Mechanical Scale / Balance Scales and Balances
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Mechanical scales and balance scales are devices used to measure weight. They typically consist of a platform or hook where the object to be weighed is placed. The primary function of these scales is to provide a measurement of weight, often displayed through a mechanical indicator or balance beam.
Working Principle
Mechanical scales operate based on principles of physics, such as leverage and equilibrium. A common type of balance uses a horizontal lever with equal arm lengths that pivot around a minimal-friction fulcrum. When an object is placed on one side, the balance beam tilts until equilibrium is reached, indicating the weight. Other mechanical scales, like pendulum balances, use a platform attached to a fulcrum with a weighted indicator that rises until the load is balanced. Fluid-based scales use compressed fluids to determine weight, where a load depresses a piston, and the fluid's pressure is measured. These scales are useful because they are not affected by variables like temperature or local gravity, which can cause misreadings in other types of scales .
Applications
Mechanical scales and balances are used in various settings. For example, center beam balances are frequently used to calibrate reference masses for adjusting other scales. Fluid-based scales are common in heavy lifting equipment, such as cranes, where they help measure the weight of large loads .
Advantages over other Scales and Balances
One significant advantage of mechanical scales is their resistance to environmental variables that can affect electronic scales, such as temperature fluctuations and local gravity changes. This makes them particularly reliable for precision weighing tasks. Additionally, mechanical balances do not require power sources, making them suitable for use in environments where electricity is unavailable or unreliable .
Limitations
Mechanical scales can be more challenging to check for accuracy, especially those with off-center fulcrums that require adjustable reference masses. They may also be less convenient than digital scales, which can offer features like unit conversion and data integration with software systems .
Considerations
When considering mechanical scales, factors such as initial costs, operating expenses, and maintenance should be evaluated. Mechanical scales generally have lower operating expenses since they do not require electricity. However, they may require regular calibration and maintenance to ensure accuracy, which can incur additional costs. Durability is often a strength of mechanical scales, but their accuracy can degrade over time if not properly maintained .
from DME Company
The Dial-O-Gram Series combines the convenience of direct-reading dial calibration with the speed of magnetic damping for a balance that accurately and quickly weighs everything. Speed dial for fast, easy readings. 6" diameter stainless platform. Magnetic dampening. Precision ground knives. [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Resolution: 2.20E-4
- Capacity: 5.76
- Width: 6
from Fairbanks Scales, Inc.
Portable warehouse and factory scales in various models. The 1100 Series Portable Scale runs on AC power or a built-in rechargeable battery, enabling it to operate virtually anywhere. An ergonomic handle makes moving the rugged, cast iron platform easy, even in space-limited environments. A rugged... [See More]
- Type: Bench / Counter Scale; Floor Scale; Mechanical Scale / Balance; Weigh Module / Assembly
- Display: Digital Display
from Princess Auto Limited
Mechanical Shipping Scale [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance; Postal / Parcel Scale
- Resolution: 1.1
- Capacity: 251
from Cole-Parmer
bull; Cast aluminum housing with durable, epoxy-powder coating resists commonly used acids. • Read results from the front or back of the balance. • Positive load stops. • Lockable tare for containers up to 2270 g. • Oversized plate for larger containers. • Magnetic damping... [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Capacity: 44.1
from Parco Scientific Company
Two-platform design is based on the classic Roberval balance principle. Its convenience and accuracy is commonly used for comparative weighing to determine the difference in mass between two objects rather than their absolute value. Incorporates sliding weight on beam for fine adjustment. strong... [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Capacity: 4.41
from Raymond Handling Consultants, L.C.
DIAL SCALE, STAINLESS STEEL WASH DOWN [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
from DME Company
Whether you're weighing solids, liquids, powders or even animals, an Ohaus Triple Beam balance is well equipped to handle the job. The 700/800 Series provides the convenience of a toploading balance with the durability and versatility to accommodate a range of lab applications. Some models have a... [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Resolution: 0.0063
- Capacity: 5.12
from Cole-Parmer
bull; Accurately weigh a wide variety of heavy materials, even under the most adverse conditions. • Large stabilized pan will hold oversized samples without tipping. • Weighted base keeps the entire scale steady. • Single sliding weight beam. • Weights are stored within the... [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Capacity: 35.28
from Parco Scientific Company
The Economy Hanging Pan Balance has a three point base constructed of metal casting, zeroing adjustment knob at the rear of the beam, stainless steel removable pan with a pourable spout and magnetic damping. strong >Features: ul >. Capacity- 311g. Cream color. Front Beam- 1 x 0.01g. Second... [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
from Raymond Handling Consultants, L.C.
GP250 ELECTRONIC GENERAL ALL PURPOSE PORTABLE SCALE [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Resolution: 0.5000
- Capacity: 250
from Cole-Parmer
bull; Get stable readings three times faster than other three-beam balances. • Designed with a hanging pan system. • Offer 10 times the readability of standard triple-beam balances. • Feature a self-aligning beam, floating agate bearings, and counter-balancing knob for fast zeroing. [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Capacity: 0.6835
from Parco Scientific Company
Our economy mechanical balances feature rugged die-cast construction, precision ground edges, dual magnetic damping system to slow oscillation, and a large stainless steel weighing platform. Capacity is 610g, and optional weight set extends capacity to 2610g. strong >Features: strong >. ul... [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Capacity: 1.35
from Raymond Handling Consultants, L.C.
INDUSTRIAL DIAL SCALE [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
from Cole-Parmer
bull; Get stable readings three times faster than other three-beam balances. • Designed with a hanging pan system. • Offer 10 times the readability of standard triple-beam balances. • Feature a self-aligning beam, floating agate bearings, and counter-balancing knob for fast zeroing. [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Capacity: 0.6858
from Parco Scientific Company
These die-cast constructed mechanical balances are durable and versatile to accommodate a variety of lab applications. Features a dial which speeds up the weighing process and provides greater accuracy. Also includes magnetic damping to slow oscillation, a large stainless steel platform and tiered... [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Capacity: 1.35
from Cole-Parmer
bull; Economical and simple for general weighing needs. • Versatile â € “ Adaptable to in-plant, receiving, commercial, and general weighing applications. • Durable â € “ Constructed of fabricated carbon steel and designed for accuracy and long life. [See More]
- Type: Bench / Counter Scale; Floor Scale; Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Capacity: 1000
from Parco Scientific Company
Whether you ’re in need of a basic but high quality mechanical balance or you ’re looking for the top-of-the-line model that gives you complete flexibility in the classroom, Ohaus has a triple beam for you. No matter which triple beam you choose, rest assured you can count on every Ohaus... [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Capacity: 1.35
from Cole-Parmer
bull; Unlike any balance you â € ™ve ever seen in an elementary classroom, the new OHAUS Harvard Junior has the power to unleash the young scientist pent up in all your students. • Dual style, interchangeable pans which allow for a broader range of objects to be weighed. [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Capacity: 4.41
from Parco Scientific Company
The Cent-O-Gram balance offer the accuracy and convenience of an integrated weigh below balance while allowing students to visualize mass measurement principles. Designed with a hanging pan system, both balances offer 10 times the readability of the Ohaus Triple Beam and Dial-O-Gram top loading... [See More]
- Type: Mechanical Scale / Balance
- Capacity: 0.6835