Weighing systems offer countless benefits for different businesses and industries. However, you have to choose the right one for your industry to reap their benefits and increase your productivity.
So, how do you know you are getting the right scale for your day-to-day activities?
Weighing scales come in varying levels of quality, prices and features. While it may require some skills and knowledge to find the right scale, you may consider some factors in making the right choice.
10 Tips on Choosing the Right Weighing Scales
1. Industry or Application
Depending on the type of industry, weighing scales have varying technical specifications suitable for their application. Let’s say you need a scale for medical, scientific or pharmaceutical use. Since science demands precision and accuracy, it is highly recommended that you get a precision balance or counting scale.
If you need a scale for your butcher shop or bakery, you may choose from food and labelling, platform or waterproof scales. For agricultural or farm needs, it may be best to get an animal scale or agricultural kits which offer the reliability you need for weighing live animals.
2. Environmental Conditions
Some weighing scales may require a dry and sturdy base to work with utmost precision. Others can withstand extreme weather, wet location or harsh environments. It helps to know what kind of environmental setup you have so you can pick the right scale that lasts.
Make sure to get waterproof load cells when you need to submerge your scales into water. And remember to consider the humidity and airflow of your surrounding to ensure that the scale’s performance is not affected.
3. Maximum Capacity
The minimum and maximum weight of the products or items should also be taken into account. If you get a scale that has a maximum capacity of 10,000Kg but some of your items weigh up to 12,000Kg, not only will the readings get affected but can also shorten the scale’s life span.
Remember to choose a weighing scale that can accommodate the heaviest item you need to weigh.
4. Installation Circumstances
Generally, scales should not be moved around from the time of their installation. However, when your business needs a portable or movable weighing scale, make sure to transport the scale carefully. Keep the work area and storage debris-free. And always check if the ground or stand where you will place the scale is levelled at all times.
5. Readability Requirement
The smallest division displayed by the weighing scale is referred to as readability. Some degree of precision is required for every application. For example, the application needs a precise reading to the nearest 0.1g. In this case, it is best to get a scale with 0.01g readability.
6. Repetitive Loading
In warehouses and factories, platform scales are frequently loaded and unloaded repeatedly. The repetitive weighing processes can result in the wear and tear of most scales.
For this reason, you have to make sure that you choose a weighing scale that can withstand the jarring and relentless activities of your business. When your scale is durable, you can be sure to get accurate readings while ensuring reliability.
7. Trade Approved Scales
Aussie businesses that need trade-approved scales should consider the requirements under the National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009. This is to ensure that your products and packages are approved for trade purposes.
In most cases, you will find trade approved scales with a seal issued by the National Measurement Institute. This guarantees that your scale is compliant in accordance with Australia’s trade rules and regulations.
8. Size of Items to Weight
If you can’t decide between a floor and a hanging scale, check the size of the items you will weigh. If they are too big for a floor scale to accommodate, then a hanging scale may be the better choice for you.
The best thing about hanging scales is that they can handle even oddly-shaped items. They also provide the accuracy and durability you need.
9. Calibrations and Adjustments
When choosing a brand or provider for weighing scales, it helps to find someone who can perform an onsite calibration for your scales and load cells, especially those that will be exposed to harsh conditions.
Make sure that they can also provide regular calibrations and adjustments to ensure productivity and reliability even for years to come. Aside from the daily adjustments, you may schedule a quarterly recalibration for your weighing scales with your provider.
10. Budget Considerations
An important factor to consider when choosing the right weighing scale is your budget but with Meltrons in Australia, you can be sure to find the best scale that’s also cost-efficient.
Keep in mind that the most expensive weighing scale is not always the right one for your business. It helps to have a reliable provider who can guide and give you recommendations for the exact needs of your business.
With these 10 reliable tips, you will surely find the right weighing scale that you need. Whether you need a heavy duty scale for your factory or a highly precise counting scale for your scientific research, contact Meltrons so we can help point you to the right direction.