the grade divided according to factors such as the precision and stability of the weights, such as first-class, second-class, third-class, etc. The mass grade determines the applicable range of the weights.
• Calibration: It refers to the process of comparing with higher-precision standard weights or mass standards, adjusting the mass value of the weights or correcting their mass errors to ensure the accuracy of the weights' masses.