Counting scales are great tools for speeding up your productivity since they can accurately provide you with two measurements at one time — the weight and the quantity of the items. You can measure multiple parts at once, such as nuts, bolts, screws, coins, etc. and every single piece will be accounted for – even the smallest of parts. 

What’s more, counting scales can digitally collect all of your data so you will no longer need to manually track your numbers. Not only does this make your counting process more efficient, but it makes it much more accurate, too. 

If you are in the market for one, then you need to take a look at a couple of factors that will help you determine just how to buy a counting scale. 

Determine Your Average Piece Weight

Before you can find the right counting scale, you need to calculate your Average Piece Weight (APW). Yes, counting scales measure a batch of items, but they need to know the weight of each piece to determine the number of items in a collective weight reading. 

The APW is the number you want to confirm your counting scale will calculate – especially since these numbers can be small.  

Many counting scale manufacturers will list a Minimum APW  within the specs of the product. So, for instance, if your screws weigh .02 lbs each, then you will want to make sure the specs include at least this amount – and greater.  

The Capacity Level

Counting scales measure a batch of items all at once which is what makes them so useful. When looking for a scale that will work for your needs, you must make sure it can handle the bulk load of items – not just the individual piece we measured above. In other words, you aren’t just measuring the weight of one screw, but rather a batch of screws. The scale needs to be capable of handling both weights. 

Look for a counting scale that will allow you to use a batch that doesn’t surpass the maximum capacity supported. Keep in mind that overloading a scale can cause damage internally and may cost you in the long run. 

Adequate Pan Size

Different types of counting scales have different pan sizes. Bench style counting scales can offer you different pan sizes so you can find what will work best for you to gain an accurate measurement. However, please note that there is not much variety in the size of pans on most compact counting scales. 

When making your purchase, take into consideration the size of the batch of units you are measuring – and the container that is housing them. This will need to sit freely – and entirely – on the pan. 

Automatic Recording of Data

One of the perks of having a counting scale is that you will no longer need to manually record an accounting of your measurements. Instead, you will find the ease of automatic recording. If this is of interest to you, be sure that the scale you choose is one that is user-friendly and able to connect to a PC or other device for data recording. 

Pay attention to the details of the scale and what is required of the PC to make sure the two will work together. If you have any questions, you should ask before making your purchase.

Central Carolina Scale for Your Counting Scale Needs

Whether you are a manufacturing plant needing to count bolts, a vendor needing to count coins, or just looking to better control your inventory, you can improve your bottom line and make your counting more efficient with these easy-to-use scales. 

If you are ready to buy a counting scale, Central Carolina Scale has a variety of options to meet your needs. We offer the most accurate and precise selection of durable counting skills on the market. 

Contact Central Carolina Scale today at (919) 776-7737 to see how we can help you take your business to the next level.

Everyone Loves a Great Deal

Just about everybody considers “price” to be a very important part of their buying decision. We’ve actually discussed this concept of price versus quality on this blog many times over the years. The challenge is that sometimes the line is blurred between quality and low quality. Many of us frequent discount stores looking for deals whether it’s a great deal on a shirt, tools, exercise equipment etc… Bottom line, almost all of us look for ways to save money while still getting a great product!

Cheap Scales Sometimes Cost You More Money…

The digital scale that you find on Amazon or ebay for $75 can display weight. It might even be fairly accurate but the quality and durability of this item is often not in the same league as top scale brands like Avery Weigh-Tronix, Ohaus, or Rice Lake. And, often we hear stories of how certain scales are thrown out and replaced fairly often.  In this blog post, we will discuss a few of the areas of concern that can occur when shopping for scales on price alone.

Greater Long Term Costs

With many of these scales, the enticing part is the low up front cost.  Many of these “overseas manufacturers” cut corners in design and construction. This often leads to low quality, higher failure rates, and often scales that are just either inconsistent or non-reliable. 

Here’s the big point…. once these scales fail, these cheap components are often impossible or impractical to repair. So, you now have to buy another new scale. If you choose the same type of product, you will likely have the same result or perhaps you could run into stock issues with some of the overseas products. 

On the other hand, high-quality scale manufacturers design weighing equipment for relatively simple maintenance. Since scale service companies stock parts for most major scale brands, downtime typically lasts only a few hours. Generally speaking, when you purchase reputable brands of scale equipment, you often enjoy significantly lower lifetime costs (and less downtime) despite the initial higher price.

Accuracy?

The whole point behind purchasing a scale is to measure weight accurately, right?  The challenge is finding the right scale that will consistently display accurate weight at a price that you can afford. The truth is that cheap weighing equipment often can’t deliver consistently accurate results. Many of the cheap scales that you find online are not capable of passing a NTEP evaluation and earning a certificate of conformance (aka… legal for trade) often due to poor repeatability. 

What’s the point of weighing items if the numbers are inconsistent or incorrect entirely?  These errors can lead to things like bad batches and/or lost dollars. Now, factor in the benefit of having a reliable and accurate scale that produces accurate batches and consistent weights in buying & selling environments. 

Anytime that we do a blog post about this subject I always think about the Pennsylvania 7600 counting scale. Sure, you can buy a cheap counting scale online or in the shipping supplies catalog that’s priced anywhere from $100 and up.  The problem is that usually the lower cost counting scales are about 99% plastic and 1% aluminum.  And they typically don’t last too many years.  Or, you could just buy a Pennsylvania counting scale and feel fairly confident that it’s going to be around for at least a couple of decades.

Let Us Help You!

Did you know that you can work with experienced scale and weighing equipment sales staff from Central Carolina Scale for free? 

When we say “experienced”, we’re talking about sales people that have been in the scale industry for over two decades.  Now, we don’t know everything about scales, but we usually know a lot and if we don’t know… we often have contacts who would know the answer.  

Best of all, we don’t charge you anything to discuss your weighing needs. If you are looking to add a scale or replace a scale, contact us first to make sure you get the right scales for your particular project.  

Scales are the backbone of any business, and key to the quality and marketability of your products. However, improper care of your scale can lead to inaccuracies and even severe damage over time. To avoid expensive maintenance costs, there are few methods you can use to ensure your scale is both long-lasting and accurate.

1. Get Your Scale Calibrated Regularly

Proper calibration is the best sign that your scale is functioning properly. Wear and tear, particulates, and working conditions can all cause your scale to become inaccurate, affecting your bottom line. The calibration process can be time-consuming, so it is best to hire a scale calibration service to check your scale for you. Professional services will use certified known weights, as well as go through the certification of your scale with the state.

2. Have a Professional Service Make Preventative Repairs

One of the best ways you can avoid major damage to your scale is to hire a professional service for a tune-up. A licensed professional will be able to make small repairs that will extend the life of your scale, as well as notice any warning signs of chronic wear or damage that you may have missed. Many companies offer specialized scale repairs, including careful testing of load cells, moisture levels, and wiring. Having a scheduled service for your scale is both convenient and less expensive overall.

3. Install Your Scale Correctly

Did you know that the main cause of damage to scales comes from installing them in the wrong location? Getting your scale set up professionally will optimize workflow and keep your scale safe from contaminants and needless wear. Many companies can partner with contractors to create custom setups or pits for your scale or make specialized screening for additional protection. Installation is also the perfect time to certify and calibrate your scale and establish a healthy relationship with your repair technician.

4. Know When You Need to Replace or Upgrade Your Scale

Many large industrial scales are made to last through constant day-to-day use. However, even the best scales cannot last forever. Knowing when to seek out a new scale for your business will avoid issues in the future, as well as keep your company up to date with the latest technology and standards. Many older mechanical scales can undergo conversion into electronic ones by replacing the weighting beam with a load cell. The process can bring new life to your equipment as well as avoid manual errors while on the job. 

Central Carolina Scale Provides Scale Maintenance

If you would like to know more about scale maintenance or looking to purchase an industrial scale of your own, Central Carolina Scale has the products you are looking for. We have an extensive lineup of both commercial and industrial scales at the best prices. Central Carolina Scale also offers rentals, repairs, and certified calibration performed by our team of expert technicians. Contact us at (919) 776-7737 to request a free quote today. We look forward to finding you the best scales for your needs at the best prices possible.