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Lake Balance Calibration Solutions

Proficiency testing

Force and load cell proficiency testing

A force PT for labs that calibrate load cells and force-measuring instruments. The program is set up for ASTM E74 work, with six tension points. We send a characterized Rice Lake 500 lb load cell with an Ohaus indicator. Your technician applies each tension load with your own standard and procedure and reports the indicated value with its expanded uncertainty. We score every point with an En number against our reference value.

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500 lb load cell and indicator used in the force proficiency test

The program

500 lb Load Cell proficiency test kit

500 lb Load Cell proficiency test

Calibration of a 500 lb. load cell.

Kit
Rice Lake 500 lb load cell with Ohaus Defender 3000 indicator
Test points
50 lb, 100 lb, 200 lb, 300 lb, 400 lb, 450 lb
You'll need
Weights or a load cell with a capacity of 500 lbs or more and has a readability of 0.1 lb or better
Price
$695 for one participant, +$100 each additional participant
Program details →Request this PT →
Sample instructions
  1. Apply 50 lbs of tension and record reading and uncertainty on the Data Reporting Sheet.
  2. Apply 100 lbs of tension and record reading and uncertainty on the Data Reporting Sheet.
  3. Apply 200 lbs of tension and record reading and uncertainty on the Data Reporting Sheet.
  4. Apply 300 lbs of tension and record reading and uncertainty on the Data Reporting Sheet.
  5. Apply 400 lbs of tension and record reading and uncertainty on the Data Reporting Sheet.
  6. Apply 450 lbs of tension and record reading and uncertainty on the Data Reporting Sheet.
  7. Email results and your uncertainty budget to proficiency@lakebalance.com
  8. After you've received your completed test results return to Lake Balance Calibration Solutions.

Kit barcodes in these sample instructions are examples; the kit you receive may differ.

What the force PT tests

The six tension points, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 450 lbf, cover most of the load cell's 500 lb capacity. You can apply them with dead weights or with a reference load cell, whichever your procedure uses, so the PT reflects how you calibrate force instruments for customers.

As with every Lake Balance PT, each point is scored separately, so the report shows whether a problem is confined to low loads, high loads, or runs across the range.

Accreditation status

Force is not one of the schemes listed on our ISO/IEC 17043 scope supplement (PJLA L24-898). Force calibration in compression and tension is on our ISO/IEC 17025 calibration scope (PJLA L24-897-2). If your accreditation body requires PT from an ISO/IEC 17043 accredited provider for force, check its policy before you order.

Getting a satisfactory result

  • Let the load cell and indicator acclimate for 1 hour before testing.
  • Apply the loads in tension, in the order listed in the instructions.
  • Use the force standard and procedure you use for customer work in this range.
  • Report expanded uncertainty at the coverage factor you use on customer certificates.

How it's scored

Each reported value is compared with the Lake Balance reference value using the En number, which accounts for both your expanded uncertainty and ours. An |En| below 1 is satisfactory. Your report is released in the customer portal.

Force PT questions

What equipment do we need for the force PT?

Weights or a reference load cell with a capacity of 500 lb or more and a readability of 0.1 lb or better, plus a way to apply the load in tension.

Which loads are tested?

Six tension points: 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 450 lbf. You report the indicated value and your expanded uncertainty at each point.

Is the force PT accredited to ISO/IEC 17043?

No. Force is not listed on our current ISO/IEC 17043 scope supplement (PJLA L24-898). Force calibration is on our ISO/IEC 17025 calibration scope (PJLA L24-897-2). Both documents are on our accreditation page.

Other PT disciplines

Compare every discipline, pricing and the PT process on the calibration proficiency testing page.

Plan your force PT

Choose a program, the number of participants and a preferred test date. We'll match a kit, confirm the schedule and price, and invite you to the portal.

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