Author Archives: Scale Man

What Materials are Industrial Scales Made From?

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If you’re new to searching for industrial scales basically you have several choices.  You can search around online. You can search through a material handling catalog or website. You can search on the mega website that sells everything or the auction website.  Or, you can simply contact your favorite industrial scale shop (Central Carolina Scale) and just tell us what you are looking for and we can probably get it for you.

The beauty of working with an actual scale company is a couple of things. First, you save time. You’re not wondering around websites or fumbling through catalogs trying to find affordable and accurate industrial scales. Secondly, you’re more than likely going to get, not just the correct item, but likely a PROVEN product recommendation, since selling and servicing scales is essentially all that a scale company does.  

What Materials are Industrial Scales Made Out of?

Anyway, getting to the actual point of today’s entry, what materials are industrial scales made out of?  Well, industrial scales are usually made out of a combination of plastic, carbon steel, and stainless steel.  

stainless steel portion weigher

This may seem confusing so let’s drill down a little bit further into this subject. Many entry level scales include a plastic or ABS enclosure weight indicator, such as the Transcell TI-500E for example. The scale platform the TI500 is connected to may be painted steel or stainless steel.  If you’re looking for a “waterproof” or as we like to call it washdown safe industrial scale system, those are normally constructed out of stainless steel. The Pennsylvania SS7800MAX Washdown Bench Scale is a good example.

So as you can see, industrial scales are often made of a variety of materials. The material you choose will likely be effected by what environment you will be using the scale and what price point you want to spend on purchasing the weighing scale system. If you’re looking to control costs, an ABS plastic scale system can be the most cost effective. On the opposite end of the line would be washdown stainless steel weighing scales. 

Before you spend hours looking all over for weighing scales, we recommend contacting our sales staff. Decades of experience usually equals a time savings for you and a great product recommendation. If you need assistance choosing an industrial scale, be sure to contact us (919) 776-7737 or you can complete our RFQ form on our website. 

How to Choose a Bench Scale

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Bench scales are everywhere and are used in various industries, such as shipping and receiving, manufacturing, and food processing. Bench scales generally have a compact footprint, making them ideal for processes with limited space. However there are various sized bench scales available from small portion control type scales up to large 24″x24″ scale platforms.

Selecting a bench scale seems pretty simple but there are actually a lot of things you need to consider before you make the purchase. Important things to consider include: platter type, capacity and size of the scale, accessories, industry requirements and manufacturer support.

Scale Material, Construction, & Enclosure
It is essential to ensure the bench scale’s construction is suitable for the environment. You should consider a stainless steel bench scale for applications involving corrosive materials or heavy washdowns. Stainless steel operates well in corrosive environments because it does not rust or corrode easily. For less demanding applications, a mild steel bench scale could be a comparable alternative to a stainless steel one.

cw-90x check weigh scale for commercial fishing

Bench Scale Platter Top
Another thing to consider when choosing a bench scale is the scale’s top: flat top, ball top or roller top. A flat-top bench scale is used in many diverse industries for general purposes. A ball-top bench scale has multiple moving cylinders built into the top that allows a package, for example, to be rolled on or off the scale in any direction. The roller-top bench scale has multiple rollers built into the top, allowing the item being weighed to move forward or backward along a production line.

Capacity and Size
Before choosing a bench scale, evaluate the items you will be weighing. Observe the dimensions and weight of the smallest and largest items to determine if the capacity and size of a single bench scale would be suitable. If not, you will need an additional scale to obtain accurate weighments. While choosing a bench scale, you should ensure the scale’s capacity is higher than the heaviest object that will be weighed.

Power Requirements
Most scales operate on standard 110VAC power.  However, do you plan on moving your bench scale to different locations?  Will all those locations have power nearby?  You may need a bench scale with rechargeable battery. 

Industry Requirements
When considering bench scale options, it is important to understand the installation guidelines required for approval. For example, selling goods based on weight involves a Legal for Trade installation, which requires the scale’s measurements first to be certified. This certification is performed by state certified scale technicians. Scales used in hazardous environments have additional certifications. The desired bench scale must meet the safety requirements for potentially explosive environments.

weight indicator

Bench Scale Accessories & Features
You should also consider the types of accessories you may need. Will your scale require any type of mobility or extra indicator columns? Depending on your manufacturer, they may be able to provide you with a portable bench scale or a mobile scale cart to securely hold your bench scale in place while providing extra mobility. A bench scale indicator column holds the associated indicator (if one is needed) above your bench scale for easy weight readings. You also want to consider things like LCD or LED displays and check weighing capability as well.

Manufacturer Support
Lastly, you should find a scale manufacturer and local scale dealership to support you during the selection process, installation, and regular calibration and scale maintenance. Rice Lake Weighing Systems works with an extensive network of authorized dealers like Central Carolina Scale who are ready to help you during the selection process. Rice Lake also offers in-house technical scale specialists who can assist with product selection and create custom bench scale solutions. Call our sales team (919) 776-7737 to get started designing your perfect bench scale system.

High Speed Packaging Equipment Designed to Weigh Products like Fish filets, Lobster Tails, Fresh Produce like Salads & Lettuce, Herbs, Jerky, and more!

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Ideal Combination Scale for Fixed Weight Packages

The TSD-N3 is a multihead weigher that offers simplified operation, faster weighing speeds, greatly improved connectivity to downstream packaging equipment, low maintenance, and easy cleaning, which will save your facility even more money on top of the money saved by reducing manual labor needed.

Yamato’s TSD-N3 semi-automatic multihead weighing machine, part of our line of semi automatic combination scales, is designed to weigh products like fish filets, lobster tails, fresh produce, herbs, jerky, and more.

 

Yamato TSD-N3 Semi-Automatic Multihead Weighing Machine

Whether you’re just starting out, currently packaging by hand, have products requiring special handling, or are interested in reducing manual labor by introducing this semi-automatic weighing solution, Contact us to speak with one of our scale experts today.

Semi-Automatic Multihead Weighing & Filling Machine Features

  • Belt-conveyor system utilizes a short drop, minimizing damage to fragile products

  • Able to run sticky items
  • Speeds up to 50 weighments per minute to improve productivity
  • Modular construction
  • Conveyors and components can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance
  • Space-saving design allows for easy movement and works well in facilities with lower ceiling heights
  • Conveyor belt options to accommodate various products to best suit your production needs
  • 10.4-inch intuitive touchscreen color display
  • Data acquisition for monitoring productivity and operational goals
  • Store up to 100 programs in memory
  • IP65 rated washdown
For Weighing
  • Fragile products
  • Leafy greens
  • Fresh herbs
  • Meat products
  • Seafood
  • Poultry
  • Pet treats
  • Vacuum-packaged goods
  • And more!

Fresh Produce

Yamato offers a variety of weighing options for fresh produce applications including salad and leafy products, baby carrots, tomatoes, and other hard-to-handle fruits and vegetables. We offer gentle product-handling features for delicate products like a minimal-drop conveyor on our semi-automatic weighers.

yamato packaging conveyor scale

Built for food safety, hygienic models are available for washdown environments to comply with high sanitary standards. Yamato combination scales are designed for quick and easy cleaning, minimizing any downtime.

When paired with a scale, the Yamato Automatic Diving Funnel (ADF) is an ideal solution for filling trays with produce.

Yamato can weigh:

  • Leafy greens: Romaine, Bibb, and Iceberg lettuce, spinach, kale
  • Salad mixes
  • Fresh fruits: strawberries, blueberries, apples, various melons
  • Fresh vegetables: baby carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, radishes, potatoes 
  • And more

Meat Products

Yamato can weigh meat including diced, cubed, shredded, large piece, and large bulk products. 

High-speed models are available and combination weighers can be paired with VFFS, HFFS, or multiple-point discharge packaging machines such as tray, cup, bowl, and thermoform machines for various package styles and sizes. Hygienic washdown scales help you maintain your production sanitation standards necessary in the food industry.

When paired with a combination scale, the Yamato Multi-Point Depositor is an ideal solution for filling trays and single-serve snack trays with meat-snack products.

Yamato can weigh:

  • Jerky
  • Shredded meats
  • Diced meats
  • Cubed meats
  • Beef sticks
  • Pepperoni
  • And more

Scales for Weighing Seafood

Do NTEP Approved Medical Scales Actually Exist?

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In many commercial applications weighing scales need to meet NTEP standards for buying and selling based on the scale weight. However, for many medical weighing scenarios there really are no guidelines. So, it might actually be a good idea to buy NTEP approved medical scales. But the question then becomes, are there any NTEP Medical Scales in the marketplace?  Well, it turns out yes there are NTEP approved medical scales available.

DETECTO has received NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program) approval administered by the National Conference on Weights & Measures for most of their major medical scales. How does this help you as the consumer? This verifies from a regulated governing body that Detecto scales are manufactured to the highest accuracy and quality possible for medical scales used to treat patients.

wheelchair scale

DETECTO is currently the only medical scale manufacturer with NTEP verified weighing accuracy. This is the same verification process used by gas pumps and commercial food weighing standards. The unsaid dirty secret of medical scales is that actual accuracy varies wildly among our medical scale competitors and your weight on one scale will differ greatly from another. DETECTO is leading the new standard in nationally-regulated medical scales. Why trust the most important thing in life with anything less: the life of your patients.

The only medical scale manufacturer with US compliant scales held to NTEP weights and measures standards. This NTEP accreditation means DETECTO scales have been subjected to 100,000 weighing cycles and maintained strict accuracy in a variety of testing temperatures. The DETECTO name has always stood for quality and durability more than anyone else. Now we have the credentials to prove it!

 

Is your Medical Scale NTEP approved?

We’ve all used scales that are NTEP certified when buying bananas at the farmers market since it’s critical for the weight to be accurate between the buyer and seller of the bananas. And yet a pediatric scale weighing our baby or a physician scale weighing us before surgery for assigning dosages isn’t held to the same criteria as a bunch of fruit or vegetables. DETECTO is at the forefront of leading this monumental change in patient care and offers a wide selection of NTEP-approved medical scales listed below.

Legal Compliance = Accuracy & Consistency

An NTEP-certified medical scale provides highly accurate and consistent readings, crucial in medical settings where precise weight measurements are necessary for patient care and medication dosing. This accreditation assures you that you are receiving the highest-quality scale available on the market. Look for the NTEP stamp of approval on your next medical scale.

Select from NTEP approved baby scales, physician scales, wheelchair scales, bariatric scales, and chair scales. Contact the sales team (919) 776-7737 to get started.

Using Weighing Scales to Make Life Easier

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Using scales to streamline your process is a great idea. Streamlining your process often removes daunting tasks that eat at labor hours, removes stress, and inconsistencies, and usually adds to overall profits.

Did you know that industrial style electronic weight scales can be used for much more than just weighing pallets or products. They can be used to control batches, monitor the use of materials, fill containers, and even help maintain records of your process.

Process Improvement Weighing Scales Example

You have a machine that uses oil from a 55-gallon barrel as it is running. If the barrel empties before it is noticed, it can cause downtime to the machine. The operator knows the barrel will last between 2 to 3 days and is consistently checking it because they know that if it empties it could be a bad day for production and themselves because they let it run dry.

btek t403s weight display

Process Improvement Weighing Scale Solution

Use a drum scale, set up with a B-Tek T403S weight indicator, programmed in fill/discharge mode, and equipped with an audible stack light. This will alert the operator when the barrel is close to empty. Two scales could be set up to switch from the empty barrel to the full barrel alerting the operator while giving more time to change the barrel out.

This removes a daunting task from the operator, gives them confidence and security, frees up their time to do other things, and adds consistency to continuous machine operation. Using the scale to help maintain a record of its use could help identify low/high consumption possibly pinpointing process issues.

The possibilities of streamlining using industrial scales are endless and could be a possible benefit in many situations. The next time your scale service technician stops by, ask them if they see anything that may help streamline your process using a scale. You may be surprised at what they can come up with.

How Accurate are Body Fat Scales? Key Insights and Facts

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Body fat scales are a popular tool for tracking body composition, but just how accurate is a body fat scale? These devices use bioelectrical impedance to estimate fat percentage, yet their accuracy can vary. This article examines how they work, the factors affecting their accuracy, and how they compare to other methods.

Important Points to Consider

  • Body fat scales use Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to estimate body fat percentage, but results are considered estimates rather than precise measurements.

  • Factors like hydration levels and foot positioning can significantly affect the accuracy of body fat readings, so consistency in measurement conditions is important.

  • While body fat scales offer convenience for tracking body composition at home, more accurate methods like DEXA scans exist, which provide a clearer picture of fat and lean mass distribution.

How Do Body Fat Scales Work?

body composition analyzer

Body fat scales utilize a technology called Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). This method is used to estimate body composition. When you step onto a seca body fat scale, it sends a light electric current through your body. This process helps measure your body fat percentage. This current travels through different tissues at varying speeds due to their different water content. For instance, muscle and fat have different conductivity levels, which BIA can detect.

The scale measures the resistance faced by the electrical impulse. This occurs as it travels through your body. This resistance, known as impedance, helps calculate fat mass and fat-free mass. BIA assumes that 73% of the body’s fat-free mass is water, which is crucial for accurate calculations.

To improve accuracy, body fat scales take into account factors such as height, weight, age, and gender. These variables help the scale provide more personalized estimates of measuring body fat percentage. Additionally, body fat measurement scales often measure other metrics like muscle mass and water percentage, providing a more comprehensive view of your body composition.

While body fat scales work well for many people, it’s essential to understand that they provide estimates rather than exact measurements. They are validated for accuracy through comparisons with methods like whole-body MRI and the four-component model for fat-free mass. However, certain factors can still affect their readings, which we’ll explore next.

 

Factors Affecting Scale Accuracy

Hydration levels are one of the most significant factors that can influence the accuracy of body fat scales. Several other factors can also play a role in determining this accuracy. If you’re dehydrated, the scale might overestimate your body fat percentage. Conversely, overhydration can lead to an underestimation of body fat.

Another critical factor is foot position. Proper surface contact between your feet and the scale’s electrodes is necessary for reliable measurements. Incorrect foot positioning or leg flexion during the measurement can lead to inaccuracies. Accurate readings require correct foot placement and standing still during measurements.

Other factors like body temperature, humidity, and the quality of the scale itself can also affect accuracy. Higher body weight can exacerbate errors, and using the scale on a hard, flat surface can help avoid inaccuracies. Maintaining consistency in measurement conditions, such as the time of day and hydration levels, helps in obtaining reliable results.

Comparing Body Fat Scales to Other Methods

body fat scale charts and online data

When it comes to measuring body composition, body fat scales are just one option among many. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans are often considered the gold standard because they measure fat, lean tissue, and bone with high accuracy. However, they can be expensive and not as accessible as body fat scales.

Other methods include hydrostatic weighing, which compares your weight on land to your underwater weight, and skinfold measurements, which use calipers to measure subcutaneous fat. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks. For instance, hydrostatic weighing is accurate but requires special equipment and can be uncomfortable. Skinfold measurements are more accessible but depend heavily on the user’s expertise.

Body fat scales offer the convenience of home use and the ability to track body composition trends over time. However, they may not differentiate well between fat and muscle, potentially leading to misleading results. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each method can help you choose the best approach for your needs.

Pros and Cons of Using Body Fat Scales

seca 777

Body fat scales provide a mix of advantages and disadvantages. While they offer a convenient and user-friendly way to measure body composition at home, they also come with potential inaccuracies and limitations. Let’s look into these pros and cons in more detail.

Advantages

One of the primary advantages of body fat scales is their user-friendliness. They can be easily incorporated into daily routines, allowing users to monitor their body composition regularly without needing to visit a professional.

These scales also provide a convenient way to track changes in body fat percentage over time. Tracking trends instead of single readings helps users understand their progress and stay motivated towards their health and fitness goals.

Additionally, body fat scales enable users to track their fitness progress independently, without the need for professional assistance. This can be particularly empowering for individuals who prefer managing their health in their own home.

Disadvantages

Despite their advantages, body fat scales do have their downsides. The readings from these scales should be treated as rough estimates rather than absolute values. Various factors, such as hydration levels and foot positioning, can significantly affect the reliability of the readings.

Sudden fluctuations in body fat scale readings might not truly represent changes in body fat. This can result in confusion for individuals monitoring their progress. It’s essential to focus on long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations.

Moreover, body fat scales do not account for important health metrics such as bone density, muscle mass, and visceral fat levels. While they can be useful for tracking general baseline measurements, they are not as precise as advanced testing methods.

Tips for Getting the Most Accurate Readings

To get the most accurate readings from your body fat scale, consistency is key. Using the same scale consistently and under similar conditions can help minimize discrepancies over time. Following the instruction manual ensures proper use of the device.

Proper positioning, surface contact, and keeping legs straight during measurements enhance accuracy. Ensure that your feet are correctly placed on the electrodes and that you stand still during the measurement process.

Using validated reference datasets that account for age, gender, ethnicity, and BMI can improve accuracy. These datasets help in quickly identifying weight-related health risks and provide more precise body composition readings.

Alternative Methods for Measuring Body Fat

In addition to body fat scales, various other methods exist for assessing body fat. These alternatives provide different ways to measure body composition. DEXA scans, for example, are highly accurate and measure fat, lean tissues, and bone. The Bod Pod, which assesses body fat by measuring an individual’s weight and volume, is another method.

The right method depends on accessibility, required precision, and personal preferences. Handheld bioelectrical impedance devices and skinfold measurements offer convenient options for those seeking simplicity. 

The Role of Body Fat Percentage in Health

Body fat percentage is a critical indicator of overall health, often providing more insight than Body Mass Index (BMI). Unlike BMI, which does not differentiate between fat and lean body mass, body fat percentage gives a clearer picture of how much fat you carry relative to your total body weight.

Knowing your body fat percentage aids in assessing health risks like heart disease, diabetes, and other obesity-related conditions. An increase in body fat percentage over time should be discussed with your medical provider to assess potential health implications.

While indirect methods like bioelectrical impedance can have larger predictive errors compared to direct methods, they still play an important role in tracking body composition trends. Choosing the right measurement technique based on individual circumstances is essential for accurate health assessments.

Overall Summary

Body composition analyzers offer a convenient and user-friendly way to track body composition at home. While they provide valuable insights, it’s important to understand their limitations and the factors that can affect their accuracy. Comparing body fat scales with other methods can help you choose the best approach for your needs.

Ultimately, monitoring body fat percentage is crucial for assessing health risks and setting fitness goals. By making informed decisions and using the right measurement techniques, you can take control of your health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do body fat scales work?

Body fat scales work by sending a small electric current through your body and measuring the resistance to estimate your body composition. It’s a quick and easy way to check your body fat levels.

What factors can affect the accuracy of body fat scales?

The accuracy of body fat scales can be influenced by factors like hydration levels, foot position, and the quality of the scale itself. Paying attention to these can help you get a more reliable reading!

How do body fat scales compare to other methods like DEXA scans?

Body fat scales are convenient for home use, but DEXA scans generally deliver a more accurate and detailed assessment of your body composition. 

What are the main advantages of using body fat scales?

Using body fat scales makes it easy to monitor your body composition regularly from the comfort of your home, helping you stay on top of your health trends. They’re convenient and user-friendly, providing valuable insights into your fitness journey.

Are body fat scale readings always accurate?

Body fat scale readings should be seen as rough estimates. It’s better to focus on long-term trends rather than individual readings for a clearer picture of your body composition.

For information on our seca mBCA 554 Body Composition Scale and others please complete our RFQ form on our website.

What are Weigh Modules and Weigh Bar Kits?

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Sometimes we throw around the terms weigh modules, load cell kits, and weigh bar kits and we don’t realize that some folks might not completely understand what weigh modules are actually.

In most cases a weigh module kit is usually either 2, 3, or 4 load cells & load cell mounts along with load cell cable and a junction box with summing board. Purchasing the correct weigh module kit can make adding a scale to weigh your existing vessel or hopper much easier.

Our extensive range of load cells and weigh modules allows our customers to create personalized systems no matter what industry they are in. We have an unbelievable selection of load cells and mounts, including B-Tek, Avery Weigh-Tronix, Anyload, Transcell, Locosc, Zemic, Coti Global, Rice Lake, Vishay brand Celtron, Flintec, Interface, Emery Winslow, Revere Transducers, Sensortronics, Tufner, and Tedea-Huntleigh.

You’re Installing The Best Weighing Equipment

Whether we’re installing some of our favorite Rice Lake Weighing Systems weigh modules which incorporate experienced engineering and design or the Coti Global load cell kits that are in stock and often save the day, you can rest assured we focus on providing quality and accurate load cell kits for tanks and vessels.

We offer a variety of load cell tank mount assemblies from various suppliers. Kits are available with gross capacities from 1,500 to 300,000 lbs. and are produced in zinc plated carbon steel and 304 stainless steel. Mounting kits can be used with vertical / horizontal storage tanks, bulk material hoppers, product mixers, and any type of weighbridge platform. Load cells are available in plated steel, stainless steel and hermetically sealed stainless steel. Our tank mount assemblies are constructed to provide the highest level of accuracy, repeatability and long life performance.

We consider factors such as working environment, loading conditions and other design specifications to help you find the best solution. We currently offer over 20 different mount styles, including things like waterproof weigh modules.

And on top of that, we also offer an outstanding selection of strain gauge load cells manufactured to the highest quality standards, our mounts are built complete with everything you need, backed by unbeatable factory support.

Custom Load Cell and Mount Specialists

As you probably already know, Central Carolina Scale offers one of the most comprehensive selections of load cells, mounts and sensors available in the United States.

Have a unique requirement that needs custom solution? We also have weigh module kits that include:

• Customized load cells and mounts
• Special coatings—SURVIVOR® coating for use in hazardous chemical environments
• Customized cable lengths
• Special cable—PTFE load cell cable for harsh environments

Choosing the Correct Weigh Module

The wide variety of weigh modules available can make it challenging to determine the differences and what system is best for your application. Most weigh module uses can be classified into one of three categories:

• Suspended Weighing
• Vessel Weighing
• Truck Scale Weighing

Complete Mounting Kits
Complete mounting kits are available with our weigh modules, simplifying the selection and installation processes. Each kit comes with a detailed installation manual and an analog junction box with cable assembly, eliminating the need to order separate parts.

All standard weigh module kits include the required load cell(s), junction box, mounting hardware and cable, but can be customized to meet your exact needs. All you really need to add is the appropriate digital weight indicator and you have a complete weighing system.

Suspended Weighing

Suspended weigh modules support load cells that are hung vertically and measure through tension, such as in suspended hoppers. Suspended weigh modules are available in stainless or mild steel.

Featuring a clevis and rod-end ball-joint assembly, the ITCM mount is half the overall length of traditional s-beam tension mounts. This unique design consistently corrects loading alignment, even in difficult applications.

hopper load cell mounts

The load cell is completely isolated from stray currents using PTFE-lined rod ends and a grounding strap which provides an alternative path to ground. Use in single or multiple module configurations. Most capacities are NTEP approved. Available in Alloy Steel (100 to 20,000 pounds) and Stainless Steel (100 to 5,000 pounds).

Vessel Weighing

Available in either stainless or painted mild steel, we offer a variety of models and configurations for weighing tanks, vessels and other fixed containers. Below are some of the more popular choices. 

Utilizing a unique self-checking sliding-pin design, the EZ Mount 1 allows for thermal expansion and contraction and controlled scale-deck movement with minimal friction. FM approved load cells make this module ideal for intrinsically safe, explosion-proof, and medium to heavy-capacity tank and hopper functions. EZ Mount 1 Series is available in stainless steel and hermetically sealed variations as well as an NTEP Certified mild and stainless steel design.

The RL1600 is a low-profile, bolt-in-place model for mounting directly to a tank without additional mounting plates or load buttons. Self-checking movement tolerates thermal expansion and contraction and provides lift-off protection. RL1600 Series is well-suited for medium to heavy capacity tanks, bins, hoppers and general dry ingredient and bulk material management.

vessel weighing

The low-profile, IP67 rated, RL9000 TWM maximizes space and offers an all in one package with optimal top plates to minimize installation time. This module delivers accurate readings even while off level by as much as 3°. RL9000 TWM has self-centering in all directions with 100% uplift protection that provides extreme durability. Rice Lake’s RL9000 TWM-HT adds an enhanced FEP cable with special strain gauges and other components that withstand temperatures as high as 400°F.

Combining self-checking and multi-directional movement capabilities, the RL1800 tolerates platform and tank movement in all directions. The center-pivoted, tension-loading design incorporates spherical washers for self-centering. A load is suspended on a high-strength bolt instead of the traditional wire rope, providing added durability. The RL1800 is NTEP and OIML (on request) approved.

The stainless steel RL1900 Series Weigh Module Kit utilizes several Rice Lake Weighing Systems components to provide an unmatched level of performance. The RL1900 Kit is ideally suited for tank, hopper and bin weighing operations with medium-range capacities. Each module combines multi-directional movement and self-checking capabilities. The welded-seal stainless steel load cell withstands corrosive washdown environments. The RL1900 Series is NTEP approved.

The RL50210 TA is a cost-effective solution for indoor applications with low checking requirements and moderate shock. This popular design utilizes neoprene isolation / compression mounts, allowing for minor misalignments, expansion, contraction and shock absorption. RL50210 TA is available in either stainless steel or zinc-plated mild steel and is NTEP Certified in most capacities.

Hydrostatic Tank, Silo, Hopper and Vessel Weighing Systems 

In addition to the standard strain gauge weigh modules we’ve mentioned earlier, we also have the Emery Winslow Scale Company Tank, Silo, Hopper and Vessel weighing systems which are the perfect solution for high accuracy weighing performance in the most extreme and challenging environments, because of innovative HYDROSTATIC technology.

This legendary technology ensures a lifetime of high performance, virtually eliminating the need for load cell replacements. Emery Winslow’s HYDROSTATIC load cells are designed to withstand all real-world environmental factors and abuse encountered in tank or vessel weighing scenarios. Whether it’s a 1,000-lb or a massive 1,000,000-lb load, Emery Winslow offers a tailored HYDROSTATIC vessel weigh system to meet your specific needs.

Emery Winslow’s exclusive Hydrostatic technology, combines state-of-the-art electronic
instrumentation with virtually indestructible Hydrostatic load cells for a system with no
electronics in the area of greatest potential abuse – the scale platform. This design allows the weight signals to be transmitted to a clean, controlled area where the signals are totalized and converted into a single electronic signal, which in turn drives the scale’s digital weight indicator.

All electronic components remain isolated from environmental factors, ensuring their safety and longevity. With Emery Winslow, you can trust that your tank or vessel weighing system will deliver unparalleled durability and accuracy, even in the harshest conditions.

Industries served include: Meat, poultry and seafood processing, Chemicals, solvents and acids, Food processing and manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, supplements and nutraceuticals, Aerospace, defense contractors and munitions, Paper, printing, ink and paint manufacturing, Distilleries and high-grade alcohol producers and more. 

Truck Weighing Modules
These modules are best suited for weighbridge designs but meet the needs of a broad range of industrial scale applications.

truck scale weigh modulesBuilt to withstand the most punishing environments, MVS mounts use center-loaded double-ended shear beam load cells to eliminate the need for costly check rods. The result is a pendulum effect that removes binding, protects the load cell from damaging side loads and automatically returns the scale to dead center. The mild steel MVS is easy to install and promises high performance and long life.

Meanwhile, the Translink parallel-link truck scale assembly permits free movement in all directions on a horizontal plane while the pendulum action of the links quickly return the scale to center. No need for costly check rods; simply install platform bumpers and forget about over-travel. This painted alloy-steel assembly is ideal for heavy capacity weighbridges and horizontal tanks.

Load Cells
With the largest selection of quality strain gauge load cells available in stock, nobody offers faster, more reliable service. Whether you need a replacement load cell or a load cell for a unique application, we’ve probably got a solution in stock. Our knowledgeable customer service staff can answer your questions and help you select the best load cells for any weighing application. From tank and hopper weighing to bulk material management or mechanical scale conversions, we provide unmatched service for our customers.

Load Cell Types

Single Point
Single point load cells are similar to single-ended beams but designed for lighter capacity applications such as bench scales. Single point load cells are most commonly constructed of aluminum with capacities ranging from 1 to 1,000 kilograms. Popular choices in this range include the Tedea Huntleigh 1042, 1022, 1250 and 1260. 

Double-Ended Beam
A double-ended beam load cell is secured at both ends with the load applied to the center. Double-ended beam load cells come in a variety of constructions with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 250,000 pounds. Popular choices in this style include the Rice Lake RL75058, Revere Transducers 5103, and Sensortronics 65040A.

Single-Ended Beam
A single-ended beam load cell is secured at one end with the load applied to the opposite end. Construction can either be mild or stainless steel with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 pounds. Lots of popular choices in this style include the Transcell SBS, Anyload 563YH, Rice Lake RL30000, Celtron SQB, Sensortronics 65023A, and Revere Transducers 5123.

S-Beam
S-beam load cells are most commonly used to suspend a weighing vessel with tension applied through stretching. Capacities typically range from 25 to 40,000 pounds. Popular choices in this range include the Coti Global CG-SB, Revere Transducers 363, Rice Lake RL20000, RL20001, Transcell BSS, and Zemic H3G.

Canister Type
Canister type load cells are cylindrical load cells with force applied vertically in tension or compression. These load cells are ideal for heavy-capacity and environmentally demanding applications with capacities ranging from 20,000 to 500,000 pounds. Popular choices in this style include the Cardinal AC50K, B-Tek CPD and CPR, and Revere Transducers CSP. 

Weigh Bar
We have to mention the Avery Weigh-Tronix Weigh Bar before we wrap this weigh module entry up. The Weigh Bar’s design provides inherent strength and overload protection, while also providing accuracy and high reliability.

The Weigh Bar is one of the most robust weight transducers, with millions of installations worldwide in the past forty years.

It is ideal for: truck scales, floor scales, hopper and tank weighing, particularly in the food, chemical and agriculture industries. High capacity load sensing device, suitable for most industrial environments Environmentally sealed and features worldwide approvals. It is available in capacities from 45kg to 450,000 kg or 100lb to 1,000,000 lb.

It’s available in various kits including: BSS Batching Weigh Bars, BWB Batching Weigh Bars, DEBWB Double Ended Batching Weigh Bars, HSWB Weigh Bar, ITA Weighing Assemblies, and LPBWB Batching Weigh Bar. 

Thoughts and Recommendations on Weigh Modules

As you can see, we have lots of different choices when it comes to weighing tanks, vessels or hoppers. Many folks choose one of the standard weigh module kits we’ve mentioned above. Certain locations such as food processing businesses could benefit from the hydrostatic choices or a weigh bar system. Alternatively, the hydrostatic and weigh-bar choices are more specialized and you could run into a situation where parts are not as readily available and/or certain scale companies might not have the expertise to install or support the items.

Ultimately our recommendation to you is to contact us (919) 776-7737 and spend some time discussing either on the phone or email about your particular requirements. We’ve sold and installed many of these tank mounts over the years and certain systems are better for certain situations. Contact us to get started!

 

 

Industrial Scale Service Cost Guide & Recommendations

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There is no doubt about it, an accurate weight scale is an essential device for just about any company. And it’s extremely important to any company who directly uses scales in their daily process.

I’m sure you’ve probably seen the online calculators that compute scale accuracy versus dollars lost due to inaccurate scales. If you haven’t, be sure to checkout B-Tek’s calculator page with all the scale calculators. It can really make you think, or better yet obsess, about your scale accuracy!

It doesn’t take much of an error for a company to lose hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Of course that multiplies each day the scale isn’t weighing correctly. And in most cases if a company would just invest a little in their scale maintenance, a lot of these weighing errors could be virtually eliminated or at least they could be reduced quite a bit.

comparing truck scale quotes from different scale manufacturers

In our experience, if most companies that own truck scales would invest in a quarterly scale check and stick with a consistent scale cleanout (or pit cleaning) schedule, many of the scale errors and downtime could be greatly reduced. This would hopefully eliminate one of the big culprits which is buildup under the weighbridge.

Scale Maintenance Programs

If you think about the hundreds or even thousands of dollars of lost revenue from scale errors, a scale maintenance program becomes an easy decision to agree with.

It’s not just companies with truck scales. Every company out there usually has either UPS shipping scales or parts counting scales or pallet scales…. all of them could stand to have their scales checked at least a couple of times a year.

Most companies that come to us looking for scale repair or calibration often choose to work with us on a regular basis. They understand the benefits of having accurate scales and they like receiving discounted prices on certain things. Regular scheduled maintenance is great because you don’t have to think about having your scales checked. They are automatically checked by our skilled and experienced state certified scale technicians at certain intervals throughout the year. 

When we talk about scale service and the costs, one of the factors that you have to consider is certified test weights. When CCS goes to your site and checks your scales, we are bringing certified test weights to check your scales. The weights cost money and the yearly certification costs money as well. And when we are talking about checking truck scales, now we are getting into 1000 pound test weights and the cost to purchase those weights and to certify those. Did you know that at the time of this article, the price of item 12850 which is a 1,000lb ASTM Class 6 Cast Iron Painted Weight is $5000?  Each?

scale repair and maintenance

Scale Service & Repair Prices

So the point of this entry is to look at service prices. In most cases a scale service trip is likely going to be somewhere around half a day to a day in most cases. Pricing for this could be anywhere from around $320 to well over $1000.

This will vary depending on how far the location is from headquarters and how many scales need to be checked and/or repaired. Other cost factors will depend on how many scale technicians are needed for the work and which vehicle is needed. For example, do you need a small van or truck with max 50 lb weights or do you need a large test truck with cart and 1000 lb weights?

We hope this Industrial Scale Service Cost Guide & Recommendations entry has helped you understand some of the benefits of having your scales checked regularly and some of the pricing involved in that. If you need more assistance or want to get a quote on having your scales checked, be sure to call (919) 776-7737 or complete the RFQ form on our website to get started.  

How to Buy Professional Grade Food Service Kitchen Scales

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Where do you start when shopping for a commercial grade food service kitchen scale? When purchasing a scale for your kitchen or restaurant, the options can be overwhelming.

We offer a range of foodservice scales that can be used for a variety of weighing needs including portion control, batching, and even parts counting. In order to determine which scale is best for you, start by asking yourself the following questions.

First, start with basic application questions about how you will be using the commercial kitchen scale. What do you want to do with the scale? What weight capacity are you looking for? What weight increments will you need the scale to read in? For example a hundredth of a pound or a tenth of a pound.  Will you need the scale to read in pounds, ounces, kilograms, grams, or pounds and ounces? Will you be buying or selling over this scale? If so, your scale will need to be legal for trade. Will your scale need to be NSF certified?

mechanical dial scale for food prep

Then, ask yourself more product specific questions about what requirements your scale will need to meet. Do you need a stainless steel scale? Will you be washing the scale down? And if so, how often? How large of a weighing platform will you need? Will the scale need to be readable from a distance? Are there any other functions you’re looking for? Such as Checkweighing, grading, piece counting, etc.

 

Other questions to ask yourself include: Are you looking for a scale with communication capability? Such as USB, Serial, Bluetooth, etc.) Will the scale be picked up and/or moved frequently? Is update speed or filtering a factor in weighing your products? Would a bowl on your scale make weighing easier? If so, do you want the bowl permanently attached? Or do you need it to be removable?

Are Mechanical or Digital Kitchen Scales Better?

We offer a variety of Yamato mechanical and digital scale models. Choosing between mechanical and digital often comes down to personal preferences, yet there are distinct advantages to each option.

Mechanical Scales operate without power, cords, or cumbersome setups. This makes them effortlessly portable. These scales are durable and some can even withstand regular washdowns.

digital portion scale for washdown weighing

Digital Scales are renowned for their accuracy and rapid measurement capabilities. While they require power, they offer versatility with multiple measurement units such as pounds, ounces, kilograms, and gram modes. Furthermore, they often come equipped with advanced features like check weighing, grading, and batching to cater to more diverse needs. Water resistant options are also available.

Answering the questions outlined in this video and considering if you prefer a mechanical scale or a digital scale is a good place to start when shopping for a new commercial kitchen scale. Our commercial weighing experts can help guide you to the right scale model that will best meet your needs. Complete the RFQ form on our website to get started. 

One Key Feature to Look For in Your Medical Scales: Connectivity

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When facilities look to purchase new medical scales, some buyers may ask: “Does the product have connectivity?”

When a device has “connectivity” it means the product can send data to another device, such as a vital sign monitor or a PC. This connection to another device can work in variety of ways such as integration partnerships between device manufacturers or Bluetooth pairing. When data is sent from a device, a medical scale for example, to the secondary connected device, the information can then be saved into a patient’s electronic medical record. This direct transmission of patient measurements has several benefits in the healthcare environment.

With no handwritten data to transcribe, sending data electronically can eliminate manual errors such as inputting a decimal point in the wrong place or entering an incorrect digit in a weight measurement. Having a correct weight entered into a patient record is especially critical in areas of care where medication dosage relies on an accurate weight measurement. Direct data transmission also greatly improves efficiency. When data is sent automatically into a patient record this saves the caregiver valuable time by not having to manually enter the information. Automatic data entry can also standardize the way patient information is recorded.

 

For example, using a connected kilograms only scale means patient weights will only be transmitted and recorded in kg units. This is beneficial not only for standardized data but also for safety where weight-based dosing is being used. Healthcare facilities evaluate new equipment based on several features and connectivity is often an important attribute. How a new device will integrate into a facility’s workflow and system should also be considered.

portable HOM medical scale for wheelchair

Choosing a supplier that offers several options to meet the provider’s needs is ideal. Our selection of high quality Health o Meter Professional scales provides several connectivity solutions for transmitting weight, height, and BMI measurements to vital sign monitors, computers, and EMR systems. These solutions enhance healthcare facility workflow efficiency, patient safety, and provide a quick and simple method to record patient information.

Learn more about our many connectivity solutions by completing the RFQ form on our website.