Scientific & Research Scales
Motion-compensated scientific scales in 316L stainless steel for weighing small samples to 0.1 g readability on research vessels and other ships.
Weighing small samples at sea
Biological sampling on a research vessel asks for readings in grams or tenths of a gram, taken on a deck that never stops moving. At that resolution, vessel motion, vibration and even air movement can exceed the resolution you need. The M3 Series is a scientific marine scale designed for this work: motion-compensated, made of stainless steel 316L and available from 300 g with 0.1–0.2 g readability up to 6000 g with 2–5 g readability.
Choosing a scientific marine scale
- Readability and capacity. Size the scale to your heaviest sample plus container; a lower capacity reads finer. See capacity and readability explained.
- Platform size. The 120×120 mm platform is available with all five capacities; the 270×270 mm platform takes larger samples at 1500, 3000 or 6000 g.
- Draught protection. A windcover is available for the 120×120 mm platform.
- Mobility. A carrying case and battery make the scale easy to move between stations or vessels.
- Data. The M3 connects to the R10 indicator range for reporting, statistics and printing, and to WeightControl for automatic logging.
Choosing a scientific marine scale works through these points in detail.
Accuracy and calibration
Two effects matter for precise work at sea. Motion changes the force on the load cell from moment to moment, which motion compensation corrects; how motion compensation works explains the principle. Gravity itself also varies with latitude, by about half a percent between the equator and the poles, which matters on long cruises; see gravity, latitude and calibration. Practical tips for handling small samples are in precision weighing of small samples at sea.
Research applications
Scientific marine scales are used on fisheries research vessels for biological sampling and on other research platforms wherever small quantities must be weighed on board. The research vessels hub collects articles on sampling, data logging and scale selection.
FAQ
What readability do I need for biological sampling at sea?
That depends on your protocol and the smallest sample you weigh. The M3 ranges from 0.1–0.2 g readability at 300 g to 2–5 g at 6000 g. Choose the lowest capacity that covers your heaviest sample with its container, because finer readability comes with lower capacity.
Why does a scientific scale need motion compensation?
On a moving vessel, the vertical acceleration of the deck adds to or subtracts from gravity, so the force on the load cell changes continuously. With samples of a few grams, that disturbance is much larger than the readability you need. Motion compensation corrects for it so the reading stays usable.
Can sample weights be logged automatically?
Yes. The M3 can be connected to an R10 indicator for built-in reporting, statistics and printing, and the optional WeightControl IOT module logs every weighing automatically with PDF and CSV export and a JSON API.
Tell us what you weigh and where
Every vessel is different. Share your application and we will recommend a scale, platform size and options – with a no-obligation quote.