Is your company considering the purchase of an industrial scale? If so, when buying scales you should carefully consider several important factors about the specific needs of the business before finalizing their purchase. Industrial scales are specifically engineered to handle large and heavy loads commonly found in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, recycling and redemption, agriculture, construction, and the like. Industrial weighing scales come in various sizes and types, including floor scales, bench scales, crane scales, and truck scales, each tailored to suit specific weighing needs.
If your company is in the market for an industrial scale, here are 6 important factors to consider before you make your final decision:
1. Accuracy
Accurate measurements contribute to product quality assurance, assure regulatory compliance, and contribute to revenue. Whereas, inaccuracies can lead to waste, regulatory violations, and customer dissatisfaction. When buying scales, consider the required level of precision and accuracy in measurements based on your application needs. Accuracy relates to how well a scale can display the weight of a product and is determined by the readability of the scale. Also referred to as its division size or resolution, readability is the smallest incremental reading on the scale’s display. The smaller the reading the greater the accuracy.
2. Capacity
A scale’s capacity is one of the most overall important factors to consider before purchasing. Determine the maximum weight the scale needs to handle for your applications. Choose a scale with a capacity that exceeds the heaviest load you anticipate.
3. Scale Type and Size
When buying scales, ensure the scale design and size fit the available space in your industrial environment. Select the appropriate type of scale for your application, such as floor scales, bench scales, platform scales, crane scales, or truck scales.
4. Environmental Conditions
Make sure the industrial scale you purchase is compatible with the environmental conditions in which it will be used. For example, hot or cold weather can affect the accuracy and stability of the weighing scales. Humid or wet climates may cause corrosion of sensitive components that could create inaccurate readings. Dusty or dirty work environments can affect the scale’s performance and accuracy. In sum, the material and instrumentation must be able to withstand the conditions of the workplace.
5. Types of Smart Features
Today’s industrial weighing scales feature various smart technologies that enhance efficiency, performance, accuracy, and overall productivity. Before purchasing, consider the types of smart features that best serve your company’s needs. As data recording and connectivity are important, check for features like USB, RS-232, Ethernet, and especially Wi-Fi connectivity. Other features to consider include, automation, remote access and control, enabling real-time data transmission, compatibility and integration with any existing data management systems in your facility, supporting traceability for compliance, and enabling predictive maintenance among other smart features.
6. Location and Portability
Where is the scale going to be located within or outside the facility? Will it be stationary or portable? Determining the location where the scale will be used beforehand is important in choosing the right scale. Different scales have different attributes and capabilities, so it is necessary to align them with your requirements. For example, consider the availability and reliability of power in your industrial setting. Determining the power source required for the scale beforehand—is it battery powered?—if so what type of battery?—or is electrically powered?—will greatly influence where the scale can be located in the facility or yard. Consider factors like portability, too, and whether or not you will need to move the scale around the warehouse or be placed near the loading dock.
Contact the Scale Experts at Worcester Scale
Worcester Scale understands that investing in reliable and accurate industrial scales is a strategic decision that can positively impact a company’s competitiveness and reputation. As New England’s most successful independent industrial scale distributor, we offer comprehensive solutions for weighing needs in various industries. We’re here to answer questions and advise our customers to ensure the scale they select aligns with their company’s specific weighing needs. For more information, contact Worcester Scale today.
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