Designation: E 617 – 97 (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Specification for
Laboratory Weights and Precision Mass Standards1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 617; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers weights and mass standards
used in laboratories, specifically classes 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and
7. This specification replaces National Bureau of Standards
Circular 547, Section 1, which is out of print.
1.2 This specification further recognizes that International
Recommendation R111 exists, that describes classes E1, E2,
F1, F2, M1, M2 and M3. Users may choose to reference either
R111 or this specification, depending on requirements.
1.3 This specification contains the principal physical char-
acteristics and metrological requirements for weights that are
used.
1.3.1 For the verification of weighing instruments;
1.3.2 For the verification of weights of a lower class of
accuracy; and
1.3.3 With weighing instruments.
1.4 Tolerances and design restrictions for each class are
described in order that both individual weights or sets of
weights can be chosen for appropriate applications.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B 46.1-1995 Surface Texture (Surface Roughness, Wavi-
ness, and Lay) an American National Standard2
2.2 ISO Standards:
International Vocabulary of Basic and General Terms in
Metrology 1993, VIM, Geneve, Switzerland3
Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement3
ISO/DIS 4287-1, Edition 01-Jun-95, Geometric Product
Specification (GPS), Determination of Surface Texture by
1 4
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E41 on
Laboratory Apparatus, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E41.06 on
Weighing Devices.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1997. Published March 1998. Originally
published as E 617 – 78. Last previous edition E 617 – 91.
2
Available from ASME Service Center, 22 Law Drive, PO Box 2900, Fairfield,
New Jersey 07007-2900.
3
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street,
New York, New York 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1
Profiling Methods, Part 1: Terms, Definitions and Param-
eters3
2.3 NCSL Standards:
NCSL Glossary of Metrology—Related Terms4
NCSL Recommended Practice-12 Determining and Report-
ing Measurement Uncertainties4
ANSI/NCSL-Z540-1-1994 American National Standard for
Calibration-Calibration Laboratories and Measuring and
Test Equipment General Requirements4
2.4 NIST Standards:
NIST NVLAP Draft Handbook 150-2 National Voluntary
Laboratory Accreditation Program Calibration Laborato-
ries Technical Guide5
NIST NVLAP Handbook 150 National Voluntary Labora-
tory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), NIST Handbook
150, Procedures and General Requirements5
NIST Technical Note 1297 (1994) Guidelines for Evaluat-
ing and Expressing the Uncertainty of NIST Measurement
Results5
2.5 OIML Standard:
OIML Recommendation 33 Conventional Value of the Re-
sult of Weighing in Air6
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 accuracy class of weights—a class of weights that
meets certain metrological requirements intended to keep the
errors within specified limits.7
3.1.2 calibration—the acts of determining the mass differ-
ence between a standard of known mass value and an “un-
known” test weight or set of weights, establishing the mass
value and conventional mass value of the “unknown”, and of
determining a quantitative estimate of the uncertainty to be
Available from NCSL, National Conference of Standards Laboratories, 1800
30th Street, Suite 305B, Boulder, Colorado 80301.
5
Available from NIST/NVLAP, National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation
Program, NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899. HB 150 available on-line: http://
ts.nist.gov/nvlap and Technical Note 1297 available on-line: http://physics.nist.gov/
Pubs/guidelines/outline.html.
6
Available from Organisation Internationale de Metrologie Legale, 11 Rue
Turgot, 75009 Paris, France.
7
Definition from OIML R111.
 E 617 – 97 (2003)
assigned to the stated mass or conventional mass value of the
“unknown”, or both. Set of operations that establish, under
specified conditions, the relationship between values of quan-
tities indicated by a measuring instrument or measuring sys-
tem, or values represented by a material measure or a reference
material, and the corresponding values realized by standards.8
3.1.3 certificate of tolerance test—document that certifies
that the subject weights are within specified tolerances.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—If traceability is claimed, some level of
uncertainty must be addressed.
3.1.4 certificate or report of calibration—document that
presents calibration results and other information relevant to a
calibration.9
3.1.5 conventional mass—conventional value of the result
of weighing in air, in accordance to International Recommen-
dation OIML R 33. For a weight taken at 20°C, the conven-
tional mass is the mass of a reference weight of a density of
8000 kg/m3 which it balances in air of density of 1.2 kg/m3.10
3.1.5.1 Discussion—Formerly known as apparent mass ver-
sus 8.0 g/cm3.
3.1.6 correction—mass values are traditionally expressed
by two numbers, one being the nominal mass of the weight,
and the second being a correction. The mass of the weight is
the assigned nominal value plus the assigned correction.
Positive corrections indicate that the weight embodies more
mass than is indicated by the assigned nominal value.
3.1.7 international prototype kilogram—the platinum-
iridium cylinder maintained at the International Bureau of
Weights and Measures (BIPM), at Sevres, France with an
internationally accepted defined mass of 1 kg.
3.1.8 reference standard—a standard, generally of the high-
est metrological quality available at a given location, from
which measurements made at that location are derived.11
3.1.9 set of weights—a series of weights, usually presented
in a case so arranged to make possible any weighing of all
loads between the mass of the weight with the smallest nominal
value and the sum of the masses of all weights of the series
with a progression in which the mass of the smallest nominal
value weight constitutes the smallest step of the series.7
3.1.10 tolerance (adjustment tolerance or maximum permis-
sible errors)—the maximum amount by which the conven-
tional mass of the weight is allowed to deviate from the
assigned nominal value.
3.1.11 tolerance test—verification that the conventional
mass of the weights and their corresponding uncertainties as
tested are correct within the maximum permissible errors of the
respective weight class.
3.1.12 traceability—property of the result of a measurement
or the value of a standard whereby it can be related to stated
references, usually national or international standards, through
an unbroken chain of comparisons all having stated uncertain-
ties.8
3.1.12.1 Discussion—For more information see 3.1.14.
8
Definition from International Vocabulary of Basic and General Terms in
Metrology.
9
Definition from NCSL Z-540-1-1994.
10
Definition from OIML R33.
11
Definition from NIST/NVLAP Handbook 150.
2
3.1.13 uncertainty—parameter associated with the result of
a measurement, that characterizes the dispersion of the values
that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand.9 The
range of values within which the true value is estimated to lie.
3.1.14 U.S. National prototype standard—platinumiridium
kilogram identified as K20, maintained at the National Institute
of Standards and Technology, with value assigned relative to
the International Prototype Kilogram provides the United
States access to the mass unit.
3.1.15 weight (mass standard)—a material measure of
mass, regulated in regard to its physical and metrological
characteristics: shape, dimension, material, surface quality,
nominal value, and maximum permissible error.7
3.1.15.1 Discussion—Not to be confused with a gravita-
tional force.
4. Maximum Permissible Errors (Tolerances)
4.1 For each weight, the expanded uncertainty U at 95 %
confidence (See Annex B of OIML R 111) of the conventional
mass shall be less than or equal to one-third of the maximum
permissible error given in Table 1.
4.1.1 For each weight, the conventional mass, mc (deter-
mined with an expanded uncertainty), shall not differ by more
than the difference: maximum permissible error dm minus
expanded uncertainty, from the nominal value of the weight,
mo:
mo 2 ~dm 2 U! # ~mc! # mo 1 ~dm 2 U! (1)
4.2 Maximum permissible errors (tolerances) on verification
for classes 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are given in Table 1. These
maximum permissible errors are related to conventional mass
values.
NOTE 1—Consistent with OIML R 111 the concept of group tolerances
has been dropped in the 1997 revision of this specification.
NOTE 2—Tolerances for weights of denominations intermediate be-
tween those listed can be determined as follows. If the unit of measure is
non-metric use the conversion factor from the Abbreviations of Terms
table in Appendix X3 to convert the nominal value to a metric unit. For
weights that are intermediate between those listed, the tolerance for the
next lower weight shall be applied.
NOTE 3—Class 0 is a new designation with tolerances that are 50 % of
Class 1, with physical characteristics the same as those of OIML R 111
Class E1.
NOTE 4—Class 7 is a new designation with the same tolerances as the
former Class T in NBS Circular 3 (out of print).
5. Physical Characteristics
5.1 Construction:
5.1.1 Type—Weights are divided into two types based upon
the design:
5.1.1.1 Type I—These weights are of one-piece construction
and contain no added adjusting material. They must be
specified when weights are to be used as standards for the
calibration of weights of Classes 0, 1, 2 and 3, and where
maximum stability is required. A precise measurement of
density can only be made for one-piece weights.
5.1.1.2 Type II—Weights of this type can be of any appro-
priate design such as screw knob, ring, or sealed plug.
Adjusting material can be used as long as it is of a material at
 E 617 – 97 (2003)
TABLE 1 Maximum Tolerances
ASTM Tolerance Table 6mg except as noted
Denomination
Class 0 Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Class 7
5000 kg ... ... ... ... 100 g 250 g 500 g 750 g
3000 kg ... ... ... ... 60 g 150 g 300 g 450 g
2000 kg ... ... ... ... 40 g 100 g 200 g 300 g
1000 kg ... ... ... ... 20 g 50 g 100 g 150 g
500 kg ... ... ... ... 10 g 25 g 50 g 75 g
300 kg ... ... ... ... 6.0 g 15 g 30 g 45 g
200 kg ... ... ... ... 4.0 g 10 g 20 g 30 g
100 kg ... ... ... ... 2.0 g 5g 10 g 15 g
50 kg 63 125 250 500 1.0 g 2.5 g 5g 7.5 g
30 kg 38 75 150 300 600 mg 1.5 g 3g 4.5 g
25 kg 31 62 125 250 500 1.2 g 2.5 g 4.5 g
20 kg 25 50 100 200 400 1.0 g 2g 3.8 g
10 kg 13 25 50 100 200 500 mg 1g 2.2 g
5 kg 6 12 25 50 100 250 500 mg 1.4 g
3 kg 3.8 7.5 15 30 60 150 300 1.0 g
2 kg 2.5 5.0 10 20 40 100 200 750 mg
1 kg 1.3 2.5 5.0 10 20 50 100 470
500 g 0.60 1.2 2.5 5.0 10 30 50 300
300 g 0.38 0.75 1.5 3.0 6.0 20 30 210
200 g 0.25 0.50 1.0 2.0 4.0 15 20 160
100 g 0.13 0.25 0.50 1.0 2.0 9 10 100
50 g 0.060 0.12 0.25 0.60 1.2 5.6 7 ...
30 g 0.037 0.074 0.15 0.45 0.90 4.0 5 44
20 g 0.037 0.074 0.10 0.35 0.70 3.0 3 33
10 g 0.025 0.050 0.074 0.25 0.50 2.0 2 21
5g 0.017 0.034 0.054 0.18 0.36 1.3 2 13
3g 0.017 0.034 0.054 0.15 0.30 0.95 2.0 9.4
2g 0.017 0.034 0.054 0.13 0.26 0.75 2.0 7.0
1g 0.017 0.034 0.054 0.10 0.20 0.50 2.0 4.5
500 mg 0.005 0.010 0.025 0.080 0.16 0.38 1.0 3.0
300 mg 0.005 0.010 0.025 0.070 0.14 0.30 1.0 2.2
200 mg 0.005 0.010 0.025 0.060 0.12 0.26 1.0 1.8
100 mg 0.005 0.010 0.025 0.050 0.10 0.20 1.0 1.2
50 mg 0.005 0.010 0.014 0.042 0.085 0.16 0.50 0.88
30 mg 0.005 0.010 0.014 0.038 0.075 0.14 0.50 0.68
20 mg 0.005 0.010 0.014 0.035 0.070 0.12 0.50 0.56
10 mg 0.005 0.010 0.014 0.030 0.060 0.10 0.50 0.4
5 mg 0.005 0.010 0.014 0.028 0.055 0.080 0.20 ...
3 mg 0.005 0.010 0.014 0.026 0.052 0.070 0.20 ...
2 mg 0.005 0.010 0.014 0.025 0.050 0.060 0.20 ...
1 mg 0.005 0.010 0.014 0.025 0.050 0.050 0.10 ...

least as stable as the base material and is contained in such a 5.5 Magnetism—Weights shall not exceed maximum per-
way that it will not become separated from the weight. missible magnetic properties as listed in Table 2 for any portion
5.1.2 Class 0 must be Type I, one piece construction. of the weight:
5.1.3 Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 can be either Type I or Type NOTE 5—Cast iron cannot have a susceptibility specification of any real
II depending on the application. value.
5.2 Design—A weight may have any shape that does not NOTE 6—The measurement method is incorporated from OIML
introduce features that reduce the reliability. All weights shall R 111-2 (8th draft) in section A5.3.2, Susceptometer.
be free of ragged or sharp edges or ends. Both sheet metal and 5.6 Density—Because of the effect of the buoyant force of
wire weights shall be free of cracks such as may be formed air on a weight, precision measurements of mass require that
from bending. the volume of the weight be known, as well as the density of
5.3 Surface Area—For classes 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 the surface the air in which it is being measured, so that appropriate
area is not to exceed twice the area of a cylinder of equal height corrections can be made. For weights of higher precision, the
and diameter for weights 1 g and above. Sheet metal weights or
wire weights may be used below 1 g.
TABLE 2 Magnetic Properties
5.4 Material:
Volume Magnetic Maximum Magnetic Field
5.4.1 Class 0, 1, 2 and 3 Weights—The hardness of this Class Susceptibility (x)
µT mG
material and its resistance to wear and corrosion shall be
similar to or better than that of austenitic stainless steel. 0 0.01 2.0 20
1 0.03 4.0 40
5.4.2 Class 4, 5, 6 and 7—The hardness and brittleness of 2, 3, 4 0.05 6.0 60
A A A
the materials used for weights of Classes 4, 5, 6, and 7 shall be 5, 6, 7
at least equal to that of drawn brass. A
Requirements for these classes have not been developed.

3
 E 617 – 97 (2003)
range of density is limited to values at or near the density of TABLE 4 Maximum Values of Surface Roughness
well-established standards, such as are used by primary cali- Classes 0 and 1 Classes 2, 3, 4 Class 5, 6, 7
bration laboratories. As lower precision of measurement is RA (µm) 0.025 0.05 0.8
RZ (µm) 0.35 0.67 3.2
required, so the range of density is broadened. See Table 3.
NOTE 7—Materials used to make weights for special applications that
do not fall within the density limits stated above, shall have density
determinations performed.
5.9.5 Multiple Weights—Multiple weights of the same
nominal value included in a set of weights shall have distin-
5.7 Finish—The surface of the weights (including the base guishing marks.
and corners) shall be smooth, the edges shall be rounded, and 5.9.6 Depth of Markings—Markings shall be clear, shallow,
the weights shall not be porous. relatively broad, and free of burrs and sharp angles. Markings
5.7.1 The surface quality of a weight shall not exceed shall not perforate or crack sheet metal weights.
maximum values of surface roughness, Ra and Rz through
visual inspection using a hand held gage.2 Reference 2.1. See 6. Ordering Information
Table 4.
6.1 Selection of type and class depends upon the application
5.7.2 For weights with recessed areas for easier handling,
of the weights. For primary standards, stability and information
the recessed area and handle should have a finish with surface
about the values of the weights is more important than the
roughness no greater than Rz = 0.67 µm and RA = 0.05 µm. The
closeness of the values to nominal. Weights to be used with
outer diameter, top and bottom surface roughness must meet
balances of low precision do not require small tolerances, nor
the above table.
need the choice of materials be limited to those of high
5.8 Adjustment:
stability. Appendix X2 should serve as a guide in selecting
5.8.1 Type I Weights—Weights shall be adjusted by abra-
weights for specific applications.
sion, grinding or any appropriate method. The surface require-
6.2 Class—Maximum permissible errors (tolerances) for
ments shall be met at the end of the process.
Classes 0 through 7 are shown in Table 1. Lower numbers
5.8.2 Type II Weights—Weights with adjusting cavities shall
indicate smaller tolerances.
be adjusted with the same material from which they are made,
6.3 Lifters:
or with materials that are at least as stable and be of similar
6.3.1 Classes 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 shall be supplied with lifters
density as the base material. For weights which have sealing
when sets of weights are ordered. Individual weights shall be
caps, the cap may be made of aluminum. The back-up spacer
supplied with lifters when specified by the purchaser. Lifters or
should be of a similar material as the weight. Adjusting
forceps shall securely hold the weights for which they are
material and back-up disc must meet the magnetic require-
designed. Additional pressure shall not cause the dropping of
ments specified for the accuracy class of the weight.
small weights or the forceful ejection of large weights.
5.9 Marking:
6.3.2 For weights 500 g or larger, the parts of the lifter that
5.9.1 Class 0 weights shall not bear any indication of
come in contact with the weights shall be covered with some
nominal value.
non-magnetic material softer than the surface of the weight,
5.9.2 Numerical Value for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and
such as plastic or chamois skin from which the grease has been
7—The nominal value of each weight shall appear on the
removed.
surface of each weight. Only the numerical portion of the
6.3.3 For smaller weights, the lifters may be of the same
weight value needs to be on the surface of weights. Weights
design where practical or may be of a non-magnetic material
made of wire or too small to be marked shall not be marked but
softer than the weights, such as close-grained wood or plastics
should be identifiable by their shape or number of bends.
not affected by alcohol. When the parts of the lifters or forceps
5.9.3 Units of Weight—Weights 100 g and greater may be
which come in contact with the weights are not covered by a
marked with the unit name or abbreviation. In the case of sets
soft material, they shall be smooth and polished and the edges
of non-metric weights, at least the largest weight of a particular
on which the weight may be lifted shall be well rounded.
set should be marked with the unit name or abbreviation. In
6.3.4 If forceps are used for lifting small weights, stainless
any case the unit shall not be included where such marking
steel forceps with nonmetallic tips may be used, where the tips
would be illegible.
that come in contact with the weights are covered with some
5.9.4 Abbreviations—The accepted abbreviation may be
material softer than the surface of the weight, such as plastic or
used in marking. Abbreviations are shown in Table X3.1.
chamois skin from which the grease has been removed. The
Periods shall not be used with abbreviations in marking
forceps may also be made of a material softer than the weights,
weights.
such as close-grained wood or plastics not affected by alcohol.
TABLE 3 Minimum and Maximum Limits for Density When the parts of the forceps which come in contact with the
(rmin, rmax (kg/m3)) weights are not covered by a soft material, they shall be smooth
Class 3 and polished and the edges on which the weight may be lifted
Nominal Value Class 0 Class 1 and 2 Class 7
through 6 shall be well rounded.
> 5 kg 7934 to 8060 7700 to 8200 7000 to 9100 $ 7000 6.4 Cases:
1 g to 5 kg 7920 to 8080 7700 to 8200 7700 to 9100 $ 7000 6.4.1 Classes 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weights, when supplied in
< 1 g to 50 mg 7700 to 8200 7700 to 8200 2300 to 8200 $ 2000
50 g to 1 mg 2300 to 8200 2300 to 8200 2300 to 8200 $ 2000 sets, shall be supplied with one or more cases. The case shall
be designed so that as long as the lid remains closed, the

4
 E 617 – 97 (2003)
weights shall be held secure. The hinges and locks shall be
adequate to hold the lid closed with any reasonable handling.
There shall be no discoloration of weights due to the lining of
the case, such as might result from long storage in a warm or
damp location. This condition does not apply to weights not
designed to be handled manually.
6.4.2 Pockets—A separate pocket shall be supplied for each
weight and for each forceps and lifter, except that extremely
large lifters may not require pockets. All pockets shall be large
enough so that no appreciable friction shall be encountered in
inserting or removing weights. If the cover is not lined, the
individual holes in the cover shall be smooth or lined. Pockets
for weights 1 g or equivalent or larger shall be lined with a
smooth, nonabrasive material such as velvet or plastic.
6.5 Denominations:
6.5.1 Weight sets may be arranged in one or more of the
following or other series:
5-2-1-1-1
5-2-2-1-1 (preferred internationally)
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. CERTIFICATES
X1.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, the
purchaser shall be furnished certification that the weights have
been either tested or inspected as directed in this specification
and the requirements have been met. When specified in the
purchase order or contract, a report of the test results shall be
furnished. When weights conform to the requirements speci-
fied herein a certificate or report will be issued. When weights
do not conform to all of the requirements of the class for which
they have been submitted, and when the failure does not
interfere with the proposed use of the weights, a report or
certificate will be issued, that will state wherein the weights fail
to meet the requirements. Unless otherwise stated, if a calibra-
tion is conducted whereby values are provided and applied
correctly, the results will be as acceptable as those made with
weights conforming to the class. The information that follows
references ANSI/NCSL Z-540-1 and ISO Guide 25.
X1.2 The issuance of any certificate, tolerance test, or
report of calibration implies that mass values are determined
and evaluation of tolerance compliance has been made; and the
test data will be kept on file for a reasonable period of time and
will be made available if requested. Certifications, calibrations
or tolerance tests may be conducted using any acceptable
documented procedure, and only if the expanded uncertainty U
(k = 2) of the measurement process is less than 1⁄3 of the
tolerance. A “calibration” implies that a mass value is reported.
Calibration procedures as well as uncertainty analysis must be
kept on file by the laboratory performing calibrations to verify
claims made on certificates or reports of calibration. If trace-
ability is claimed, evidence supporting traceability to NIST or
other national standards must also be maintained by the
5
5-3-2-1-1
where the underscored unit represents a summation of
smaller weights in the set. When there are no smaller weights
in the set, the underscored unit represents an optional addi-
tional weight that is required if the weights are to be calibrated
by an intercomparison procedure. For example, a set might
consist of the following weights: 10 g, 5 g, 2 g, 2 g, 1 g, 500
mg, 200 mg, 200 mg, 100 mg, 50 mg, 20 mg, 20 mg, 10 mg,
10 mg.
6.6 Density Identification—Weights that are to be calibrated
shall carry identification of the density of the various materials
of which the weights are manufactured. Identification of
density shall be displayed on the cover or interior of the box.
6.7 Special Requirements—If a customer has specific re-
quirements that deviate from this standard (that is, material,
shape, tolerance, etc.) the manufacturer may use this specifi-
cation as a reference, not a requirement, to provide the
customer with the weights that they need.
laboratory. Minimum requirements for establishing traceability
are: possession of a reference standard that has been calibrated
by a national laboratory such as NIST or direct traceability to
NIST (or other national laboratory), evidence that calibration
data of the reference standard is still valid, and evidence that a
measurement process control program is in place at the
laboratory.
X1.3 A calibration certificate or report of calibration must
contain at least the following information: laboratory name and
address, customer name and address, test number, date of
calibration, standards and equipment used, ASTM Class, envi-
ronmental conditions to calculate air density, construction
(Type I or II) and density of weights, identification of weights,
calibration procedure reference, nominal value of each weight,
mass or conventional mass value for each weight, and uncer-
tainty of measurement process. Conventional mass value plus
uncertainty along with a statement that standards used are
traceable to NIST or other national standards satisfies trace-
ability requirements. For Class 0 and 1, calibration procedures
must include redundant measurements of the standard and
customer weight. Reported uncertainties must be 1⁄3 or less of
the tolerance of the weight being calibrated (see 4.1). When a
certificate is required for Classes 0 and 1, it is recommended
that a calibration certificate or report of calibration be supplied.
X1.4 A tolerance test or certificate of traceability is a report
of a modified calibration which includes a certification that the
actual values of the weights as determined in the test and their
associated uncertainties are correct within the prescribed tol-
erance limits. Individual values are not often supplied if
certification is provided. A certificate of traceability must
 E 617 – 97 (2003)
contain at least the following information; laboratory name and
address, customer name, address, nominal value of each
weight, date of test, ASTM Class to which weight is tested,
statement of traceability to NIST or national standard that can
be substantiated by documentation of the laboratory, and the
uncertainty of the process or a statement of the level of
uncertainty of the process that can be verified with documen-
tation by the laboratory. If traceability is not claimed, uncer-
tainties or statement of uncertainty level is not required.
X1.5 Weights shall only be tested when they meet all
requirements for the class for which they are submitted, except
in cases where a special design fits a unique application. These
exceptions shall be noted on the certificate.
X1.6 Except for regulated activities, there are no fixed
calibration intervals for mass standards. Appropriate intervals
may be determined based on calibration information, toler-
ances, uncertainties, and applications at time of test; historical
data for this type of artifact showing stability (or lack of
stability) with time and use; through a measurement assurance
program where control or check standards are used periodically
to verify accuracy, traceability, or the need for calibration; and
manufacturer’s recommendations.

X2. APPLICATIONS

TABLE X2.1 Applications

NOTE 1—Balance classification information can be found in NIST Handbook 44 or OIML R 76.
Class Type Application
0 I Primary Laboratory Reference Standards
0 I Reference standards used for calibrating Class 1 weights
0 I Reference standards used for calibrating Class 2 weights
1 I Reference standards used for calibrating Class 3 weights
1 II Calibration weights used with calibration Class I balances
1 I or II Built in weights for high quality analytical balances
1, 2 I or II Calibration weights used with calibration Class II balances, laboratory weights for routine analytical work
2 I or II Standards used for calibrating Class 4 weights
3 I or II Standards used for calibrating Class 5 weights
4 I or II Standards used for calibrating Class 6 weights
4, 5, 6 I or II Calibration weights used with Class III, IIIL and IIII balances. Dial scales, trip balances and platform scales
5, 6 I or II Student laboratory use
7 I or II Rough weighing operations in physical and chemical laboratories such as force measuring apparatus

X3. ABBREVIATIONS OF TERMS

6
 E 617 – 97 (2003)
TABLE X3.1 Abbreviations of Terms
Name of Unit Accepted Conversion Factor (g/unit of
Abbreviation measure)
Assay Ton AT 29.166 7 g
Carat c 0.2 g
Dram, apothecaries’ dr ap 3.887 934 6 g
Grain, Troy GN 0.064 798 91 g
Gram g 1g
Kilogram kg 1 000 g
Milligram mg 0.001 g
Ounce, apothecaries’ (480 oz ap 31.103 476 8 g
grains)
Ounce, avoirdupois (437.5 oz 28.349 523 125 g
grains)
Ounce, troy (480 grains) oz t 31.103 476 8 g
Pennyweight dwt 1.555 173 84 g
Pound avoirdupois lb 453.592 37 g
Scruple, apothecaries’ s ap 1.295 978 2 g

X4. OIML R111—WEIGHTS OF CLASSES E1, E2, F1, F2, M1, M2, AND M3 (EDITION 1994)

X4.1 For more information see OIML R 111.

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