UKAS Balance Calibration Services

UKAS balance calibration is the testing of a laboratory balance by a calibration company that is accredited by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) for the relevant calibration work.

Calibration checks how accurately and consistently your balance measures weight against known standards. It provides documented results that can help you demonstrate that your equipment is performing as expected.

Because they drift and the drift can be subtle. A balance that reads slightly out won't necessarily flag an obvious error but it will cause inaccuracy into your results. Calibration gives you a verified record of actual performance so you know what you're working with.

How often a laboratory balance needs calibrating depends on how it is used, how often it is used and the level of accuracy required.

Many laboratories have their balances calibrated annually, but some may require more frequent calibration. Your calibration schedule should be based on your laboratory's procedures and the requirements of your quality system.

UKAS calibration is carried out by a calibration company that has been independently assessed and accredited by UKAS for specific calibration activities.

Traceable calibration means that the measurements can be linked back to recognised measurement standards. A calibration can be traceable without being UKAS accredited.

The accuracy of a laboratory balance can be affected by more than the balance itself.  Its location and surrounding environment can also influence weighing results.

Factors such as vibration, drafts, temperature changes and the position of the balance can contribute to measurement errors, particularly when working with sensitive balances.

Yes. Internal calibration helps compensate for day-to-day drift, but it isn't a substitute for independent calibration. For audit and quality assurance purposes, you need a traceable, documented record of performance from an accredited source.

Unless you've provided decision rules, we won't determine whether your balance has passed or failed. That’s your call, based on your own requirements. What we'll give you is a clear, documented record of how it's performing.

If a balance is found to be outside the required tolerance during calibration the balance may need to be adjusted, repaired or investigated before it is returned to use. Your laboratory should follow its own procedures for dealing with equipment that is found to be outside tolerance.

Yes. We provide UKAS accredited calibration for analytical balances and a range of other laboratory balances and weighing instruments.

Our balance calibration service can include checks such as repeatability, eccentricity and linearity to assess the accuracy and performance of the balance.

Yes. We provide UKAS accredited on-site balance calibration for laboratory balances and weighing instruments within our accredited scope.

Calibrating balances on site means your equipment can be tested in its usual working environment, without the need to remove and transport the balance.