Thermal Analysis Fun Facts

5th : How precise are electronic balances for measuring initial sample mass?

Users purchasing TG-DSC, TG-DTA or DSC systems for the first time sometimes ask,“What level of precision is required for the electronic balance used to measure the initial sample mass?”

Since the analysis of the mass change percentage and energy value per unit mass in the measurement results is calculated based on the initial mass, its precision is very important.

For example, with an electronic balance that has a minimum readability of 0.1 mg, the error will be 1% for a sample of 10 mg and 10% for a sample of 1 mg.

In contrast, with an electronic balance that has a minimum readability of 0.01 mg, the error is 0.1% for a sample volume of 10 mg and 1% for a sample amount of 1 mg. If you typically use sample amount of 10 mg or more and do not require very high precision, a minimum readability of 0.1 mg may be sufficient. However, when working with samples of only a few mg or when the precision of the analysis results is critical, we recommend using an electronic balance with a readability down to 0.01 mg or less.