Precision balances and precision lab scales produce steady readings in a wider range of environmental conditions than analytical balances. This is because the weighing cell of a precision scale or balance is less sensitive to temperature fluctuations and air currents. While a draft shield is not usually necessary when using a precision balance with 1 or 2 decimal place readability under standard precision weighing conditions, it can help when working in a fume hood because it protects the precision weighing cell from the internal air flow. 1 mg and 0.1 mg precision balances have a highly sensitive weighing cell and are thus more susceptible to air drafts. A draft shield helps to maintain performance. In fact, many 1 mg and 0.1 mg readability precision balances are fitted with a draft shield as standard. However, METTLER TOLEDO's Excellence level precision balances and precision scales have the innovative SmartPan weighing pan. The SmartPan weighing pan has been cleverly designed to minimize the effects of air currents on the precision weighing cell. This has improved repeatability by up to 86% and also enables you to use 1 mg precision balances without a draft shield under standard weighing conditions. When working in a fume hood or safety cabinet, 5 mg and 10 mg precision balances with the SmartPan weighing pan deliver results up to twice as fast as models without SmartPan. Read more in our white paper:
Outstanding Weighing Performance – Even Under Harsh Conditions.