Don and Yohanes, Current analytical balances provide the user with multiple calibration scenarios, because they

contain internal calibration weights, and a computer to control many aspects of the balance, including the calibrations. Often, the computer can be programmed by the owner to perform a calibration with these internal weights either at fixed time intervals, or when the balance detects a significant change in the ambient temperature, or not at all. (Temperature is important because of the air buoyancy effects, and because of the temperature coefficient of the weighing sensor itself.) Owners should check their operator manuals, or contact the manufacturer's representative regarding their recommendations for the owner's particular situation, but usually the recommendation is to allow the balance to recalibrate whenever it detects a significant temperature change. Owners can, in addition, calibrate current analytical balances by placing external calibration weights on the balance pan, and adjusting the balance. However, this adjustment may, or may not, be desirable, depending upon the software access the balance allows the owner: for some balances, the use of external calibration weights by the owner does not result in a linear calibration curve, because full software access is not allowed the owner. (Again, check the manual or contact the manufacturer.) Of course, factory authorized service personnel do have full software access even in these cases, and the calibrations they perform using external weights are therefore linear in nature. Usually, in a US pharmaceutical lab, this service is performed annually. Also, the USP <1251> Weighing on an Analytical Balance section provides a good reference, and describes "weighing a [single] fixed check-weight on a regular [i.e., daily] basis". Hi Yohanes Calibration of the balance, no matter what the use is, is the same: place a calibrated, certified (i.e. to a traceable standard) weight on the balance adjust the balance if necessary. That is the Calibration. Then you need to ensure (verification) it meets you predetermined specifications. So place a calibrated, certified (i.e. to a traceable standard) weight on the balance range you are weighing in to ensure linearity. Generally this is performed annually, but depending on the use of the balance, for example weighing at the extremes of the balance, weighing in aggressive chemical atmospheres (i.e. increased uncertainties) etc may require more frequent calibration. Your acceptance criteria will be dictated by the process or analytical method you are weighing the substance for. It does not matter really where you perform the calibration but it would be best to perform this within your own working environment, this is because the uncertainties associated with a controlled room will not be representative of your actual process uncertainties. Then everyday, or before every weighing you would perform a performance verification. This would involve taking (at least) 2 calibrated, certified traceable weights that bracket the weight you are going to measure. This will check the balance is in sound working order. Some will argue that this is not necessary as the balance is validated so why do you need to check it? But to perform this daily check takes a minute or so and ensures all is ok, but again it is your risk assessment. The balance should also be validation/qualified i.e. IQ, OQ, PQ......... To do this generate a User Requirement Specification which will state what you want from the balance & from this the balance tests can be generated (sounds so simple!!), be aware that manufacturers may overstate what balances are capable of, sorry not overstate but the ranges etc will be for ideal conditions with a very low process uncertainty, so not "real" conditions! Example tests for a balance would be as such: * Linearity * Reproducibility (to determine the minimum weight the balance can be used for) * Hysterics Testing * Corner Load/Off Centre Errors * Balance Firmware * Printer Testing