The Kibble balance of the Ultrasound Laboratory of Inmetro
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21014/actaimeko.v14i2.1946Keywords:
Kibble balance, metrology, 3D printerAbstract
The 2019 redefinition of the International System of Units (SI) established the kilogram based on the Planck constant, eliminating reliance on a physical artefact and significantly enhancing mass metrology. The Kibble balance is one of the key experiments enabling this realization, linking mass measurements to fundamental electrical standards. This work presents a cost-effective Kibble balance prototype developed at Inmetro's Ultrasound Laboratory (Labus), designed using 3D printing and controlled via a Raspberry Pi microcontroller. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of using simplified Kibble balances for metrological applications, achieving mass measurements from 100 mg to 600 mg with a relative uncertainty of 7 %. Future developments will focus on sensor calibration and mechanical stability improvements to further enhance accuracy and precision.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ruan Mayworm, Emily Webster, André Alvarenga, Stuart Davidson, Rodrigo Costa-Felix
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