Mapúa University

School of Mechanical and Manufacturing

Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory 1

EXPERIMENT NO. 6

PLATFORM BALANCE

14 Martinez, Alvin James A.

2013107147

ME139L – B1 Date Performed: May 31, 2017

Group No. 2 Date Submitted: June 7, 2017

SCORE

Engr. Teodulo A. Valle

Instructor
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Objectives 1

Theory and Analysis 1

List of Apparatus 5

Procedure 5

Set-up of Apparatus 7

Final Data Sheet 8

Sample Computation 11

Test Data Analysis 12

Questions and Answers 14

Conclusion 16

Reference/s 17

Appendix: Preliminary Data Sheet

Objectives

 To learn the principle behind the operation of a weighing scale.

 To learn the calibration
 To determine the accuracy, sensitivity of a weighing scale.
 To determine the leverage ratio

Theory of Principles

The measurement of quantity of materials can be made directly by weight or

volume or inferred from some other property such as pressure or velocity. The
inferential methods are used mainly for fluid-quantity measurements.

Weighing is a primary method of measuring forces, and volumetric devices

are calibrated initially by direct weighing. Scales have been constructed to weigh a
million pounds or more (testing machines), while the chemical balance, at the
opposite extreme, will easily weigh a millionth of a pound.

P
B
R
k f
F

W W
2 2
W

e
PLATFORM
d b c

Figure 1: Diagram of platform scales

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 Weighing scales (usually just "scales" in UK and Australian English,
"weighing machine" in south Asian English or "scale" in US English) is a measuring
instrument for determining the weight or mass of an object. Weighing scales are
used in many industrial and commercial applications, and products from feathers to
loaded tractor-trailers are sold by weight. Specialized medical scales and bathroom
scales are used to measure the body weight of human beings.

The name scales derives from the pair of scales or dishes in which objects to
be weighed and the weights / masses against which to weigh them are placed. The
Oxford English Dictionary defines scales as "Apparatus for weighing. The pan, or
each of the pans, of a balance. Spring balances or spring scales measure force or
weight by balancing the force due to gravity against the force on a spring, whereas
a balance or pair of scales using a balance beam compares masses by balancing the
force of gravity (weight) due to the mass of an object against the force due to gravity
(weight) of a known mass. Either type of balance or scales can be calibrated to read
in units of force (weight) such as Newton, or in units of mass such as kilograms, but
the balance or pair of scales using a traditional balance beam to compare masses will
read correctly for mass even if moved to a place with a different (non-zero)
gravitational field strength (but would then not read correctly if calibrated in units
of force), while the spring balance would read correctly in force in a different
gravitational field strength (but would not read correctly if calibrated in units of
mass).

Platform scales are probably used more in engineering work about a power
plant than any other measuring device, and usually young engineers do not very well
understand their operation. They consist essentially of a device by which a load is
applied to a system of levers, of long and short arms, arranged so that a load on the
platform can be balanced by weights applied at the end of a final lever called the

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beam, or by shifting poise along the length of this latter lever. Essentially, it is like
the weighing devices shown in the figure. This weighing beam is usually placed on
an upright post at one end of the platform.

Calibration of platform scales: A large weight W is placed on the platform to

be balanced by a small weight on the beam B and the poise R. If the weight P alone
(with the poise R at zero) balances the weight W, then it follows, according to the
law of moments, for the symbols given for dimensions in the figure, that

k W d W e b
P F    
f 2 h 2 c h

If the scales are constructed so that

e b d
 
c h h

Then

k d
P W  ,
f h

And the leverage ratio is

P df
F  .
W kh

In order to obtain the leverage ratio by direct measurement, the platform must
be removed. Then measure carefully the distances between the knife edges of the
various levers and also the length

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occupied by the 50 or 100 divisions on the graduated beam. One will save
considerable time if these measurements are made with a decimal scale. From these
data and the equation given, the leverage ratio can be obtained.

A better method of obtaining the leverage ratio consists of balancing a

standard weight on the poise with a standard weight on the platform. Then from
these data calculate the leverage ratio. An examination of the weights placed on the
poise will show that these weights are marked with their actual weight and the weight
they are supposed to balance on the platform. In case the scales do not balance in
making this test, a little shot can be added to the poise or weight until a balance is
obtained.

In calibrating platform scales against known weights, the scales should first
be thrown out of adjustment; that is, the “adjusting” counterpoise (on the threaded
rod of the graduated beam) should be moved from its present setting. To readjust the
platform scales, the “adjusting” counterpoise is moved until a balance is obtained.
This should be done without any weight on the scales. Standard

weights now should be placed on the scale in 5-pound increments and the scales
calibrated. The weights should be removed in a similar manner and the scales
calibrated as the weights are removed. It is also well to calibrate the scales with
weights placed at the four corners and compare these values with those obtained with
weights at the center.

The sensitiveness of the scale is determined by finding the smallest added

weight that will affect the balanced position of the beam first with no load and then
with a 50 –pound load upon the scales. This result will not be the same for different
observers, as the result depends on how closely the beam is observed.

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 List of Apparatus

1. Analog Platform Balance

2. Digital Platform Balance
3. Set of Standard Weights
4. Set of Counter Weights
5. Screw Driver

Procedures

A. ACCURACY (ANALOG)
1. Start by setting the scale to zero reading and setting the beam between its
lower and upper stops by making screw adjustment.
2. Designate the 4 corners to be use and the center of the platform using
chalk.
3. Load the 15kg load on the one of the corners of the platform.
4. Observe the platform balance reading on that corner and record it.
5. Using the same load, observe platform load measurement on the
remaining corners and center of the platform balance.
6. For the following trials, use an increment of 15kg and repeat the previous
procedures.
7. When platform load exceeds 50kg, use a 50kg counter weight.
B. ACCURACY DIGITAL
1. Start by setting the scale to zero reading.
2. Designate the 4 corners to be use and the center of the platform using
chalk.
3. Load the 15kg load on the one of the corners of the platform.
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 4. Observe the platform balance reading on that corner and record it.
5. Using the same load, observe platform load measurement on the
remaining corners and center of the platform balance.
6. For the following trials, use an increment of 15kg and repeat the previous
procedures.
7. When platform load exceeds 50kg, use a 50kg counter weight.

C. LEVERAGE RATIO
1. Set the scale to a zero reading.
2. Load 90 kg on a platform balance.
3. Add counter weight and adjust the movable poise until the beam is in
midway the two stops. Get the reading.
4. Remove the 90kg load on the platform and measure the counter weights
used in the previous procedure.
5. Divide the measured weight by the load to obtain the leverage ratio.

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Set-Up

7
 Final Data Sheet

A. Accuracy (Analog)

BEAM READINGS

TRIAL Platform CORNER AVERAGE Diff. %

Load
1 2 3 4 CENTER (kg) Difference
(kg)

14.6 15.2 15.2 15 15.2 15.04 0.04 0.266

1 15

30.1 30.2 30.2 30.1 30 30.12 0.12 0.399

2 30

45.2 45.3 45.2 45.1 45.4 45.24 0.24 0.532

3 45

60 59.8 60.1 60.2 60.2 60.06 0.06 0.10

4 60

75.2 75 75 75.3 75.2 75.14 0.14 0.156

5 75

90.2 90 89.7 90.1 90.2 90.04 0.04 0.044

6 90

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B. Accuracy (Digital)

BEAM READINGS

TRIAL Load CORNER AVERAGE Diff. %ERROR

(kg) 1 2 3 4 CENTER (kg)

1 15 14.95 14.95 14.85 14.85 14.95 14.89 0.11 0.736

2 30 29.85 29.70 29.70 29.90 29.85 29.80 0.2 0.669%

3 45 44.86 44.70 44.65 44.65 44.70 44.712 0.288 0.642%

4 60 59.65 59.6 59.45 59.6 59.65 59.59 0.41 0.686%

5 75 74.65 74.5 74.4 74.50 74.45 74.5 05. 0.669%

6 90 89.4 89.4 89.45 89.45 89.45 89.43 0.57 0.635%

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C. LEVERAGE RATIO

COUNTER Equivalent weights Leverage ratio

WEIGHTS Analog Digital Analog Digital

50 0.7 0.5 0.014 0.01

100 1.2 0.8 0.012 0.008

200 2.0 2.0 0.01 0.01

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Sample Computations

Test for Accuracy (Analog and Digital)

Trial 1; C1 = 14.6, C2 = 15.2, C3 = 15.2, C4 = 15 C5=15.2

𝐶1 + 𝐶2 + 𝐶3 + 𝐶4 + 𝐶𝐶
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 = = 𝟏𝟓. 𝟎𝟒
5

𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = |𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 − 15|

𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 15.04 − 15 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟒

Leverage Ratio

LR = P/W

Analog Digital
0,7 0,5
= 0,014 = 0,01
50 50

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Test Data Analysis

Based on the results of the experiment, I have noticed that the digital scale is
more accurate than the analog scale because the the digital is more précised than
the analog scale. On the other hand, it was easier to measure the weights of the
load when using the digital balance compared to the analog. Some sources of
errors could be the moving of the poise. Since we all have different perspective on
what point does the poise give, we have different answers. Also, we do not clearly
see of the scale is in the middle part already. Furthermore, I knew how to use the
platform balance with the help of my groupmates.

In the first part, we recorded the values of various weights along the corners
and the center part of the conventional balance, with increasing weight. In this part
I observed and noted some observations. The percentage error and difference of the
weights from the actual weight is greater than the percent error and difference of
the digital balance. This is because, the interior weighing components of the
conventional balance off-sets as new and heavier weights are introduced. Second,
the readings are very inconsistent and inaccurate since the reading requires
observer’s perspective in reading the measurement. Errors can be committed
because of each students’ perspective in looking for the value of the weight. It is
also important to use the counter weights it increase the range of the balance.
Before it was only limited to 50 kg but with the use of the counter weights, the
range can increase up to 200 kg. In the calibration of the digital balance, I observed
that the readings are more accurate and precise compared to that of the
conventional platform balance. The trial readings vary by one or two unit(s) and

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less error are committed since the reading is made by the device itself. Moreover,
no observer intervention is required during the reading.

In the third part of the experiment, we are asked to test the sensitivity
of the conventional platform balance. We determined the limiting weights wherein
the arm will first touch the upper and lower metal boundaries. In this part, I
observed that the sensitivity of the conventional platform is varying depending on
the load. Knowing the sensitivity will give you hints whether the values you
measured is acceptable or not, whether it requires re-measuring or not. Accuracy of
reading in conventional platform balance depends on the correctness of visual
measurement on the scale, condition of the scale.

The fourth, we determined the leverage ratio. The leverage ratio is the
ratio of the distances of the load and the weights from a common point. The
leverage ratio is determined by dividing the weight of the load to that of the dead
weight. The leverage ratio is important since it is the piece which makes the
reading a platform balance correct. Without the leverage ratio, the reading that
would be registered will be lesser, and thus erroneous from the original one.

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Questions and Answers

1. What is the difference between accuracy and precision?

Accuracy tells how close a scale gets to the real value. An inaccurate
scale is giving a reading not close to the real value. Precision and accuracy
are unrelated terms. A precise scale will give the same reading multiple
times after weighing the same item. A precise scale can be inaccurate by
repeatedly giving values that are far away from the actual value. For
instance a scale that reads 5.2g three times in a row for the same item is
very precise but if the item actually weighs 6.0g the scale is not accurate

2. What is the spring scale?

- A spring scale or spring balance or newton meter is a type of weighing

scale. It consists of spring fixed at one end with a hook to attach an object
at the other. It works by Hooke's Law, which states that the force needed
to extend a spring is proportional to the distance that spring is extended
from its rest position. Therefore, the scale markings on the spring balance
are equally spaced. A spring scale can not measure mass, only weight.

3. What are counterweight?

- A counterweight is a weight that, by exerting an opposite force, provides

balance and stability of a mechanical system. Its purpose is to make lifting
the load more efficient, which saves energy and is less taxing on the
lifting machine

4. What is mass and weight?

 - Mass is the amount of matter something is made from. Big things are
generally more massive than small ones. If you have a lump

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 of iron or copper and take it to different places on Earth (or even the
Moon) to measure it's mass, you'll always get the same result.
 Weight is a measurement of how much the force of gravity acts on a
given amount of mass. The force of gravity varies slightly all over Earth
so, while your lump of iron has the same mass, its weight varies: it
might weigh a little bit more in Bangladesh than it does in Tibet. What
about on the Moon? Gravity is about one sixth the strength on the Moon
as it is on Earth. So things weigh only one sixth as much on the Moon
as they do on Earth, even though their mass is exactly the same in both
places. Why are things heavier on Earth? Essentially because Earth is
so much more massive than the Moon. It attracts objects with more
force—and that gives them more weight.

5. How often do a scale need to be calibrated?

-A scale should be calibrated at least once a year. It can be done

using calibration weight sets or can be calibrated by a professional. The
readability of the scale will determine which weight set will be appropriate
for calibrating a given scale.

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Conclusion

After conducting the experiment, we were able to achieve the four

objectives of the experiment which are to learn the principle and operation of
a weighing scale and to learn the calibration of it. Also, we have determined
the accuracy and sensitivity and the leverage ratio. Furthermore, this
experiment helped me to distinguish the difference between mass and weight.
Mass, is the amount of matter something is made from and the weight is the
measurement of force due to gravity.

Since we are comparing the analog and digital platform balance, I can say
that the digital balance is easier to read because it gives the value already
unlike in the analog, we still have to calibrate and set it up and from that, we
are not sure if it is already exact. Since all of us have different perspective in
looking at the poise, we chose one to give his perspective. The digital balance
gives us almost the same value when the weights are in the different corners.
The load on the platform must be distributed so that the value of the weight
are the same regardless of the position of the specimen or load. We can say
that a properly calibrated platform balance exhibits this condition. In our
experiment, the results vary meaning the device used in our experiment is not
properly calibrated.

Lastly the leverage ratio, is the ration of weights of the standard counter to
the weight of the pan. It is like the actual weight of the counterweight.
Leverage ratio must be equal to one so that the accuracy of the determination
of the weight of the load is ensured.

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References

 http://www.impact-test.co.uk/products/683-platform-balance-30kg-capacity/
 http://hettmachines.com/weight-balance/balance-electronic.html
 http://www.ums-muc.de/assets-ums/00E0W.pdf
 http://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/leverageratio.asp
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counterweight

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