MC series of mass comparators
Accurate knowledge and usage to
avoid trouble and maximize results

A&D Company, Limited
September 16, 2016

Table of Contents
1.

Introduction .......................................................................................................... 3

2.

Balance fundamentals (explanation of terminology) .......................................... 4

3.

4.

2.1.

Zero point and span value ............................................................................. 4

2.2.

Repeatability .................................................................................................. 4

2.3.

Eccentricity (four-corner) error ..................................................................... 5

2.4.

Zero-point drift............................................................................................... 6

2.5.

Uncertainty .................................................................................................... 7

Mass comparison .................................................................................................. 9
3.1.

Selecting a mass comparator ......................................................................... 9

3.2.

Installation environment ............................................................................. 10

3.3.

Setting and preparation............................................................................... 11

3.4.

Direct comparison method ........................................................................... 12

Non-mass comparison related applications ....................................................... 18
4.1.

Strengths and the limitations of the MC series .......................................... 18

4.2.

Catalog specifications and actual variation ................................................ 18

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1. Introduction
The MC series of electronic balances were developed for the purpose of weightcalibration (mass comparison). Since sales began in 2010 this series has been wellreceived among not only users who wish to manage weights in-house but also many
people in service industries specializing in calibration. When used appropriately, theMC series enables extremely high precision measurement with superior cost
performance.
That being said, without the proper understanding of the purpose and characteristics ofthe mass comparator and the correct installation, preparation and operation, you may
fail to realize the full capability of and feel disaffected by the device. This document
enables you to perform more accurate mass comparison by explaining the basic
procedures and precautions for using the MC series.1
Meanwhile, the large capacity and high resolution of the MC series has allowed someusers to find applications outside of mass comparison. However, even on such occasions,
if you do not fully understand the main purpose and characteristics of the MC series or
the meaning of its specifications you may draw false conclusions on phenomena that
occur. Some considerations related to this point are detailed at the end of this document.

Although this document mentions the typical methods of mass comparison there are
no detailed instructions on calibrating weights. For procedures not covered here, strict
requirements and recommendations, uncertainty calculation, etc., refer to standards
such as OIML R111 and JIS B7609.
1

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2. Balance fundamentals (explanation of terminology)
2.1.

Zero point and span value

The zero point is the output of a balance before the target object is placed on the pan
and is used as the base point of measurement. The span value on the other hand is theamount of change in the output due to the target object being placed on the pan andindicates the net weight of the object.
To obtain the span value, you need to subtract the display value at the zero point fromthe display value when the object is loaded. Under normal use you should set thedisplay value to zero before each weighing with either the re-zero/tare key or zero
tracking function2 so that the measurement display value will be equal to the spanvalue.
Ex.
Zero point

Measured value (full)Span value

0.0007 g

100.0829 g

100.0829 g − 0.0007 g = 100.0822 g−0.00012 g

19.99637 g

19.99637 g − (−0.00012 g) = 19.99649 g

2.2.

Repeatability

Repeatability is the variation in the measured values when the same mass is loaded
repeatedly by the same person under the same conditions (this is based on the premisethat factors such as the operator, the target object, the measurement procedures, theenvironment and the balance itself influence the consistency of results).
Repeatability is typically expressed using the standard deviation (σ) calculated from aseries of span values. For example, a standard deviation of 0.0004 g indicates that theresults (span values) from a number of repeated weighings will fall within ±0.0004 g oftheir mean value with a probability of 68% (figure 1, next page).
Balances equipped with zero tracking can automatically follow the zero point tomaintain zero on the display.
2

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Figure 1. Assumed distribution when the standard deviation is 0.0004 g

2.3.

Eccentricity (four-corner) error

Eccentricity error represents the difference
between the measured value of materials
placed in the center of the pan andmaterials placed away from the center (fourcorners).
Eccentricity

error

is

measuredbyperforming sequential measurements witha single weight greater than 1/3 of thecapacity of the device at the center of the

Figure 2. Positions formeasuring eccentricity error

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pan and at the centers of gravity of 1/4 sections of the pan area (figure 2, previous page).
When eccentricity error is large, slight changes in weight placement can change
measurement values leading to poor repeatability.
2.4.

Zero-point drift

Both the zero point and span value will vary or “drift” in response to ambient
temperature changes and other factors.
The purpose of weighing is to determine the span value. As a result, balance
manufacturers generally specify the possible rate of such drift of the span value(sensitivity drift). However, virtually no manufacturers provide any specification for thedrift of the zero point, which is much more susceptible to environmental changes than
the span value.
A display value that drifts and never settles upon placing the target object is often areflection of the zero point drifting while the span value remains fairly constant (figure3). Zero tracking can only keep the display value at zero when the output is near zero;that is, at the start of each measurement.

Figure 3. The span value remains fairly constant while the zero point may drift.

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Drift is especially large when a balance is warming up (when internal temperature isrising due to power distribution) which requires caution as it can affect repeatability.
2.5.

Uncertainty

Imagine for a moment that you are asked your weight. You weighed yourself theprevious night after taking a shower and scale showed 62.6 kg. Would you say that 62.6
kg is without a doubt your “true weight3”?
Now, let's see. Before weighing yourself, how well did you dry off? Did you eat
beforehand? When did you last go to the restroom? All of these factors can lead tovariation in measurements. You also sweat during sleep. So if you had weighed yourself
again in the morning you would have got a different value, wouldn't you? Of course, theaccuracy of the scale cannot be ignored. Although digital scales have become morecommon recently, many of them have 100 gram scale intervals, which can lead torounding error. Furthermore, older scales may be inaccurate due to their age.
However, even if you were not aware of these things, you know by experience that small
variations are inevitable whenever you measure your weight. In other words, there is no
way to ever know your “true weight”. So realistically, you will likely take a roundnumber and say, “My weight is about 62.5 kg.”
Uncertainty is a quantification of this ambiguous "about—", comprehensively
considering various “uncertainty components4” such as eating before showering andweight rounding. It is probabilistically expressed as a standard deviation. In particular,
uncertainty that defines an interval of two standard deviations (coverage factor k = 2:
95% confidence level) is known as "expanded uncertainty". Speaking in terms of theearlier example, if the expanded uncertainty was 0.74 kg, it can be estimated that yourtrue weight has a 95% probability of existing in the range 62.6 kg ±0.74 kg.
To externally prove the traceability of a weight, etc., to the national standard of a

Although there is the problem of defining “true weight” we will assume that it exists
to simplify the concept of uncertainty with a familiar example.
4 Typical uncertainty components associated with weight calibration include theuncertainty of the reference weight, the uncertainty of the air buoyancy correction, theuncertainty of the balance (repeatability, sensitivity, rounding error, eccentricity error,etc.).
3

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country, a calibration certificate needs to be issued by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited
laboratory that shows, in addition to the calibration value (nominal value + correction
value), the uncertainty of that value.

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3. Mass comparison
3.1.

Selecting a mass comparator

When choosing the capacity and scale interval of a mass comparator take into
consideration the class and nominal value of the weight to be calibrated (hereafterreferred to as test weight). Ideally, select a model whose repeatability is not more than
1/6 of the maximum permissible error of the test weight.5
Based on the above, the recommended measurement ranges in each weight class foreach model (including non-MC series models) are as shown below.

5

The rationale for this is found in the OIML R111 standard "for each weight, theexpanded uncertainty, U (coverage factor k = 2: 95% confidence level), shall be less thanor equal to 1/3 of the maximum permissible error, δm (U ≤ 1/3 δm)”

(OIML R111-1:

2004 5.2). Since the principal component of the expanded uncertainty, U, is the balance
repeatability, σ, twice the repeatability can be substituted for the expanded uncertainty
as shown by 2 σ ≤ 1/3 δm, which reduces to σ ≤ 1/6 δm.
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However the above idea is an industry practice and not a rule that everyone must follow.
Depending on the required management level of the facility, repeatability of not morethan 1/3 (rather than 1/6) of the maximum permissible error of the test weight is often
sufficient.
3.2.

Installation environment

Mass comparators have greater sensitivity than general balances due to their intended
purpose (calibration of weights for balance reference standards). They are therefore
more susceptible to external disturbances (temperature, humidity, air pressure changes,
drafts, vibration, etc.) making environment maintenance essential for obtaining
expected repeatability.
Specifically, mass comparators should be installed on a rigid workbench and whennecessary an external breeze break that covers the entire device should be used.
Additionally, the temperature and humidity of the lab should be kept constant andmeasurement should be avoided on days with large changes in atmospheric pressure(such as when low pressure systems are passing through). Naturally, a barometer andthermo-hygrometer are necessary to manage the measuring environment and log data
during calibration (the AD-1687 Weighing Environment Logger is useful for this).
For information on the ideal balance environment, refer also to the separately available
booklet, “12 Tips You Can Use to Perform Stable Measurement With a Microbalance”.

The AD-1687 allows you to monitor andrecord

with

dates

and

times

chronological changes in temperature,humidity, atmospheric pressure andevenvibration.

Moreover,whenconnected to an A&D balance (including
the MC series), it saves mass values
AD-1687 Weighing Environment Logger

sent from the balance together withthese environmental data.

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3.3.

Setting and preparation

Use the auto-centering pan (excluding the MC-100KS) for the MC series to significantly
reduce eccentricity error and resulting worsened repeatability. Auto-centering pans can
automatically ensure that the center of gravity of the target object (weight) is brought tothe center of the pan (figure 4).

Figure 4. The center of gravity of the weight and pan are automatically aligned

Set the internal settings of the mass comparator as follows: COND = 2 (SLOW response),
FIL = 1 (stabilization filter on) and TRC = 0 (zero tracking off). Turning the zero
tracking function off is particularly important.
Plug in and allow the mass comparator 24 hours to warm up. At the same time, place
and leave a weight equal to the capacity of the device (or the test weight if only one
weight is to be tested) on the pan to let the sensor adjust to the weight.
The weight used as a reference standard (hereafter referred to as reference weight) andtest weight must have sufficient time to adjust to the lab temperature. Heatstabilization times for weight class, size and difference between initial weighttemperature and room temperature are specified in OIML R111 (OIML R111-1: 2004
B.4.3.1). However, allowing weights to sit at room temperature from the day before
measurement is a practical alternative.
To avoid degradation, contamination, temperature change do not touch weights withbare hands. Wear gloves and handle weights with tweezers or a special weight fork or
grip (for 10 kg and heavier weights using only gloves will have a negligible effect).
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Tweezers

3.4.

Fork

Direct comparison method

Described below is a method of finding the calibration value of a test weight by directlycomparing its mass to a reference weight. Reference weights should have the same
nominal mass but be of a higher class (e.g. for Class F1 calibration use Class E2
reference weights and Class F2 calibration use Class F1, etc).
Before starting mass comparison preload the mass comparator (load and remove either
the reference weight or test weight a few times). At this time, prepare a timer anddetermine the read time (time to wait until the display is read after the weight has been
loaded). When using a mass comparator that comes equipped with a breeze break(weighing chamber) avoid putting your hand in the chamber when loading weights.
Cycle ABA
A is the reference weight and B is the test weight.
(1) A1: Load A on the mass comparator. After P seconds read the display value thenremove A.
(2) B1: Load B on the mass comparator. After P seconds read the display value thenremove B.
(3) A2: Load A on the mass comparator. After P seconds read the display value thenremove A.
P is the read time that you determined beforehand. Similarly, the intervals between
measurements in steps (1)-(2) and (2)-(3) should be kept constant.
What needs to be noted here is the fact that drift is inherent in the balance. The cycles
ABA (figure 5 on P.14) and ABBA (explained later) were devised to minimize the effect of
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drift and this is part of the reason why the read time and measurement interval should
be kept constant.
Performing a tare (tare method) when reading the display in step (1) will make thesubsequent values easier to read.
(4) Consider steps (1) to (3) as one cycle and then repeat as many times as necessary.6(5) Find the difference in mass between A and B in each cycle (in this example 3
cycles).

C1 = B1 −A1 + A22

C2 = B2 −A3 + A4
2

C3 = B3 −A5 + A6
2(6) Calculate the average of the differences in mass.

D=

C1 + C2 + C3
3(7) With N as the nominal value and CV as the correction value of the reference weight,
the calibration value of the test weight is
N + (CV+D)

The minimum number of cycles for each weight class is described in OIML R111
(OIML R111-1: 2004 C.4.3).
6

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Figure 5. Removing the effect from drift (cycle ABA)

One measurement cycle of ABA (steps (1) to (3)) is represented along the time axis in
figure 5. As you can see, even though balance drift occurs, if you read the display andmeasure at constant intervals, the midpoint of A1 and A2 will meet with the measuring
time for B1 and allow for accurate mass comparison. (If the average of A1 and A2 isconsidered as the zero point relative to the B1 display value, the difference in mass
between A and B, C1, can be considered as the span value.)Ex.
MC-1000 (capacity: 1,100 g / scale interval: 0.0001 g) used to calibrate a 1 kg weight.
Cycle ABA performed with the tare method 3 times.

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A (mg)
A1

B (mg)

−0.1

1

B1
A2

−0.2

A3

0.0

2
A5

C1

0.65

0.4

C2

0.55

0.4

−0.3

0.2

−0.2

0.0

3

B2
A6

0.5

0.6
B2

A4

Difference (mg)

0.5

C3

0.80

C1

C2

C3

-0.2
-0.4

−0.4
D

0.67

A1 B1 A2

Conventional mass7 of reference weight A

1 kg −1.4 mg

Calibration value of test weight B

1 kg −0.7 mg

A3 B2 A4A5 B3 A6

Cycle ABBA
This method compares the average of not only the reference weight A but also of two
measurements of the test weight B. Similar to the cycle ABA this method also considers
the effect of drift (figure 6 on P.17).
(1) A1: Load A on the mass comparator. After P seconds read the display value thenremove A.
(2) B1: Load B on the mass comparator. After P seconds read the display value thenremove B.
(3) B2: Load B on the mass comparator. After P seconds read the display value thenremove B.
(4) A2: Load A on the mass comparator. After P seconds read the display value thenremove A.

Conventional mass is the value of a result of weighing in air. For a weight taken at areference temperature of 20 °C, the conventional mass is the mass of a reference weightof a density of 8000 kg/m3 which it balances in air of a reference density of 1.2 kg/m3.
(OIML R111-1: 2004 2.7)
7

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P is the read time that you determined beforehand. Similarly, the intervals between
measurements in steps (1)-(2), (2)-(3) and (3)-(4) should be kept constant.
(5) Consider steps (1) to (4) as one cycle and then repeat as many times as necessary.
(6) Find the difference in mass between A and B in each cycle (in this example 2
cycles).

C1 =B1 + B2 A1 + A2
−
2
2

C2 =

B3 + B4 A3 + A4−
22(7) Calculate the average of the differences in mass.

D=

C1 + C2
2(8) With N as the nominal value and CV as the correction value of the reference weight,
the calibration value of the test weight is
N + (CV+D)

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Figure 6. Removing the effect from drift (cycle ABBA)

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4. Non-mass comparison related applications
4.1.

Strengths and the limitations of the MC series

As previously stated the main purpose of the MC series is weight calibration, for which
the resolution is enhanced. As a result, these balances can display one digit more thanstandard balances of the same capacity. Capitalizing on this feature, the MC series canbe used effectively for applications where the actual measured/controlled net weight isextremely small relative to the total amount placed on the balance (including tare) suchas measurement of wear volumes of metallic materials or fill levels of gasses.
However, as is apparent from the contents of this document thus far the proper
procedure must be followed to fully draw out the performance of the MC series forhigh-accuracy measurements. Further, when comparing the MC series to balances withsimilar scale intervals (e.g. analytical balances with 0.0001 g scale interval and theMC-1000), the MC series has a larger capacity but weaker final digit stability.
4.2.

Catalog specifications and actual variation

Let’s take a look at what that means. First look at the MC series catalog specifications
for repeatability shown below.
MC-1000

MC-6100

MC-10K

MC-30K

MC-100KS

Capacity

1100 g6100 g10.1 kg

31 kg

101 kgScale interval (D)0.0001 g

0.01 g

0.1 g

Repeatability (σ)*

0.0005 g

0.015 g0.2 g0.001 g0.004 g0.005 g* In a favorable environment with an auto-centering pan (for the MC-100KS the automatic loader
loads and removes from the same position)

For example, A&D analytical balances with scale interval of 0.0001 g normally have a
repeatability of 0.0001 g to 0.0002 g (1 d to 2 d) whereas the MC-1000 has a somewhat
larger repeatability of 0.0005 g (5 d).
As explained on P.4-5, when the standard deviation is 0.0005 g results should fall within±0.0005 g (±1 σ) of the mean 68% of the time for repeated measurements of the same

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weight by the same person under the same conditions.8
Here are the results of repeated measurements of a 1 kg weight using the MC-1000. The
data is not very good but it meets the σ = 0.0005 g specification.
1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

0.0000 g

0.0003 g

0.0000 g

0.0005 g

0.0002 g

1000.0017 g

1000.0023 g

1000.0017 g

1000.0021 g

1000.0028 g

Span value

1000.0017 g

1000.0020 g

1000.0017 g

1000.0016 g

1000.0026 g

6th

7th

8th

9th

10th

Repeatability

0.0000 g

0.0006 g

0.0006 g

0.0005 g

0.0003 g

1000.0028 g

1000.0032 g

1000.0027 g

1000.0031 g

1000.0025 g

1000.0028 g

1000.0026 g

1000.0021 g

1000.0026 g

1000.0022 g

Zero point
Measuredvalue (full)

0.000441 g

The graph below displays only the span values.

1000.0030
1000.0028
1000.0026
1000.0024
1000.0022
1000.0020
1000.0018
1000.0016
1000.0014
1000.0012
1000.0010
1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

7th

8th

9th

10th

How does it look? Although the standard deviation is 0.000441 g (< 0.0005 g) theamount of variation may be surprising (the difference between the maximum andFurthermore, 95% of values should fall within ±0.0010 g (±2 σ) and 99.7% within±0.0015 g (±3 σ).
8

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minimum values is 12 d). As you can see from this example, because standard deviationis the probability of the measurement as a whole, it is conceivable that values fluctuate
greatly when you look at them individually. Keep in mind that the MC series has a large
standard deviation with respect to scale interval which makes this effect especiallypronounced.
Next is eccentricity error. As noted in the footnote in the table above, the MC series
repeatability catalog specification includes use of an auto-centering pan or automatic
loader. That is to say weighing is performed under conditions that eliminate eccentricity
error. Or in other words, because the effects of eccentricity error are especiallysignificant, the risk of worsened repeatability increases if you choose not to use anauto-centering pan or automatic loader..
Finally, as described on P.12-13, mass comparator usage (direct comparison method)
assumes that drift will occur. Therefore, although the MC series tends to have greater
drift compared to other balances with similar scale intervals this is not considered a
problem. Of course, as with variation in measurement, drift can be greatly reduced withthe correct installation environment and device setup and preparation.
For the reasons above, in applications other than mass comparison A&D recommends
using the final decimal place of the MC series (e.g. 0.0001 g for the MC-1000) to confirm
values at the next highest decimal place (0.001 g).

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