5 Reasons You Should Consider Hydrostatic Cells for Your Next Tank, Hopper, Silo, or Vessel Weighing Application

Posted on June 18, 2024 by Scale Man

Most of the time when you think about tank scales or hopper style scales you often think of load cell mounts or weigh modules with strain gauge load cells placed under the vessel. But in today’s entry we take a look at a few of the advantages of using a hydraulic load cell instead. Out of all the weighing technologies available, hydrostatic load cells often standout as one of the most robust and dependable solutions on the market today. Let’s take a look at five of the advantages of choosing a hydraulic load cell system for placing under your tank.

Durability and Resilience

Hydrostatic load cells are engineered with simplicity and resilience in mind. Unlike electronic load cells which contain delicate components vulnerable to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, moisture, and electromagnetic interference. This inherent simplicity not only reduces the risk of component failure but also enhances longevity, making hydrostatic load cells ideal for harsh industrial environments where reliability is crucial. The factory believes in the quality and durability of the hydrostatic load cells so much that they offer a lifetime load cell guarantee.

Minimal Maintenance Requirements

Electronic load cells sometimes require periodic calibration and maintenance to ensure accuracy and performance. In contrast, hydrostatic load cells have minimal maintenance requirements. This translates to reduced downtime and lower maintenance costs, providing a clear advantage for businesses seeking efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Accuracy and Precision

Hydrostatic load cells offer exceptional accuracy and precision, even in demanding conditions. As a result, users can rely on hydrostatic load cells to deliver precise measurements with confidence, whether for process control, material testing, or other critical applications.

emery winslow tank load cell

Intrinsically Safe Design

In environments where explosive gases or flammable materials are present, safety is of utmost concern. Hydrostatic load cells offer an intrinsically safe design, with no electrical components in direct contact with the measured load. For industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, or mining, where safety is non-negotiable, hydrostatic load cells provide a reliable solution for accurate weight measurement without compromising safety.

Cost Effectiveness

With minimal maintenance requirements, extended durability, and reliable performance, hydrostatic loadcells offer excellent long-term value. Businesses can benefit from reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, and improved operational efficiency, leading to a higher return on investment (ROI).

So those are some of the advantages of using hydrostatic load cells under your tank. Now to be fair there can be some disadvantages to choosing a system like this. A hydrostatic system like this can cost more than a traditional weigh module kit with strain gauge load cells. And, installation and regular maintenance would need to be handled by a local scale company with hydraulic load cell experience. In other words, not every scale company out there has experience with this type of weighing equipment.

If you are interested in learning more or getting a quote on a 120 Series or 136 Series. Please contact our sales department via the RFQ form on our website. We look forward to working with you.

Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a Truck Weight Scale

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Scale Man

A truck scale is a rather large investment for most businesses. So, it’s one of those purchases that you want to take your time with and do your homework. Needing a truck scale in a hurry is not a good situation to be in. Especially since most purchasing managers have never been involved in choosing and installing a 70 or 80 foot long scale for weighing trucks. So, you’re probably wondering what mistakes should folks avoid? Well here are a few to think about.

Lack of Planning

A truck scale is a rather large investment. It also takes time from start to finish. It also has multiple key moments. The customer needs to have a manager or point of contact. Ideally one or two people. Questions and timelines will come up.

Folks will ask, when is the truck scale arriving? Do we have power at the scale location? Are all the cables and conduits ready? Is the customer ordering the crane to offload the scale? When does the crane need to be there? Is the foundation ready for the scale? The point of contact and the scale sales person / installer need to discuss the timeline so there are no huge surprises.

Overlooking the Scale Foundation

Most customers around the Carolinas are going to choose an above ground truck scale. Back in the day customers would choose a mechanical truck scale and it would be installed in a pit since it had levers and took up a lot of space. However, that was back then… Most customers today choose to have a concrete foundation poured and place the scale on that. Otherwise, you are having to dig a hole and pour a lot of concrete. And of course the pit is going to collect a lot of water and then you’re looking at drains and pumps and that is usually not what we would recommend in most cases.

You do want to make sure that you or the scale company use a reputable concrete person to pour and form the scale foundation. The last thing you want is the foundation cracking and not able to withstand the weight of the truck scale the trucks being weighed.

We have also seen situations where a potential scale buyer doesn’t have a good grasp on the location around where the scale will be located. There could be environmental issues as well as things like drainage lines nearby, etc…

Overlooking the Scale Location

Deciding where to place your new truck scale can sometimes be really easy and other times can be very challenging. It can be even more difficult when you have a half dozen folks involved with the truck scale buyer. Sometimes it can be a good idea to put someone in charge from your company so there aren’t too many folks involved in the decision making.

Generally speaking with truck scales, you want to place the scale in the correct area for your traffic flow. You also need to try hard to not place the scale in a low area where water is going to bring all kind of debris. One of the biggest problems that above ground truck scales struggle with is buildup that gets lodged under the weighbridge.

Not Choosing the Proper Load Cell Technology

In most situations these days, a truck scale buyer has three distinct types of technology to consider. Hydraulic, Digital or Analog truck scales. Each has it’s place. We suggest that you discuss these options with your scale sales person to determine which is best for you.

Choosing the Wrong Scale Platform

Likewise, you also need to choose the scale platform material. Truck scales are exposed to various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, snow, ice, heavy rain… and on top of that possibly heavy traffic everyday!

If you are placing a truck scale in certain environments like HEAVY amounts of daily traffic or possibly weighing really corrosive materials… you might want to discuss this with your scale sales person first before you actually purchase the scale. If you discuss this first, you can likely take care of this with solutions like possibly a concrete scale deck instead of steel. Or you can perhaps get the “HD” version truck scale instead of just the “standard duty” version.

snow around a truck scale weighbridge

Not Slowing Down & Thinking About the Scale and Your Trucks

Before you place the order for a truck scale, be sure to measure your trucks and be certain what size scale you need. And, what about truck scale accuracy? Most customers choose a 70, 80 or 100 foot long truck scale. Width is normally 11 feet wide. The other thing to think about is the number of trucks you expect to be weighing daily. Think about what this number will be five years from now. In other words if you think that you’ll be weighing well over 250 trucks a day, don’t buy a light duty truck scale.

Not Choosing the Right Scale Company

Over the forty plus years we’ve been in business we have installed and worked on A LOT of truck scales. You name the town and we have probably worked on one near there. We have installed digital truck scales, analog truck scales, and even hydraulic truck scales. We’ve even had competitors tell customers that we’re out of business, just so they can sneak in and take the sale. Maybe we’ll talk about that in more detail some time…. but continuing on.

In our opinion, these days too many purchasing managers or QC managers worry about certain certifications and not enough about proven experience. Think about it, who would you want installing your truck scale… two state certified scale technicians who have a combined 35 years of experience OR two scale technicians with maybe 10 years of experience total, but with lots of badges and approvals that they might have earned by watching a video. We’ll take the experienced techs everyday!

Not Investing the Money… The Scale Should Last for Decades So Spend the Money

Look, we all shop the internet for deals. All of us can find cheaper items for just about everything. Just remember, this truck scale that you’re looking to purchase is designed to last you for decades. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more money now to get a scale that might last an extra five or ten years. We see cheap scales everyday. There are some scale manufacturers overseas that can cut corners like you wouldn’t believe! But do you really want to purchase a cheap truck scale that is built on price and reaching a certain “price point”?

Focus on quality and the overall truck scale lifespan. Remember this is a scale that is going to have 80,000 lb vehicles driven over it everyday for years. Add in the outdoor elements and you want to make sure you buy a quality product that can last you two or three decades. Many times when customers choose a low end truck scale they often have to replace the scale much earlier than they would have with a traditional high quality truck scale.

Conclusion

Buying a truck scale whether it’s a 70 foot or 100 foot long is a large investment. It’s something that most folks only do once or twice in their professional career. Try to avoid the mistakes when purchasing a truck weighing scale that we have presented in this entry. By avoiding some of these common oversights many of you should be able to choose a high quality truck scale that will provide you with decades of quality weighing. If you would like to get buying advice or price quotes from us, please complete the RFQ form and we look forward to working with you.

CANNABIS… What Scales Do You Need for Production, Distributing, or Selling?

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Scale Man

Admittedly the topic of weed scales is not something we have always discussed here at CCS. But, the cannabis weighing and selling topic has become more popular over the past decade and therefore it’s something that we need to take a look at. When measuring cannabis, accuracy is crucial whether for personal use or professional sales. A reliable weed scale ensures precise measurements, compliance with regulations, and consistent quality. This article will guide you through choosing the best weed scale for your needs and maintaining it for accurate results.

Choosing the right cannabis scale — depends on your specific needs, whether it’s for personal use or compliance in a dispensary.
Legal-for-trade scales must be certified to meet regulatory standards, ensuring accurate measurements and protecting businesses from legal issues. (Contact your local or state officials for up to date regulations & recommendations regarding weighing marijuana for sale using scales)
Accurate measurements boost customer trust, optimize inventory management, and can significantly impact profit margins in the cannabis industry.

Types of Weed Scales

pallet jack scale for cannabis warehouse

Selecting an appropriate herb scale is essential for accurately measuring weed, and there are various types of scales specifically designed for cannabis. From compact, easily transportable pocket scales to larger tabletop units that comply with trade regulations, each kind fulfills a specific function. Understanding the available options will aid in choosing a medical marijuana scale ideally suited to your requirements.

Digital scales have become prevalent in the realm of cannabis measurement because they offer precision and ease of use. These encompass both electronic digital models and pocket-sized versions, all boasting unique attributes tailored towards different uses, such as the specialized digital herb scale.

Electronic Digital Scales

Digital scales play a crucial role in ensuring accurate measurements of cannabis, thereby maintaining consistent quality throughout every stage from cultivation to sale. These electronic scales can be operated via wall plug or rechargeable battery and are fundamental for reliable operation throughout the production process.

In various settings such as on benches, floors, or with pallet jacks, digital scale use is critical. They become particularly indispensable in dispensaries where adherence to legal-for-trade standards is paramount. The employment of a high-quality digital scale ensures compliance with these regulations.

In many harvesting or warehouse applications, it’s common to see items like bench scales or pallet jack scales for industrial weighing. Caring for these scales involves simple maintenance tasks like regular calibration and positioning them on firm surfaces to prevent measurement discrepancies. This basic upkeep helps preserve their accuracy and reliability over time.

Pocket Scales

Pocket-sized herb scales might be perfectly suited for measuring cannabis when mobility is key. These scales boast a compact and portable form, effortlessly slipping into a pocket, which makes them the go-to choice for personal use or limited-scale tasks. The intuitive nature of these scales attracts those who indulge occasionally.

These however are not our recommended choice for virtually any weighing application due mostly to their product longevity and overall lack of durability.

Legal for Trade Cannabis Scales

legal for trade weed scale

In the cannabis industry, accuracy isn’t just about quality—it’s also about compliance. Legal for trade cannabis scales are designed to meet strict regulatory standards, ensuring that your measurements are precise and legally compliant. These scales are essential for maintaining product integrity and avoiding legal penalties. Accuracy is crucial not only for product quality, but also for reporting obligations and legal requirements.

Legal-for-trade scales help businesses comply with federal and state regulations, preventing legal issues and building customer trust. With readability up to 0.01 grams, they are ideal for dispensaries and other cannabis-related businesses requiring high precision. Please note that we recommend you contact your state authorities and make sure what requirements they have regarding legal for trade scales and also do they require class I or class II scales.

Certification Standards

Weed scales utilized in commercial transactions must possess certification from either the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) or Measurement Canada, contingent upon local jurisdiction. Such endorsement confirms that these scales conform to rigorous criteria for measurement precision and dependability. Employing NTEP-certified scales allows cannabis enterprises to comply with legal trade norms, enabling precise weed measurements and legal exchanges.

Failure to abide by mandated certification standards can result in serious legal consequences that could negatively impact business activities and profit margins. It is imperative for businesses to consult with their respective state authorities regarding particular regulations before acquiring a scale.

Benefits for Dispensaries

For dispensaries, certified scales offer more than compliance—they ensure accurate transactions, minimize disputes, and enhance customer satisfaction. This precision helps avoid financial losses from miscalculations, improving profit margins.

Certified scales protect cannabis businesses from legal issues, ensuring regulatory compliance and smooth operations. Accurate scales help optimize inventory management, reduce waste, and maximize profits.

Top Weed Scale Models

legal for trade scale

In the burgeoning cannabis industry, identifying the top weed scales is paramount for ensuring accuracy in measurement and maintaining quality. Esteemed brands such as A&D, Intelligent, Ohaus, and Rice Lake command respect for their production of superior scales that guarantee precise readings essential to upholding product standards within the sector.

Among these noteworthy brands are distinctions in features tailored to diverse operational needs. For instance, Rice Lake’s offerings excel due to their durable construction apt for intense usage conditions while Ohaus is distinguished by its highly accurate measurements coupled with user-friendliness – attributes particularly appreciated by dispensary owners. Crucial it may be to select a scale based on its capabilities, one must not overlook local regulations – choosing a suitable model demands conformity with state-specific legalities.

By opting for trustworthy scales from any of these reputable scale manufacturers can significantly bolster your ability to measure cannabis effectively. Such devices offer dependable precision which aids not just in satisfying stringent regulatory requirements, but also safeguards businesses against potential infractions related to non-compliance.

How to Use a Weed Scale Correctly

Proper usage is key to getting the most from your weed scale. Place it on a flat, stable surface away from air vents or drafts to prevent reading fluctuations. Regular calibration is crucial for accuracy, especially if the scale is moved or used extensively.

Placing the scale near an air vent can cause reading fluctuations. Following these steps ensures accurate, consistent measurements, whether for personal use or dispensary sales.

Cleaning and Maintenance

It is crucial to maintain and clean your weed scale regularly to preserve its accuracy and extend its lifespan. Wipe it down with a gentle, dry cloth after every use in order to eliminate any particles. For a more comprehensive cleaning, employ a moist cloth but steer clear of abrasive chemicals that may lead to harm.

By consistently removing grime each day, you safeguard the long-term precision of the scale. By making these practices part of your daily routine, you ensure that your scale remains reliable and accurate over an extended period.

Advanced Features of Modern Weed Scales

stainless steel waterproof scales for cannabis harvesting

Contemporary weed scales are equipped with sophisticated capabilities that improve both user-friendliness and measurement precision. Numerous digital versions include a USB device, facilitating the transfer of data, which assists dispensaries in keeping precise inventory records and adhering to legal standards.

Not only do these enhancements increase the ease of use for scales, but they also bolster the accuracy of measurements. By acquiring these advanced scales, operations are made more efficient, guaranteeing consistently accurate weed measurements.

Why Accuracy Matters in the Cannabis Industry

Ensuring precise measurement of cannabis is crucial for adhering to legal regulations and maintaining conformity with weight requirements, thus preventing penalties associated with imprecise weight distribution. This precision fosters trust among consumers by guaranteeing that they get the exact quantity for which they’ve paid.

Minor variations in the accurate weighing of cannabis can accumulate, resulting in considerable monetary deficits over an extended period. These discrepancies have a direct effect on profit margins and the overall financial success of a business.

Ensuring Compliance

Accurate scales are crucial for compliance in the cannabis industry. They help maintain precise inventory records essential for regulatory purposes, improving traceability throughout the supply chain and ensuring legally sound transactions.

Reliable scales help cannabis businesses operate within the legal framework, benefiting operations and protecting against legal issues. Compliance maintains the integrity and reputation of the business.

Maximizing Profit

In the cannabis industry, having precise and accurate scales is essential for maximizing profits. Scales that are legal-for-trade safeguard businesses against financial losses by guaranteeing compliant and equitable transactions. Precise scaling of cannabis minimizes product wastage, which can notably affect profitability.

Ensuring consistent quality in the measurement of cannabis is vital for maintaining customer satisfaction and securing repeat patronage. By investing in dependable scales, businesses within the cannabis sector can enhance their operational efficiency and bolster their profit margins.

Quality Assurance

Precision in measurements is vital for maintaining cannabis product quality and consistency. Digital scales provide precise measurements down to the hundredth of a gram, essential for evaluating potency and ensuring accurate dosing. Legal-for-trade scales ensure customers receive the correct amount, enhancing customer satisfaction.

New cannabis industry quality standards emphasize proper processing and documentation. Precision weighing systems enhance operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory adherence and improving product quality and consistency.

Summary

It is essential to select the appropriate cannabis scale that guarantees precise measurements, adherence to legal requirements, and preservation of product quality. Knowing the diverse options for scales in the market and their advantages enables you to choose wisely for your specific demands.

Committing funds towards dependable, approved scales not only safeguards your venture from regulatory complications, but also boosts consumer trust and business gains. Precision in measurement serves as a fundamental component within the cannabis industry. Thus focusing on accuracy ensures both operational success and ethical practice.

What are the best brands for weed scales?

The best brands for weed scales are A&D, Intelligent, Ohaus, and Rice Lake, known for their precision and reliability. You can’t go wrong with any of these trusted names!

Why is it important for cannabis scales to be legal for trade?

For weighing applications in commercial situations, it’s crucial for cannabis scales to be legal for trade because they comply with regulatory standards, which helps avoid legal issues and ensures accurate transactions. This not only protects businesses, but also builds trust with customers.

How often should I have my scale checked and/or calibrate my weed scale?

You should check your scale at least once a month to make sure it is weighing correctly. You can do that with a certified test weight that we sell you or you can setup a regular scale check periodically with us. You will likely need to calibrate your weed scale regularly, especially if you move it around often or use it a lot. This way, you can ensure your measurements are always spot on.

What are some advanced features to look for in modern weed scales?

When shopping for modern weed scales, look for advanced features like USB connectivity for easy data transfer and enhanced measurement capabilities to ensure accuracy. A lot of scales in this environment need to be able to communicate with certain point of sale (POS) computer software for the cannabis market. These tools can really elevate your weighing experience!

How can I maintain my weed scale for long-term use?

To keep your weed scale in top shape, clean it regularly with a soft, dry cloth and make sure to have it checked and/or calibrate it often. Doing this will ensure accuracy and extend its lifespan.

Scales and Balances for the Cannabis Industry

As more states legalize marijuana for medical and/or recreational use, each part of the industry, from growers to dispensaries, must learn how to handle the additional focus and attention along the cannabis plant’s journey from planting the seed to reaching the actual consumer.

A big part of that process is actually weighing the product. With the high price tag per ounce attached to medical marijuana, it’s necessary to ensure that everyone is getting the correct amount.

Typical Cannabis Distribution Chain

Growers
Cultivate the plant and sometimes process the flower themselves but often sell the raw material to a processor, which also acts as a wholesaler.

Processors
Trim, dry and cure the plants to ready them for manufacture into consumer-ready products.

Manufacturers
Incorporate the processed material into products.

Dispensaries
Sell the finished product to patients and consumers.

At each level where consumer-destined cannabis is handled, the high-precision requirements for weighing are the same. Medical laboratories operate outside of the consumer-focused supply chain, but concentrate their efforts on researching all components of the cannabis plant to find their effects on the human body.

Cultivation and Harvest of Marijuana

Inventory management and profitability start at the growing facility. At this point counter top bench scales, floor scales, and pallet jack scales allow growers to capture the material handling weights at the field site, indoor growing facility, packaging plant or anywhere weight documentation is needed for cannabis logistics. Great for repetitive tasks while harvesting, loading and packing.

Processing and Extracting Cannabis

Our line of bench scales and check weighing scales are great for all the tasks of cannabis and hemp processing environments, including sanitary handling and consumer ready retail packaging. Our line of industrial scales are built well and priced right and best of all, can be custom ordered for an exact fit in just about any location and hold up to extreme cleaning procedures.

rice lake 1280

Cannabis processing, batching and automated production are taken a step further with our selection of Rice Lake 1280 digital weight indicators. Weight indicators perform a range of functions from batching to simple weight displaying to the most complex custom programming, communications and remote batch queuing. We can provide complete weighing and process control solutions for any operation from bulk batching to featherweight designer-strain derivatives.

What Kind of Scales are Required for Selling Medical Cannabis Inside Retail Shops & Dispensaries?

According to what we are hearing, in many states, scales and balances used for selling cannabis to consumers need to be NTEP Class II, meaning they must display results from 1 mg to 50 mg (0.05g) and have 10,000 – 100,000 divisions, or better. (For reference, Class I units have more than 100,000 divisions.) We suggest contacting your state weighing and measures department to determine what state and local requirements you will have to comply with.

In selling to the public, the balances must be NTEP certified legal-for-trade. This means the scale has been approved by NCWM and has a certificate of conformance number (CoC#) and is legally approved in the U.S. for buying or selling goods by weight.

Our lineup of CAS, Brecknell, Detecto, and Rice Lake retail scales are ideal for the point of sale (POS) or retail packaging counters in cannabis storefronts and dispensaries. Legal for Trade scales allow legal selling of products by weight from the scale, according to NTEP Certification for the highest level of accuracy in weight-based transactions.

Our retail scales for weed have data communicating options suitable for tracking, reporting and inventory management, and select models offer additional weight displays for transparency and customer confidence.

adam equinox analytical balance

Because dispensaries sell cannabis products in small amounts, readability of 0.01g is ideal to have. Medical laboratories often have a little more tolerance in terms of requirements since they don’t actually sell cannabis, but they often utilize balances with readability in the neighborhood of 0.0001g. For something like that, see the Adam Equipment Equinox Analytical Balance.

As with other applications – such as biopharmaceuticals or jewelry – the small amounts of cannabis sold in most transactions require a high degree of readability to protect both the buyer and seller. Popular NTEP approved weed scales available include the Adam Equipment Highland balance along with the Ohaus SJX1502N/E, Intelligent Vibra ALE-NC balance and A&D EK series of precision balances.

legal for trade ale-nc dispensary scale

To satisfy requirements for selling cannabis derivatives, edibles and topicals by weight, our selection of Rice Lake laboratory balances are ideal for the cannabis industry and can weigh derivatives precisely to 0.001 gram. Scale data connectivity for labeling and tracking compliance is available with RS-232, Bluetooth or USB port.

We hope this entry what scales do you need for production, distributing, or selling cannabis has helped you better understand this industry. We do recommend you contact your state weighing and measurements office to determine exactly what your particular requirements are because they can differ from state to state. If you need some assistance purchasing your industrial weighing equipment, please contact us (919) 776-7737.