
Uses of Slotted Weights with Hanger | Laboratory & Calibration Applications
Introduction
In every physics or calibration laboratory, accuracy and repeatability are key to reliable results. One of the most versatile tools that ensures this precision is the slotted weight with hanger.
These weights are designed for simple stacking, accurate load measurement, and easy handling, making them an essential part of experiments involving forces, torque, and motion.
Whether in a school physics lab or an industrial calibration setup, slotted weights with hanger provide a controlled and measurable load for testing mechanical systems, instruments, or materials.
⚙️ What Are Slotted Weights with Hanger?
Slotted weights are disc-shaped masses with a central slot, allowing them to be easily added or removed from a metal hanger.
The hanger acts as a holder, and multiple slotted weights can be stacked to achieve the required total mass.
They are available in various materials — brass, stainless steel, or cast iron — depending on the level of accuracy and application requirements.
📘 Common Uses of Slotted Weights with Hanger
1. Physics Laboratory Experiments
Slotted weights are widely used to demonstrate:
- Newton’s Laws of Motion
- Hooke’s Law (Spring Extension)
- Moments and Torque of Forces
Students can easily vary the load by adding or removing slotted weights on the hanger, helping them observe relationships between mass, force, and acceleration.
2. Tension and Force Measurement
In advanced physics and engineering setups, slotted weights help determine:
- Tension in strings and pulleys
- Forces acting on levers or beams
- Verification of mechanical equilibrium
The ability to apply known weights makes them ideal for calibrating force sensors and dynamometers.
3. Material Testing and Calibration
In calibration and quality control labs, slotted weights are used to:
- Apply specific loads during material testing.
- Serve as reference masses for instrument calibration.
- Verify load cell performance in mechanical systems.
They are an economical and accurate choice for routine calibration work in industrial environments.
4. Experiments on Friction and Inclined Planes
Slotted weights make it easy to measure frictional forces on various surfaces or inclined planes.
By adjusting the weight, the experimenter can study how mass affects friction and determine the coefficient of friction between materials.
5. Study of Acceleration and Gravity (Atwood Machine)
In the Atwood Machine setup, slotted weights are crucial for calculating acceleration due to gravity (g).
Their precise mass ensures that experimental results align closely with theoretical predictions.
🧰 Typical Setup and Weight Range
A slotted weight hanger is usually suspended by a string or hook.
Each slotted weight is added to increase the total load.
Typical sets include:
- 50 g to 500 g
- 100 g to 1 kg
- Custom weight sets can also be made as per OIML standards or client requirements.
🧪 Material Options and Accuracy
Material Features Ideal Use
Brass Corrosion-resistant, high precision Laboratory & educational use
Stainless Steel Durable, long-lasting Calibration & industrial use
Cast Iron Cost-effective, sturdy General purpose applications
🔧 Why Choose Standard Weights from SWPI
At SWPI (Shanker Wire Products Industries), we manufacture and supply a complete range of slotted weights with hangers that meet international standards like OIML and NABL.
Our weights are:
- Machine-polished for smooth finish
- Marked for easy identification
- Verified for F1, F2, and M1 class accuracy
We supply weights for educational laboratories, calibration labs, and industrial testing facilities across India and abroad.
🚀 Conclusion
Slotted weights with hanger are small but vital instruments that make big differences in accuracy and repeatability of experiments.
Their versatility, precision, and ease of use make them an indispensable part of physics and calibration setups.
📞 Call-to-Action
Looking for high-quality slotted weights with hangers for your lab or calibration setup?
Contact Shanker Wire Products Industries (SWPI) — India’s trusted manufacturer and exporter of OIML-certified calibration weights and laboratory standards.
📧 Email: swpi@weights-swpi.com
🌐 Website: www.weights-swpi.com