Weighbridge Calibration Explained in Detail
Introduction:
Accurate weight data is crucial for businesses of all sizes. This applies whether you’re a small business relying on precise measurements to sell products or a large corporation tracking inventory and personnel weight. In this context, weighbridge calibration becomes an essential practice.
What is Weighbridge Calibration?
Calibration essentially ensures a measuring instrument performs within a specific range of accuracy. In simpler terms, it verifies if the weighbridge readings closely match the actual weight of objects placed on it.
Here’s a breakdown of the calibration process:
- Reference Weights: A set of precisely calibrated weights, ranging from the weighbridge's minimum capacity to its maximum, are used.
- Loading and Recording: Each weight is placed on the weighbridge one by one, and the displayed reading is carefully noted.
- Error Analysis: The difference between the displayed weight and the actual weight of the reference weight is calculated, revealing any discrepancies.
- Calibration Adjustments: Based on the analysis, technicians make necessary adjustments to the weighbridge's internal mechanisms to ensure accurate readings.
Why is Calibration Important?
Regular calibration offers several benefits:
- Ensures Legal Compliance: If your weighbridge is used for commercial purposes (buying or selling based on weight), calibration is mandatory by law. Failing to comply can result in penalties.
- Maintains Accuracy: Over time, weighbridges can become less accurate due to wear and tear. Calibration corrects these discrepancies and ensures reliable weight measurements.
- Protects Profits: Inaccurate readings can lead to financial losses. For instance, an under-reading weighbridge might result in businesses paying more for overweight shipments or selling products for less than their actual weight.
- Extends Weighbridge Lifespan: Regular calibration helps identify potential issues early on, preventing them from developing into major problems and extending the lifespan of your weighbridge.
Metrological Requirements for Reference Weights:
The reference weights used for calibration must meet specific criteria:
- High Accuracy: Their permissible error should be significantly lower than the allowable error for the weighbridge being calibrated.
- Corrosion Resistance: The weights must be coated with protective materials to prevent rust and ensure long-term usability.
Shanker Wire Products Industries (SWPI) Calibration Services:
SWPI offers a range of high-quality calibration services for weighbridges:
- Weight Range: They manufacture reference weights ranging from 100 kg to 1000 kg, catering to various weighbridge capacities.
- Accuracy Standards: Their weights comply with OIML R 47 international standards and are available in all OIML accuracy classes.
- NABL Accreditation: SWPI's laboratory is accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories), ensuring the weights meet the highest quality standards.
- Calibration Certificates: SWPI provides NABL calibration certificates that detail the weight correction, uncertainty values, and traceability of the reference standards used.
- Exceptional Measurement Capability: Their 1000 kg weight boasts a Calibration Measurement Capability (CMC) of 6.102 g in M1 accuracy, making it one of the most precise in India.
Conclusion:
Regular weighbridge calibration is vital for maintaining accurate weight measurements, ensuring legal compliance, protecting your business from financial losses, and extending the lifespan of your weighbridge. SWPI’s commitment to high-quality reference weights, NABL accreditation, and exceptional measurement capabilities make them a reliable partner for your weighbridge calibration needs.
