The purpose of this guide is to allow the scale user to understand Wedderburn’s Calibration Report.
The tests are based on industry standard tests and the test titles are based on industry standard names, although some of these tests are also known by alternative names.
The ‘calibration report’ is an elementary assessment of how the device performed at the time of the test.
Trading By Weight
If you are selling by weight in New Zealand, to comply with New Zealand Weights & Measures Legislation, you will need a different set of tests and report for your weighing device.
The weighing device must be certified Legal for Trade Use, and it is recommended you have a current Certificate of Accuracy test and report for this scale. Wedderburn can provide you with both.
Traceable Endorsed Reports
If you need a traceable endorsed report then you will need an IANZ report.
Wedderburn are able to supply both of the above mentioned reports, please call us to discuss your requirements.
All masses (weights) used in the tests, apart from possibly repeatability tests, are traceable to national standards. This means that our masses are tested against masses traceable to masses held by the government department MSL, a division of Callaghan Innovation.
Callaghan Innovation are the custodians of the New Zealand prototype 1kg. This 1kg mass is traceable to world standards held by OIML in Sèvres, France.
Linearity Tests
Purpose of this test is to determine accuracy of the readings across the full weighing range of the scale.
For large capacity scales it is acceptable to reduce the number of test points to two or three.
This is not a pass/fail test. It is up to the user of the scale to determine if the readings obtained are within acceptable limits for their operation.
Repeatability Tests
Purpose of this test is to determine variations in readings, if any, when the scale under test is being loaded and unloaded multiple times with the same amount of load.
Although it is common practice to use standard weights for all tests, repeatability tests can be conducted with any substitution material provided it is stable during the test. For large capacity scales sometimes it is more practical to do so.
This is not a pass/fail test. It is up to the user of the scale to determine if the readings obtained are within acceptable limits for their operation.
Eccentricity Tests
Purpose of this test is to determine variations in readings, if any, if a load is applied to various positions on the load receptor.
This test is conducted using weight of approximately one third of the full capacity of the scale.
In the case where the scale is fitted with a self-centering load receptor e.g. hopper, tank or hanging, the eccentricity test is not carried out.
This is not a pass/fail test. It is up to the user of the instrument to determine if the readings obtained are within acceptable limits for their operation.
Assembly Tests
Before commencing testing make sure the receptor is not damaged and is fit for the purpose. Depending on the machine type, the receptor is a scale platter, bowl or scoop, or in the case of a hanging scale shackles and slings.
In the case of a mechanical scale, make sure the indicator hand is not damaged and the movement around the chart is not impeded. Make sure the chart is clear. In the case of a double face mechanical indicator make sure both charts are aligned.
Indicator Tests
Up / Down Weighing
Purpose of this test is to find out if the weighing instrument indicates the same weights in both loading and unloading directions.
Before commencing this test make sure there is no load on the scale.
This is not a pass/fail test. It is up to the user of the instrument to determine if the readings obtained are within acceptable limits for their operation.
Tare Accuracy
Purpose of this test is to determine that the stated tare value on instrument face plate is the maximum amount which can be tared.
For the purpose of this content, “Make Weights” refers to substitute material.
It would not be reasonable to expect to have sufficient standard weights to test high capacity weighing instruments for example weighbridges.
In some circumstances due to the construction of the weighing instrument it is not possible to load the instrument with standard weights to its full capacity. This is the case with hoppers and similar machines where the load receptor is suspended.
When testing these instruments it is necessary to use “make weights” (substitute material).
Wedderburn Scales Ltd is an established weighing solutions company with over 120 years industry experience.
We are committed to providing products and services which are of a constantly high standard and ensuring these standards are monitored and maintained at all times. Part of that commitment ensures all staff involved in calibration work have appropriate training and qualifications.
Wedderburn Scales Ltd is the owner of this guide and reserves all rights to the contents and control of its use and distribution. No part of this guide may be copied or distributed in any form whatsoever without prior knowledge and written permission of Wedderburn Scales Ltd
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