Scales and balances are foundational to accurate laboratory work. Even minor deviations in performance can compromise results, delay workflows, or trigger larger process issues. To keep experiments on track and maintain confidence in every measurement, it is essential to understand common problems and how to address them quickly.

Below are five common malfunctions among scales and balances, along with their causes and steps to troubleshoot.

My Balance Shows Unstable or Fluctuating Readings

Possible Causes:

• Airflow or drafts impacting the weighing chamber
• Vibrations from nearby equipment or unstable benchtops
• Temperature fluctuations
• Misaligned draft shield or weighing pan

Troubleshooting:

Stabilize the Environment: Ensure the balance is placed away from HVAC vents, doors, or fume hoods, and confirm that the bench is level and vibration-free.

Check Draft Shields: Verify that the shield is properly aligned and fully closed to prevent airflow disturbances.

Allow Temperature Equilibrium: Give the instrument sufficient warm-up time after powering or being moved.

My Scale/Balance is Drifting Over Time

Possible Causes:

• Inconsistent room temperature
• Electronic interference
• Mechanical wear in internal components

Troubleshooting:

Verify Temperature Stability: Ensure the instrument has acclimated to the room environment before use.

Reduce Interference: Move devices such as centrifuges, stir plates, or magnets away from the balance.

Inspect for Mechanical Issues: If drift continues, the instrument may require recalibration or internal adjustment by a qualified field service engineer.

My Balance Will Not Calibrate

Possible Causes:

• Improper leveling
• Incorrect or contaminated calibration weights
• Debris obstructing the load ell
• Internal calibration mechanism malfunction

Troubleshooting:

Confirm Leveling: Use the bult-in leveling indicators to ensure proper alignment before attempting calibration.

Inspect Calibration Weights: Make certain the weights match the manufacturer’s required class and mass.

Check for Debris: Remove the weighing pan and inspect beneath it for dust or particles obstructing movement.

If calibration repeatedly fails, contact your service provider for diagnostics and recalibration support.

My Balance Responds Slowly

Possible Causes:

• Contamination or buildup around the weighing mechanism
• Mechanical friction
• Overloading and near-capacity measurements

Troubleshooting:

Clean Carefully: If possible, remove the pan and gently clean the chamber with lint-free wipes.

Check Component Movement: Ensure the pan and draft shield move freely without resistance.

Review Capacity Limits: Verify that samples fall within the instrument’s recommended load range.

My Scale Displays Error Codes or Overload Messages

Possible Causes:

• Excess weight applied to the pan
• Damaged components or load cell strain
• Electronic or firmware faults

Troubleshooting:

Remove All Weight and Reset: Power-cycle the instrument after clearing the pan of all materials.

Inspect for Visible Damage: Look for bent pans, loose parts, or misalignment in the weighing assembly.

Review Error Guidance: Consult the manufacturer’s manual for code-specific instructions; persistent errors indicate a service need.

If codes persist, contact your for diagnostics and recalibration support.

Scale and Balance Calibration and Preventative Maintenance Solutions from MarathonLS

Accurate measurements are essential for high-quality scientific work, making timely troubleshooting and routine maintenance critical. MarathonLS provides expert troubleshooting, calibration, and preventative maintenance services for a wide range of laboratory scales and balances. Field Service Engineers deliver rapid response times and reliable diagnostics to minimize downtime and ensure every instrument operates to manufacturer standards.

With MarathonLS as a trusted service partner, laboratories can remain confident in the precision and performance of their weighing equipment, keeping research moving without interruption.

If you are interested in safeguarding the accuracy of your research, contact MarathonLS today or visit https://www.marathonls.com/contact-us/ to schedule your next scale or balance calibration.