Top Triple Beam Scales for the Money

What are the top triple beam scales that are available for purchase? In today’s entry, I’d like to take a look at three top choices and some things to consider when you are in the market for a triple beam balance.

Triple beam balances are typically used to measure a small item in educational settings. Learning about mass measurement in school science labs is easy with affordable science scales and reliable classroom balances. Wide selections of mechanical balances, entry-level electronic balances, precision scales and balances can be used for weighing in small classroom experiments to advanced, scientific, university laboratories. Science teachers worldwide have relied on triple beam scales for the best quality classroom weighing equipment for precision and value. One of the top choices we feel is the Adam Equipment TBB series.

Adam Equipment TBB Triple Beam Scales

Created to withstand daily student use, Adam Equipment’s patented TBB triple beam balance offers a superb value for teaching mass measurement concepts. With rugged construction and security slot to prevent theft, the durable TBB is ideal for classroom environments. Sturdy metal housing and a grade 304 stainless steel pan help the balance withstand daily student use. Other features include tripod legs for density measurement, weigh-below hook, magnetic damping for faster stability, notched and tiered graduated beams with center reading, and holders for storing extra weights.

TBB Triple Beam Scale Features

Optional hook enables below-balance weighing
Security slot for optional Kensington-type lock and cable to help prevent theft
Large, grade 304 stainless steel pan allows swift cleaning
Magnetic damping slows pointer movement for faster readings
Notched, tiered, graduated beams ensure positive positioning and accurate reading of results
Storage space for weights included
The TBB 2610T is equipped with a 225g tare range.
Zero adjustment

The TBB 610S, TBB 2610S and TBB 2610T are Single Pan Balances of unequal arm type with 3 beams. They are often referred to as Triple Beam Balances. The TBB 2610S and TBB 2610T models are supplied with counter-weights (3) for weighing up to a maximum capacity of 2610 g. The TBB 610S is identical to the TBB 2610S but without the counter weights or legs. The TBB 2610T has an additional counter-weight beam for Tare of up to 225 grams in addition to weighing up to 2610 grams.

BASIC WEIGHING ON A TRIPLE BEAM SCALE

To weigh using the TBB balances, place the item to be weighed on the stainless steel pan. The beam will move up. Adjust the weights on the 3 beams until the beam pointer is aligned with the
zero mark again. Start with the largest weight and work towards the smallest. Each weight should be moved until the beam falls below zero then moved back one notch and then the next weight
moved.

The last weight moved will be the sliding weight on the front beam. Slide this weight until the beam pointer aligns with the zero mark. Read the weight by adding the values for each weight. For example 400+20+5.7 = 425.7g

If the sample is more than 610 grams it will be necessary to add a weight to the hanger on the right side of the beam. Add the 500g counter weight first, then increase to 1kg, 1kg plus 500g or 2 of the 1kg masses. Add these counter masses to the readings from the sliding beams to determine the mass. Counter weights are supplied only with the TBB 2610S and TBB 2610T.

USING A CONTAINER FOR THE SAMPLE, WITH THE TBB 2610S BALANCE

If an empty beaker is placed on the scale you must first determine the weight of the empty beaker. Then add the material to the beaker and weigh again. The weight of the material within the beaker is the total weight minus the weight of the beaker when empty.

USING A CONTAINER FOR THE SAMPLE, WITH THE TBB 2610T BALANCE

The tare mass on the back of the beam can be used to counteract the weight of the empty container, up to 225 grams. Set all the weights to show zero on the beams. When the empty beaker is placed on the scale slide the tare mass along the rod until the beam pointer is aligned with the zero mark. Then add the material to the beaker and weigh as normal. The weight of the material within the beaker is the weight being shown by the sliding weights.

FILLING TO A KNOWN WEIGHT

Place the empty beaker on the balance and determine the weight or zero the scale (TBB 2610T). Add the desired weight to this value to determine the final weight. Set the weights on the beam to
represent this final value. Pour the material into the beaker slowly. As the desired weight is approached, the beam will rise. Stop filling when the beam pointer is aligned with the zero mark.

DENSITY DETERMINATION

The TBB 2610S and TBB 2610T balances are supplied as standard with three legs allowing the balance to be raised about 185mm (7”) above the surface. There is also a small hook attached to
the bottom of the TBB’s weighing mechanism which allows products to be suspended via string (or wire) into a solution in a beaker below. This allows you to first weigh the product on the stainless steel top pan (in air) and then suspend the product in a solution using the below hook (in liquid) to allow you to calculate the density of the product. The TBB 610S does not include the legs.

If you’re a middle school and you’re looking for a set of triple beam balances that you can purchase, the TBB set could be a good choice for you. The reality is that electronic balances in this price range do typically provide very good weighing, the reliability and durability of entry-level electronic balances is average at best. If you have questions or would like some advice on what balance you should purchase, please contact us for assistance.