Author Archives: Scale Man

Moisture Analyzers are the Secret to Success

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moisture balancesDid you ever wonder why your favorite potato chips always have just the right amount of crispness?

Or why your powdered laundry detergent always leaves your clothes smelling of the same freshness?

 

 

The answers to these questions – and quality & consistency of many consumer goods – are dependent upon the moisture content of these products, and Ohaus moisture analyzers can help to ensure quality through precise moisture determination. Many industries rely on moisture analysis to ensure the quality of the goods we use, and consume, daily.

Medicine
Precise moisture analysis is critical to pharmaceutical manufacturing because the moisture content in bulk drugs and intermediates has a direct influence on the quality of the next step in production.

Food
Moisture analysis is critical to quality, taste, and shelf life of many foods. Moisture balances ensure quality at every stage of food production, ensuring tasty and safe final products reach the consumer.

Agriculture
The level of moisture in agricultural goods is key to determining the price of the goods. The accurate and repeatable results produced by moisture analyzers can help ensure fair commerce.

Finally, for a limited time Ohaus is actually rewarding customers with iTunes gift codes for each purchase of MB45 or MB35 Moisture Balances. Contact us at 919-776-7737 for details.

Headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, Ohaus Corporation manufactures an extensive line of high-precision electronic and mechanical balances and scales that meet the weighing needs of virtually every industry. Ohaus is a global leader in the laboratory, industrial, and education channels as well as a host of specialty markets, including the food preparation, pharmacy and jewelry industries. An ISO 9001:2008 manufacturer, OHAUS products are precise, reliable and affordable, and are backed by industry-leading customer support.

Brecknell ElectroSamson Official Scale of Major League Fishing

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Brecknell recently announced their new partnership as the official scale sponsors of Major League Fishing’s 2013 event. Major League Fishing is one of the new highlights of the sporting calendar for many anglers, with 24 of the world’s premiere competitive bass fishing anglers coming together to compete in high-intensity angling competitions over the month of September. With the ‘New Game, New Rules and No Limits’ slogan, the competition winner is the competitor with the highest total weight caught over the course of the competition.

With accuracy and weight being the key deciding factor for the victor, Major League Fishing chose Brecknell’s ElectroSamson as the best portable scale for the job. So, if you’re in the market for a digital fishing scale that is both portable and affordable, this is your ideal weighing solution.

fisherman using handheld brecknell scale to weigh fishThe ElectroSamson is a hand held electronic digital balance which can be used for hand-held weighing, with or without the weigh handle, or suspended weighing. Ideal for anglers and other sports, the highly portable ElectroSamson allows you to switch from kg/lb/oz, has a bright LED display and comes in three capacities to suit your needs. Click here for an entire brochure of the angling scales from Brecknell. For more information contact us at 919-776-7737.

Cardinal Scale LB Series Load Bars Now Available

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If you’re in the market for a set of professional weigh beams or load bars then you have found the set of scales for you. Cardinal Scale’s new LB series load bars are manufactured for versatile use underneath a variety of farm weighing applications, including alleyway platforms, cages, squeeze chutes, bins, hoppers, and other types.

The Cardinal LB series feature rugged structural steel tube frame construction with extra-wide foot plates on each end and receiver tabs on top, plus four Cardinal model TB 2500-lb stainless steel load cells with adjustable support feet. Standard sizes come in 24, 36, and 48 inch lengths, plus custom sizes are available. Select from either 2,500 or 5,000-lb capacity models. These electronic scale bases provide an economical approach for ranchers and farmers with nearly limitless agricultural weighing applications!

The load bars require a firm level surface and a rigid crate or platform. There is no summing box required, and they are accurate to within +/- 1%. Included cables run 12 ft. between the load bars and 20 ft. for the indicator (indicator sold separately). If you’re interested in more information on this exciting new product, please contact us at 919-776-7737.

Fitness Equipment Company Gives Doran Scales a Workout

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Recently, a fitness equipment manufacturer was weighing a kit of parts and their current weighing system was still allowing an unacceptable quantity of quality control problems. The ideal product for the fitness company was a Doran 2200cw scale. Below is a summary of what was installed at their facility.

A system was proposed that would automate and simplify the process and retain the accumulated weight through the process of weighing several components of a parts kit. By connecting three Doran 2200CW over under accept check weigh scales together and using foot switches to activate certain push buttons, Doran was able to construct a system that allowed the employees to accurately weigh the kit of parts even though the weighing process took place across three workstations – all without pushing buttons on the scale front panel.

2200CW check weigh scaleThree 2200CW check weigh scales were set up using RS-232 cables so that scale number one sent weight data to scale two, and scale two sent weight data to scale three. The first 2200CW check weigher was set up for an over value of 1.2 lb and an under value of 0.7 lb. The employee weighs the items at the first scale and then presses the PRINT foot switch on the first scale. That weight is sent to the second 2200CW and would be automatically programmed as the tare value in the second scale.

The second 2200CW scale is set up with a target weight of 2.2 lb. A component is added to the kit of parts and would be weighed on the second scale and the GROSS/NET foot switch would be pressed to change it to gross mode. The PRINT foot switch is pressed and the total weight (including the tare value sent from scale one) is transmitted to scale three.

On the third and final 2200CW scale, another part is added to the kit. The GROSS/NET foot switch is pressed, to put the scale into gross mode. The weight of all the parts is shown on the display of scale three.

This is just one example of what is possible with Doran scales and the huge choice of available options. If you have a unique weighing application, contact us at Central Carolina Scale and we can get a Doran scale system quoted for you that will save you money and increase your efficiency.

Best Practices For Calibration Test Weights

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Rice Lake’s Metrology department has retained its world class reputation through its highly trained staff and adherence to stringent handling procedures–from receiving, to calibrating, to shipping. The information below from Rice Lake highlights the standard procedure that they use upon receipt of your test weights. Here you’ll also find the best practices that Rice Lake recommends for handling weights and standards to help you maintain the best quality and integrity of your weights.

Recommended shipping procedures for weights
Ship weights in cases and materials designed to withstand and repel the abuses of shipping.
Packaging peanuts should not be used with weights, as this type of packaging clings to the weights creating static electricity which can compromise the lab environment.
Alternative packing material is recommended as follows:
Styrofoam (not peanuts or smaller pieces)
Paper (not shredded as this also conducts static electricity)
Bubble wrap
Loose small weights should have crumpled paper (not shredded) packed soundly in between all weights and box.
Clean room cases should only be used for weight storage and are not recommended for the shipment of weights.
Shipping of heavy weights (10 lb or larger) in cardboard boxes is not recommended.
Larger weights should be individually wrapped or protected, supported with stiff packing material and double boxed for structural durability.
Small weight kits should be held shut with secure latches, rubber bands, or tape, and placed inside boxes or bags.

Rice Lake Weight Handling Procedure
All weights and cases are inspected for damage and scheduled for calibration upon arrival to the lab.
All stickers and marker are removed from the weights.
Precision weights receiving NVLAP Calibration are checked for magnetism.
A tolerance test is conducted.
Any follow up with the client is completed.

Required Standards Conditions
* All delivered standards to this laboratory are required to arrive with the following conditions:

All weights should be clean and in good repair.
Any cleaning, repair, or painting of standards in the metrology lab will incur an extra charge.

Mass Standards
Weights should be clean and in good repair.
Weights shall be identified with a permanent serial number or mark into the surface of the weight.
Stickers and marker are not allowed and will be removed. The added mass of the sticker may change the mass of the weight, possibly causing the weight to be out of tolerance which will invalidate the reported value on the certificate.
Individual weight kits shall also be identified with unique serial numbers.
Cast iron weights should have no evidence of rust, loose paint or adhering debris.
Analytical weights should be handled carefully. Tolerances are small, so dirt or abuse can throw them out of tolerance.

Cases
Interior of cases for weight kits should also be wiped out or vacuumed.
Cases should be sound with secure latches.

Is It Alright To Cut Load Cell Cable?

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A customer recently asked us about cutting load cell cable because the cable was too long for his particular application.  The standard line of thinking is that you should not cut load cell cable because it may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Are there any recommendations for altering load cell cable that might be different than cutting?

Actually, there are several things you can do in these types of situations. Many load cell manufacturers recommend NOT altering (shortening) the load cell cable length, and most manufacturers will not honor the warranty on altered products. However, for the majority of load cell installations, any output change resulting from cable length alteration is easily compensated for with a junction box with trimming capability. Excess cable should be coiled and secured within the junction box (if it will fit.) 

If the excess cable will not fit inside the junction box, it will need to be coiled, and secured externally to the junction box with wire ties, or other suitable means. If the cables are routed in conduit, and excess cable will not fit within the junction box, then the only option may be to cut the cable(s) to length.

load cell cable

What if the load cell cable is too short? Well, we recommend avoiding splicing when possible; however, if you need to gain cable length, it is very important to use the correct splicing technique. Ensure the integrity of the cable is maintained, including voltage, current (signal) ratings, shielding, moisture resistance, and tensile strength. Our recommendation is to use a potted cable splicing kit when possible. If you need a reusable splice point, a sealed junction box may be used.  We hope this helps you understand shortening and lengthening load cell cable for specific applications.

Get Started with Central Carolina Scale

We are committed to providing high quality scale repair services for your weighing equipment, factory trained technicians to install and maintain your equipment, including regular calibration, servicing, troubleshooting, and repairs. Contact us today to discuss your scale needs.

The Latest Pennsylvania Scale Update

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We just recently received this update below from Pennsylvania Scale. So we figured that we’d share the update in a simple top 10 list kind of like you might see on late night tv.

Number ten is LOAD CELLS. We sell a lot of load cells. Due to that volume, we can offer attractive pricing for cells such as TANK MOUNTS, S-TYPES, ALTERNATIVE CAPACITIES, TENSION MOUNT KITS, etc. If you are shopping for load cells for your customers,  service facilities, or special projects, please contact us a quotation!

Number nine is SHIPMENTS. The factory just upgraded and added UPS new service for larger-than-parcel but smaller-than-LTL freight packages. This service is ideal for 6400’s and M64’s which are pushing 100 lbs. So if you order a Pennsylvania Scale item, please mention “the new BEST WAY shipping”, and we will automatically upgrade the shipment to the most efficient cost-effective way, including UPS HUNDREDWEIGHT or the new service.

Number eight is FREIGHT DISCOUNTS. The factory in Lancaster PA has some amazing outbound freight rates from popular carriers. Unlike some of the competition Pennsylvania does pass along the outbound volume discount for PREPAY & ADD shipments. You may be very surprised!

Number seven is BAGGAGE SCALE ELECTRONIC KITS are once again hot items as government and aviation spending is finally coming back. 1-4 displays. Keep the existing platform and do both your customers and yourself a huge favor and upgrade to more reliable and serviceable M64 electronics.

Number six is PANEL MOUNT OPTIONS for scale indicators. We have a new design that allows retrofitting of panel-mounted indicators fitting the cut-outs for both the former UMC-600 and UMC700 models as well as the smaller openings for the original UMC-555 models, making exact field replacement easy and efficient. Contact factory for details.

Alright we’re half way home. Number five is HIGH RESOLUTION WEIGHING, many distributors are replacing overcomplicated and hard-to-use “foreign” indicators with Pennsylvania 7600 series indicators in high resolution applications. You can easily ‘push’ resolution on Pennsylvania scales and meters due, in a large part, to the premium A-D converter they use… If you need to add utility and simplify life for your maintenance technicians as well as your employees, try using 7600+ or 7600E units.

Number four is non-standard resolutions and weight units can be easily handled at the factory—including ‘pushed’ resolution (non-NTEP), double/triple ranging, special units of measure (PRIMARY/SECONDARY units—specify with order, n/c). Like a certain fast food burger chain likes to say, special orders don’t upset us – all we ask is that you let us build it your way!

Ok, number three is FAST SHIPPING AND STOCK SHIPMENTS. The factory has added staff and efficiency in Lancaster. Most standard products ship from STOCK or 1-2 day delivery. IF YOU need equipment right away, please ask, we can often get scales and spare parts quickly. Continue reading →

AWTX Launches Redesigned Stainless Steel ProDec Scale

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Based on feedback from end-users and distributors, Avery Weigh-Tronix is pleased to announce the availability of a redesigned ProDec (DSLS) floor scale.

ss prodec floor scaleThe complete stainless steel structure of the ProDec now incorporates hermetically sealed, stainless steel Weigh Bars as standard. Ideal for the hygienic requirements of the Food and Chemical processing industries, the hermetically sealed Weigh Bars are designed with high accuracy and reliability and are NTEP approved.

The DSLS now includes a side access to the stainless junction box to further reduce the chance of food, debris and other matter from getting trapped in the creases of the junction box compartment. The redesigned ProDec is available in standard sizes ranging from 36 x 36 inches to 84 x 60 inches and capacities from 2,000 to 10,000 pounds.

MSI Crane Scales

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MSI’s Challenger and Port-A-Weigh crane scales have been a staple of the MSI line for decades, popular in industries ranging from petro-chemical and aerospace to agriculture, marine, metals and more. Recently MSI announced that they’ve enhanced functionality of both models to allow use with the new MSI-8000 RF Remote Display.

Adding MSI-8000 RF Remote Display compatibility is a major advantage for these field proven products. The MSI-8000 offers users the added advantage of seeing and controlling weight data wirelessly from a safe distance. The MSI-8000 has been industry tested for reliable use at distances up to 100 feet, and uses a rechargeable battery for a minimum 24 hours of continuous use.

In addition to remote-capability enhancement, the MSI-4260 electronics were completely refreshed from the ground up to include MSI’s exclusive ScaleCore™ technology, their most advanced weight-processor package, that offers improved speed and performance. MSI-4260 now also includes a more durable marine-strength bulkhead casting, and an upgraded display package for better visibility in low-light settings. An upgrade package is available to customers with original MSI-4260 and MSI-3460 equipment.

Fans of MSI’s Dyna-Link 2 Series Tension Dynamometers enthusiastically welcome the MSI-8000, a full-featured remote control and display for operating the dynamometer at safe and convenient distances. In uses like rigging a mobile construction crane, the Dyna-Link would likely be out of view or inaccessible. But the MSI-8000 allows users to see that weight data and control the scale wirelessly, where they haven’t been able to in the past.

Through MSI-8000’s ergonomic keypad and bold 5-digit LCD display, users have complete control over dynamometer function, programmability and operation. A rechargeable battery allows up to 24 hours of continuous, proven RF communication at distances up to 100 feet. The MSI-8000 currently syncs wirelessly with the latest generation of Dyna-Link 2, the MSI-7300, with future connectivity plans for other MSI crane scale products, including the MSI-3460 and MSI-4260 models. Users in the petro-chemical, energy, marine, aerospace, and test and measurement industries will appreciate MSI-8000’s heavy-duty, IP65 shock-resistant housing, as well as a standard RS-232 port that allows for advanced traceability and reporting.

Can I Buy An American Made Load Cell?

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You know we get asked this question usually about once every three months so we figured that we’d throw together a quick write up on the blog to give you an answer to the question.

And that question is, can I buy a Made in the USA load cell?

The answer is……

YES!

american made load cell

We also have a wide variety of Made in the USA load cells from Artech Industries.  They are based in California and build just about every type of load cell that you can imagine in their Riverside, California load cell factory.  Artech Industries is a major supplier of strain gauge load cells / force transducers for a wide variety of industrial and OEM applications. They rely on proven engineering innovations, careful manufacturing and quality control procedures have built an enviable reputation and record of performance since 1985.

We know that buying Made in America weighing products is important to many of our customers and we appreciate your loyalty and share your enthusiasm for Made in the USA equipment. If this is important to you please let us know before we process a quote or before we provide service on your scales. The reason we say this is many times when we are asked to quote on scales or parts we often choose the best overall product (price/durability) and often that is an imported item. So, if Made in the USA is very important to you, let us know and we would be happy to quote you an American Made scale or load cell if we can.