ASTM E898-20

4.1 This practice will enable calibration laboratories and the user to calibrate electronic non-automatic weighing instruments and quantify the error of the balance throughout the measurement range, usually from zero to maximum capacity. The error of indication is accompanied by a statement on measurement uncertainty, which is individually estimated for every measurement point. This practice is based on the test procedures and uncertainty estimation described in the EURAMET calibration guide cg-18. However, while EURAMET cg-18 allows for a very flexible execution of the measurements, the test procedures described in this practice are more fixed to enable a better comparability between calibrations executed by different calibration laboratories or users. This practice may also serve as basis for accreditation of calibration laboratories for calibration of electronic non-automatic weighing instruments.

4.2 This practice allows the user to decide whether the calibrated balance is fit for its intended purpose, based on the assessment of the calibration results. Usually, this assessment is done by ensuring that the measurement uncertainty of all weighings the user performs on the instrument is smaller than a specified relative tolerance established by the user. This approach is commensurate to assuring that the smallest net amount of substance that the user weighs on the instrument (so-called smallest net weight) is larger than the minimum weight, which is derived from the calibration results.

4.3 This practice, in Appendix X2, provides information on the periodic performance verification on the balance that should be carried out by the user between the calibrations. Calibration together with periodic performance verification allows the user to ensure with a very high degree of probability that the balance meets the user requirements during its day-to-day usage. It helps users comply with requirements from other standards or regulations that stipulate periodic tests and calibrations of quality-relevant instruments.

1.1 This practice applies to the calibration of electronic non-automatic weighing instruments. A non-automatic weighing instrument is a measuring instrument that determines the mass of an object by measuring the gravitational force acting on the object. It requires the intervention of an operator during the weighing process to decide whether the weighing result is acceptable.

1.2 Non-automatic weighing instruments have capacities from a few grams up to several thousand kilograms, with a scale interval typically from 0.1 micrograms up to 1 kilogram. Note that non-automatic weighing instruments are usually referred to as either balances or scales. In this practice, for brevity, non-automatic weighing instruments will be referred to as balances; however, the scope of this practice also includes scales.

1.3 This practice only covers electronic non-automatic weighing instruments where the indication is obtained from a digital display. The measuring principle is usually based on the force compensation principle. This principle is realized either by elastic deformation, where the gravitational force of the object being weighed is measured by a strain gauge that converts the deformation into electrical resistance, or by electromagnetic force compensation, where the gravitational force is compensated for by an electromagnetic counterforce that holds the load cell in equilibrium.

1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to be suitable as the sole testing process for weighing systems designated for commercial service under weights and measures regulation. The legal requirements for such instruments vary from region to region, and also depend on specific applications. To determine applicable legal requirements, contact the weights and measures authority in the region where the device is located.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.