An industrial weighing scale is a device used to measure the weight or mass of objects in various industrial settings. Compared to other scales, industrial weighing scales are designed to handle a broader range of load capacities with greater accuracy for specific industrial applications. Choosing the correct scales is not just a necessity but vital for the overall success of companies that rely on weight-based transactions as a means of business.
What to Look For When Choosing a Scale
Selecting the best scale for an industrial application involves several factors to ensure accurate, reliable, and efficient measurements. The scale you choose must meet specific requirements related to your business needs. That said, there are other factors that you should consider as well. Here are seven to make sure your scale of choice is the correct one:
1. Accuracy
Because accuracy is vital in weight-based transactions, determine your measurements’ required precision or tolerance levels. The accuracy of industrial weighing scales is measured through a combination of methods and specifications that ensure the scale provides reliable and precise measurements. Accuracy can be determined by such factors as the scale’s readability—discussed below—its calibration—which is the relationship between a standardized test weight and a measured value—and its repeatability—the scale’s ability to provide consistent readings of items of the same weight. Depending on your required precision or tolerance levels and for consistent readings, opt for scales that are easy to calibrate and maintain. Otherwise, check if the scale service provider offers calibration services or if it’s easy to perform calibration in-house.
2. Readability
If your industry uses a weight scale that requires precise measurements, then the scale’s readability must meet your precision requirements. Readability, or resolution, refers to the slightest difference between the values or increments the scale can display on a screen. All those numbers to the right of the decimal point indicate high readability. If you’re weighing small items that require precise measurements, then readability is an important consideration when choosing a scale for your industrial application.
3. What Are the Environmental Conditions?
The scale must function in the industrial environment in which it is placed. In other words, where will the scale be used—inside a building or outside on a loading dock? What are the working conditions? A dirty, dusty warehouse or a damp, wet, exposed freight yard? The environmental conditions are going to affect how well the scale performs. Therefore, consider where the scale will be used and what working conditions, like temperature, humidity, moisture, dust, and potential exposure to chemicals or harmful substances.
4. Capacity
Another important consideration is load capacity requirements, which are identified by identifying the maximum and minimum weights you need to measure. There is no need to purchase a scale with a maximum capacity of 1,000 lbs. when the heaviest item you have in inventory is 100 lbs. Once you’ve established your minimum and maximum weight limits, you should also determine your desired weight measurement increment. Heavier-duty scales might measure in kilograms or pounds, while smaller, more precise scales can measure in increments of grams or ounces.
5. Units of Measurement
Concerning the above, be sure the unit of measurement and the scale you select display the weight your business uses. Though most digital scales can switch back and forth between pounds and ounces and grams and kilograms, please don’t take it for granted. Take into account the unit of measure used by your business. If it depends on more minor capacity requirements, sometimes measured in grams, buy accordingly.
6. Type of Scale
Each type of industrial scale is tailored to specific applications and environments to ensure accurate, efficient, and reliable weighing for various industrial needs. Choosing the correct scale depends on the application’s requirements, including the size, weight, and nature of the items being weighed and the operational conditions. Standard industrial scales include platform scales, suitable for heavy capacity loads and bulky items, bench scales used for smaller items and moderate weights, and installed floor scales for weighing large and heavy loads on a loading dock or warehouse. Your needs may require conveyor scales, which can be integrated into conveyor systems for continuous weighing, or pallet scales, which can be used in warehousing, shipping, and logistics for easy weighing of palletized goods and forklift loads.
7. Cost
When selecting a scale, it’s essential to consider both your short-term and long-term objectives. In addition to deciding on the scale’s size and intended use, you must also establish a budget that aligns with your needs. It may not be a wise investment if the scale’s cost exceeds your business’s budget. On the other hand, while a more affordable option might provide short-term savings, it could ultimately lead to higher expenses if it requires frequent replacements, repairs, or maintenance. Your budget should reflect the industry requirements and the intended frequency of use. When deciding, consider the scale of an investment and balance the cost with its features and benefits.
Choose the Right Industrial Weighing Scale from Worcester Scale
Worcester Scale is New England’s premier industrial scale and precision weighing system dealership. We understand that the weight of your goods and products can profoundly influence your company’s success. It’s our business to ensure that the scale you select is best suited to meet your business needs. Contact our experts today for more information or to answer any questions about industrial weighing scales before choosing a new one.
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