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The core of an analytical balance is \"high precision\"; therefore, it should be handled with \"gentleness, accuracy, and stability\", while maintenance requires \"cleanliness, calibration, and protection\". By adhering to the above points, the accuracy and lifespan of the balance can be ensured, thereby guaranteeing the reliability of the experimental data. The following are the key precautions and daily maintenance tips for analytical balances: I. Key usage precautions for analytical balances Analytical balances are high-precision instruments (usually with a precision of ≥0.1mg), and the following points must be strictly followed during use to ensure accurate weighing results and extend the instrument’s lifespan: 1. Before use: Proper preparations are necessary – level the balance by placing it on a stable, level surface such as marble, and adjust the leveling feet at the bottom of the balance so that the level bubble is in the center (any level deviation can lead to weighing errors). Preheating: Preheat in advance according to the balance’s precision (for precision balances: 0.5–1 hour) ； Analytical balance: 1–2 hours), to enable the electronic components to reach a stable operating state (to prevent temperature changes from affecting the performance of the sensors). Calibration: After first use or after changing the location, external calibration must be performed using standard weights (such as stainless steel weights) ； Before regular use, perform self-calibration according to the instructions (for example, press and hold the “CAL” button; once “CAL” appears on the screen, place the weights, and after completion, “CAL-DONE” will be displayed). Cleanliness check: Inspect the weighing pan and housing for dust or foreign objects (such as residual samples), and clean them gently with a soft brush (to prevent such objects from affecting the accuracy of weighing). 2. In use: Pay attention to the details of sample handling. Samples that are volatile (such as alcohol), corrosive (such as sulfuric acid), or hygroscopic (such as sodium hydroxide) must be weighed in sealed containers (such as beakers or weighing flasks) to prevent damage to the internal components of the balance ； For non-corrosive samples, they can be placed on weighing paper or a watch glass (to avoid direct contact with the scale pan and prevent contamination). Avoid overloading: The weight of the item being weighed must not exceed the scale’s maximum capacity (for example, a scale with a capacity of 200g should not be used to weigh items weighing more than 200g). Overloading can damage the sensor; even if there are protective mechanisms in place, it still affects accuracy. Handle gently: When picking up or placing samples/weights, use forceps (hands are not allowed); handle them carefully to avoid vibrations that could cause the balance beam to shift ； When opening and closing the balance door, push and pull it slowly (to prevent air currents from entering and affecting weighing stability). Environmental requirements: Keep away from sources of vibration (such as machine tools, centrifuges), heat sources (such as heaters, alcohol lamps), and electromagnetic interference (such as computers, mobile phones) ； Avoid direct sunlight (to prevent temperature increases that could affect the performance of electronic components) ； Keep the environment wind-free (a wind shield can be used) to prevent air currents from causing fluctuations in the weighing values. 3. After use: Carry out proper cleanup to remove residues: Remove the sample and wipe away any residues such as powder or liquid from the scale pan using a soft cloth, to prevent these residues from corroding the pan ； Zero point: After weighing is complete, press “TAR” (tare button) to zero the scale in preparation for the next use ； Turn off power: When not in use for short periods (e.g., daily use), it can remain in standby mode (to save preheating time) ； If not used for an extended period (e.g., more than 1 month), disconnect the power supply and cover it with a dust cover (to prevent dust from entering). II. Analysis of key points for daily maintenance The lifespan and accuracy of a balance depend on the quality of its daily maintenance; it is important to pay attention to the following points: 1. Clean and maintain the enclosure and weighing platform: Gently wipe them with a soft silk cloth dipped in a small amount of ethanol (or water). Strong solvents such as gasoline should not be used to avoid damaging the surface coating ； Internal cleaning: Regularly (every quarter), use a soft brush to clean the interior of the balance (such as around the sensors and the crossbeam) to prevent dust accumulation (do not remove any parts to avoid damage). 2. Storage location for environmental maintenance: Keep it in a dry, well-ventilated, dust-free room (such as a balance room), away from corrosive gases (such as hydrochloric acid mist) and humid environments (such as bathrooms) ； Temperature and humidity: Maintain the room temperature at 17–23°C (avoid sharp temperature changes, such as direct airflow from air conditioners) ； Maintain the humidity at 55-75% (if the humidity is >75%, use color-changing silica gel (blue) to absorb moisture; replace it regularly (once the blue color disappears, dry it in an oven until it turns blue again)). 3. Regular calibration frequency: Daily: Self-calibrate once using a standard weight ； Once a year: Send it to a calibration institution for verification (to ensure compliance with **measurement standards**). Note: Before calibration, the balance must be preheated until it reaches a stable state, with environmental temperature changes of ≤1°C per hour (to prevent temperature from affecting the calibration results). 4. Handling of equipment that is not used for extended periods: If it is not used for a long time (e.g., more than 3 months), power it on for 1–2 hours per month to prevent the electronic components from getting damp (thus avoiding capacitor aging) ； Remove components: For transportation or storage, remove the weighing pan and tray (to avoid damage from collisions) and place them back in their original packaging (secured with foam). 5. Prohibition of improper operations: Unqualified personnel are not allowed to disassemble the internal components of the balance (such as sensors, beams) ； Do not use sharp objects (such as screwdrivers) to scratch the scale pan or casing ； Do not pour water or liquids directly into the balance (to prevent short circuits and damage to electronic components).