Category Archives: Bench Scales

Scales for Chemical Processors: Enhancing Efficiency and Safety in Chemical Weighing

Posted on by

The chemical processing industry plays a pivotal role in manufacturing a wide array of consumer and industrial products. From organic alcohols and petrochemicals to industrial acids, catalysts, compounds, pigments, paints, and other inorganic substances, chemical processors encounter a diverse range of hazardous materials. Ensuring the safety and accuracy of these processes is crucial for both human well-being and product quality.

One of the fundamental aspects of chemical processing is weighing equipment, which demands exceptional precision, reliability, and resistance to harsh chemicals and environments. In this article, we explore the significance of scales for chemical processors and how they enhance efficiency and safety in the chemical industry.

The Importance of Corrosion-Resistant Weighing Equipment

Chemical substances used in the processing industry can be highly corrosive, leading to the degradation of materials over time. Standard weighing equipment might not withstand the aggressive nature of these chemicals, resulting in equipment malfunction, measurement inaccuracies, and potential safety hazards. Therefore, chemical processors require specialized corrosion-resistant weighing equipment to maintain the integrity of their operations.

weight indicator

Meeting Industry Demands: A Focus on Reliability

Reliability is the backbone of any industrial process, and the chemical processing industry is no exception. The selection of appropriate weighing equipment plays a pivotal role in ensuring that processes run smoothly and efficiently. Corrosion-resistant scales, made from materials like stainless steel and other durable alloys, offer a reliable weighing solution that can withstand exposure to a variety of harsh chemicals. These scales are designed to resist rust, oxidation, and chemical attacks, prolonging their lifespan and maintaining accuracy over time.

Accurate Measurements for Quality Control

Quality control is a critical aspect of chemical processing. Accurate measurements are essential to ensure that the final products meet specific standards and exhibit consistent quality. Corrosion-resistant scales provide precise measurements, allowing chemical processors to monitor the composition of their products and make necessary adjustments to achieve the desired outcomes. This level of precision is particularly important for applications where even slight variations in chemical ratios can significantly impact the final product’s properties.

Ensuring Operator Safety

The chemical processing environment can be hazardous for operators and technicians. Exposure to corrosive chemicals and harsh substances can pose serious health risks. By investing in intrinsically safe weighing equipment, chemical processors can minimize the chances of equipment failure and subsequent chemical spills or accidents. Additionally, these scales often come equipped with advanced safety features, such as overload protection and anti-slip platforms, to further enhance operator safety during the weighing process.

cardinal scale thbc brewery tank scales

Scales for Chemical Processors

From organic alcohols and petrochemicals to industrial acids, catalysts, compounds, pigments, paints and other inorganic substances, the chemical processing industry is composed of a broad range of consumer and industrial products. To optimize chemical manufacturing and maximize chemical material handling efficiency, we offer heavy-duty weighing solutions for hostile materials and hazardous environments.

During chemical reactions and refining, exact measurements are crucial. Chemical vessels—from tabletop beakers to industrial drums and tanks—require special corrosion-resistant material to withstand the chemicals’ hazardous properties. Weighing equipment used in these processes also needs to stand up to harsh chemicals and environments.

The SURVIVOR® RL2100 HE weigh module kit is ideal for medium and heavy-capacity hostile environments found in chemical blending and batching applications. Heavy capacity kits include all stainless steel compression mounts and weld-sealed, double-ended beam load cells. The JB4SS NEMA Type 4X stainless steel junction box and 25-foot hostile environment load cell cable complete the kit.

The Rice Lake RoughDeck® HE hostile environment floor scale is specifically designed for corrosion resistance and longevity in harsh chemical and washdown environments. Constructed from stainless steel and incorporating stainless steel, IP67 weld-sealed load cells, the RoughDeck HE is ideal for chemical material processing and handling.

Choosing the Right Scale for Specific Applications

Different chemical processes have varying requirements when it comes to weighing equipment. Some applications might require high-precision analytical balances, while others demand heavy-duty industrial scales for bulk weighing. The chemical processing industry encompasses a wide range of products, each with unique properties and handling considerations.

For instance, in laboratories and research facilities, analytical balances with high precision and sensitivity are essential for accurately measuring small quantities of chemicals. On the other hand, industries dealing with large volumes of chemicals might rely on robust floor scales or tank scales to handle bulk weighing. The diversity of applications calls for a comprehensive range of scales tailored to the specific needs of chemical processors.

Innovations in Weighing Technology

As the chemical processing industry continues to evolve, so does the technology behind weighing equipment. Manufacturers are continuously innovating to meet the increasing demands of the industry. New developments include advancements in load cell technology, digital signal processing, and connectivity options. Cloud-based data storage and integration with IoT (Internet of Things) platforms enable real-time monitoring of weighing processes, allowing for quick decision-making and improved traceability.

Scales for chemical processors are an integral part of the chemical processing industry. With their corrosion-resistant properties and precision weighing capabilities, these scales contribute significantly to the efficiency, safety, and quality control of chemical processes. By investing in reliable and accurate weighing equipment, chemical processors can optimize their operations, ensure compliance with safety standards, and produce high-quality products that cater to the diverse needs of consumers and industries alike. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more sophisticated weighing solutions to further revolutionize the chemical processing landscape.

Recycling: A Sustainable Pathway to a Thriving Society

Posted on by

In a world where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly critical, recycling stands out as one of the most effective tools in our arsenal to combat the escalating challenges of waste management and resource depletion.

Recycling not only helps conserve natural resources but also has far-reaching benefits for our society, economy, and the environment. This article explores the multifaceted advantages of recycling and highlights the pivotal role that scales play in this process, weighing collected materials and enabling efficient transportation for a more sustainable future.

  1. Resource Conservation

One of the primary benefits of recycling is resource conservation. By reusing and repurposing materials, we can reduce our dependence on virgin resources. Many valuable resources, such as metals, plastics, and paper, can be recycled multiple times, lessening the need for extensive mining, drilling, and deforestation. Scales play a crucial role in recycling by accurately weighing the collected materials either on a floor scale or a truck scale. By knowing the precise weight, industries can better manage their resources, plan for production, and contribute to a circular economy.

floor scale

  1. Energy Savings

Recycling offers substantial energy savings compared to extracting raw materials. The energy required to process recycled materials is significantly lower than that needed to produce products from scratch. For example, recycling aluminum consumes only about 5% of the energy required for primary production. By using scales to monitor incoming materials and outgoing products, recycling facilities can optimize their energy consumption and identify areas for further efficiency improvements.

  1. Waste Reduction and Landfill Diversion

As the global population grows, so does the waste generated. Recycling helps divert a substantial amount of waste from landfills, reducing the burden on these sites and mitigating the associated environmental and health risks. By efficiently weighing the collected materials, municipalities can measure their recycling success, set targets for waste diversion, and develop waste management strategies that promote recycling and resource recovery.

  1. Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction

Recycling plays a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. When materials are discarded in landfills, they undergo anaerobic decomposition, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By recycling materials instead, we can significantly decrease methane emissions and contribute to mitigating climate change. 

  1. Job Creation and Economic Growth

Recycling creates a multitude of job opportunities across various sectors, from collection and sorting to processing and manufacturing. The recycling industry not only fosters local employment but also contributes to economic growth. Moreover, by reducing waste management costs and conserving resources, recycling can lead to cost savings for industries, promoting competitiveness and overall economic resilience.

steel deck above ground truck scale

  1. Promoting Sustainable Consumption

Recycling is not solely a responsibility of waste management facilities. It also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable consumption patterns. As people become more aware of the importance of recycling, they are encouraged to make eco-conscious choices, such as opting for products with recyclable packaging. 

  1. Preserving Biodiversity

By reducing the demand for raw materials and minimizing waste disposal in landfills, recycling helps preserve natural habitats and protect biodiversity. Deforestation for resource extraction and landfill expansion can have devastating effects on ecosystems. 

  1. Community Engagement and Environmental Education

Recycling initiatives often foster community engagement and environmental education. As people participate in recycling programs, they become more connected to sustainable practices and take pride in their efforts to protect the environment. 

Recycling is a powerful mechanism that benefits society in multifaceted ways. It conserves resources, reduces energy consumption, diverts waste from landfills, curbs greenhouse gas emissions, stimulates economic growth, and preserves biodiversity. Scales play a vital role in weighing collected materials, usually on either a floor scale or a truck scale. By embracing recycling as a collective responsibility, we can create a more sustainable world for generations to come, where environmental consciousness and social well-being coexist in harmony.

Challenges Confronting Food Processing Companies: Navigating Quality & Weighing Accuracy

Posted on by

Food processing companies play a crucial role in ensuring the supply of safe, nutritious, and consistent food products to consumers. However, this industry faces a myriad of challenges that demand constant innovation and diligent attention to overcome. Among the most pressing issues are maintaining product quality and achieving precise weighing accuracy in daily production. In this article, we delve into these challenges and explore how companies are navigating them to meet consumer expectations and regulatory standards.

1. Quality Assurance and Food Safety

One of the paramount concerns for food processing companies is maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety for their products. In an era of heightened awareness about foodborne illnesses and allergens, consumers demand transparency and accountability from manufacturers. Ensuring quality begins with sourcing top-grade raw materials and implementing stringent quality control protocols throughout the processing chain. Companies must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and other regulatory frameworks to minimize contamination risks.

Advanced technologies such as blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) applications are now being integrated to enhance traceability, allowing companies to identify and rectify potential issues swiftly. This level of transparency and proactive approach to quality assurance instills consumer confidence and cultivates brand loyalty.

2. Weighing Accuracy and Product Consistency

Accurate weighing is a fundamental aspect of food processing, directly impacting product consistency and cost management. Errors in weighing can lead to variations in product composition, affecting taste, texture, and appearance, which is unacceptable in a competitive market. Moreover, inaccuracies can result in overproduction or underproduction, leading to wastage or stock shortages, respectively.

check weighing

To tackle this challenge, companies invest in advanced weighing technologies such as more automated weighing systems, over & under check weighing, longer lasting accurate load cells, and precision portion scales built to withstand the food processing environment. Regular calibration and scale maintenance of these instruments are crucial to ensure their accuracy and reliability. Additionally, implementing Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods enables real-time monitoring and data analysis to identify potential deviations and maintain optimal performance.

3. Optimal Utilization of Weight Scales

Food processing companies often operate on tight profit margins, making efficient utilization of resources paramount. Electronic scales play a central role in production, and their performance directly impacts productivity and cost-effectiveness. The challenge lies in selecting the right type of weight scale for specific applications and ensuring its proper maintenance.

Different locations in the facility may require different types of weight scales, ranging from bench scales for small portions to heavy-duty stainless steel floor scales for bulk quantities. Integration of programmable scale controllers can streamline production and reduce human error. Regular training of personnel in operating and maintaining weight scales is essential to ensure their longevity and reliability.

Doran 2200CW stainless steel checkweigher

4. Compliance with Evolving Regulations

The food processing industry operates in a dynamic regulatory environment, with standards and guidelines subject to change. Companies must keep pace with these evolving regulations to avoid compliance issues and legal repercussions. Non-compliance not only jeopardizes consumer safety but also undermines brand reputation and market position.

Staying compliant requires continuous monitoring of regulatory updates, participation in industry associations, and investing in workforce training programs. Collaborating with regulatory experts can provide valuable insights into current and upcoming requirements, helping companies stay ahead of the curve.

5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

As the world becomes increasingly environmentally conscious, food processing companies are under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. This entails minimizing food waste, optimizing energy consumption, and adopting eco-friendly packaging solutions. Moreover, companies are exploring alternative sourcing of raw materials and engaging in responsible sourcing practices to support sustainability initiatives.

Final Thoughts:

The food processing industry faces a multitude of challenges, with maintaining quality and improving weighing accuracy, while improving the durability of the weighing equipment. By embracing cutting-edge technologies, adhering to best practices, and staying attuned to regulatory changes, companies can surmount these hurdles and continue to deliver safe, high-quality food products while safeguarding the environment and consumer trust. Be sure to contact our sales department (919) 776-7737 for more info on our food processing scales and weighing equipment that we offer.

The Weighty Issue of Waste: Scaling Up Solid Waste Management

Posted on by

Garbage and waste have long been persistent challenges for modern societies. As our communities continue to grow, so does the amount of waste we generate. Proper management and transportation of solid waste are crucial for maintaining environmental sustainability and public health. One of the key tools in this endeavor is the use of scales to accurately measure and transport waste efficiently. In this article, we will delve into the world of garbage, waste management, and the importance of utilizing scales to tackle this ever-expanding issue.

The Growing Mountain of Waste

Waste is an inevitable byproduct of human activity. From household waste to industrial and commercial refuse, we generate vast amounts of garbage daily. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and consumerism have intensified this problem. This mounting waste poses significant threats to the environment, including pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.

Proper Waste Management: The Need of the Hour

To tackle the waste crisis, efficient waste management practices are essential. Effective waste management encompasses collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal. Without a well-structured waste management system, our communities risk being overwhelmed by the waste they produce.

digital truck scales

Scales: Pivotal Instruments in Waste Transportation

When it comes to the transportation of solid waste, scales play a pivotal role. Accurate weighing of waste is crucial for several reasons:

Cost Efficiency: Billing and charging waste generators based on the weight of their waste ensures fair and accurate billing. This incentivizes waste reduction and recycling, leading to cost savings in the long run.

Resource Allocation: Knowing the precise weight of waste aids in appropriate resource allocation for waste transportation and disposal, preventing overloading and reducing the carbon footprint.

Compliance and Regulation: Scales help waste management authorities comply with environmental regulations, ensuring that waste is disposed of or recycled responsibly.

Data for Decision-Making: Reliable waste weight data assists in making informed decisions for waste management policies and practices.

Scales in Waste Transportation: The Process

Waste transportation involves various stages, and scales come into play at several of these points:

Collection: At the collection stage, residential, commercial, and industrial waste needs to be accurately weighed before loading onto waste collection vehicles. Scales installed at waste transfer stations or designated collection points provide accurate measurements.

Transfer Stations: Waste transfer stations act as hubs for consolidating waste from multiple collection points. Scales at these facilities measure the waste before transferring it to larger vehicles, such as garbage trucks or waste haulers.

Landfills and Recycling Centers: At the final destination, be it a landfill or a recycling center, scales are crucial for weighing incoming waste. This data helps landfill operators or recycling facilities to track waste volumes, manage capacity, and plan future operations effectively.

high quality scales and weighing equipment

Innovations in Waste Management Scales

The waste management industry has witnessed notable advancements in weighing technology to improve efficiency and accuracy:

On-board Weighing Systems: Some waste collection vehicles now come equipped with on-board weighing systems that provide real-time weight data. These systems help optimize collection routes, prevent overloading, and reduce wear and tear on vehicles.

Accurate Hi Tech Scales: Integration of scales with smart technologies and data management systems has revolutionized waste management. These scales provide real time info about their current status and if any errors exist. 

Portable Weighing Solutions: Portable scales are invaluable for weighing waste in areas where permanent installations are not feasible, such as construction sites or temporary waste collection points.

As the global waste crisis escalates, the importance of accurate waste management and transportation becomes even more apparent. Scales serve as indispensable tools in this endeavor, helping ensure efficient waste collection, fair billing, and compliance with environmental regulations.

By integrating smart technologies and innovative solutions, we can work towards a more sustainable future where waste is seen not as a burden, but as a resource to be managed wisely and responsibly. Through collaborative efforts between governments, waste management authorities, industries, and individuals, we can scale up our efforts to combat waste and protect the environment for generations to come.

Help, My Scale isn’t Working…

Posted on by

In today’s article, we’re going to take a look at one of the subjects that we have discussed over the past few years several times….

Hey, my scale isn’t working. What should I do first? 

Obviously, it can be frustrating when a scale stops working or doesn’t work right out of the box. So what should you do when your scale isn’t working? Here is what we suggest.

First, slow down and take a moment and look over the scale. Make sure everything looks correct. Read over the operators manual (last resort, of course). Perhaps your issue is as simple as an overload stop, which is designed to protect load cells during shipping, has not been unscrewed. 

cheap floor scale

Depending on what type scale it is, there are a few things to look for. Make sure the power cord is securely plugged into the wall outlet. Is the scale level? If it’s a platform scale, is the cable connected from the digital display to the platform? Are there any cuts in the cable?

Believe it or not, turning an electronic scale off and waiting a couple of minutes, and then plugging the scale back into the wall will solve the problem more times than you think.

We work on a lot of commercial weighing scale systems, and they oftentimes are utilized in some rough environments. Unfortunately, dust, dirt and debris can build up in and around those industrial scales. When this happens, the scale may not read accurately or be able to settle on a certain weight amount. The display may show up and down weight fluctuations in the weight reading. or it might even display an error code on the weight indicator. So, if you are able to  check around or under your scale, that can be a good first step. Often if your scale is binding, you will see materials or dirt packed under the weigh bridge or near load cell stands.

We’ve seen floor scales that were pushed up against a wall and not weighing correctly. The solution was simply moving the scale away from the wall.

Hopefully something in the paragraphs above helped you out.  If not, your particular issue could be something else and you may have to get a factory trained scale technician to diagnose and fix. We recommend that you contact a local scale company who can diagnose the trouble. If you’re in Central North Carolina and need scale repair, please contact us by calling (919) 776-7737 or you can complete the form on our website. 

Unboxing the Challenges: Navigating the Dimensions of Shipping Boxes and Pallets

Posted on by

In today’s globalized world, shipping boxes and pallets have become an essential part of our daily lives. From online shopping to business logistics, these containers play a crucial role in moving goods from one place to another.

However, as convenience and efficiency have increased, so have the challenges faced by customers when dealing with freight companies. One of the most significant challenges is the shift towards using dimensional measurements in addition to weight when determining shipping costs. This article explores the various hurdles customers face daily, and how they can navigate through them to optimize their shipping experiences.

nci shipping scales by Avery Weigh-Tronix

The Dimensional Dilemma

Traditionally, shipping costs were determined solely based on weight. You placed your box on your Mettler Toledo BC60 and the weight displayed in your shipping software. It was easy! 

However, with advancements in technology and a growing focus on sustainability, freight companies have moved towards utilizing dimensional weight (DIM weight) calculations. DIM weight considers not only the actual weight of the package but also its dimensions to estimate the space it occupies in the carrier’s vehicle or aircraft. This means that even if a package is relatively light, its large size might result in higher shipping charges due to the wasted space it takes up in transit.

Customers are often caught unaware by this shift and may receive unexpected bills if they fail to measure their boxes accurately or overlook the significance of the dimensions. Furthermore, when shipping multiple items together, the combined dimensions can impact the total shipping cost significantly. If you’re shipping a decent amount of boxes or pallets each day, you’re going to get tired of taking out the tape measure or the yard stick.  You need a more automated solution for obtaining your dim weights.  

Automated Solutions

To ease the burden of manually calculating DIM weight and reduce the chances of human error, customers can leverage automation. Integrating shipping software that incorporates dimension measuring capabilities can streamline the entire process, providing real-time calculations and ensuring accurate billing.

Automated solutions can also help customers compare shipping rates between different carriers, allowing them to choose the most cost-effective option for their specific needs. This level of efficiency and transparency not only enhances customer satisfaction but also boosts overall productivity.

dim weight scale

How Dimensioners Benefit Shippers

When shippers use an automatic dimensioner, they experience fewer invoice corrections, which saves time and money. Shippers can also use a Transportation Management System (TMS) to provide an eBOL with accurate data from a Legal for Trade dimensioner and scale save on freight rates. A TMS offers the carrier data transparency before pickup to help with load planning.

Accurate weights and dimensions are essential to ensure your invoice will match the original carrier quote. Because LTL carriers also rely on Legal for Trade measurement systems, using freight dimensioning systems in your facility can help everyone ensure correct freight classification.

By choosing a dimensioning system that includes high-resolution cameras, you will have images of freight as it leaves your facility, documenting its condition and verifying it was properly packaged and wrapped. This will allow you to hold your LTL carriers accountable for any damage to your freight.

Rice Lake Weighing Systems developed iDimension® Flex Series automatic dimensioners to help shippers prevent invoice corrections. A Legal for Trade dimensioner and scale is the best way to safeguard against reweighs, reclasses and unexpected chargebacks from LTL carriers. The economical iDimension Flex is designed for shippers—it is affordable, easy to install and maintain, and has a full integration toolkit to connect with your network.

The iDimension Flex is designed to fit nearly any shipping environment. It can be installed as a free-standing unit or suspended from the ceiling and mounted over a shipping scale, conveyor or pallet stretch wrapper. With the iDimension Flex, you can easily organize your shipping department to weigh, wrap and dimension freight in one efficient step. The iDimension Flex accurately measures your outbound freight, simplifying eBOL processes and increasing the trust LTL carriers have in your measurements.

Accurate Measuring – A Necessity

To overcome the dimensional measurement challenge, customers must prioritize accurate measuring of their shipping boxes and pallets. Investing in a reliable measuring tool, such as a tape measure or a dimensional weight calculator, can save them from unnecessary expenses. It is vital to measure the length, width, and height of the package, ensuring accuracy to the nearest inch or centimeter.

Some freight companies may also apply additional surcharges if the dimensions are not provided correctly, leading to further complications and financial strain for the customer. Hence, attentiveness to accurate measurements is crucial in avoiding billing disputes and promoting transparent shipping practices.

Packaging Optimization

Aside from accurate measurements, optimizing packaging is another way to navigate the challenges presented by dimensional weight. Selecting appropriate box sizes, eliminating excess void fill materials, and securing the contents efficiently can significantly impact DIM weight calculations.

Customers should consider using custom-sized boxes that snugly fit their products, reducing the amount of empty space within the package. Additionally, choosing lightweight but sturdy packaging materials can also help strike a balance between protection and weight reduction.

This is something we have worked on over the past few years and it has absolutely saved us (and our customers) money.

Collaboration and Communication

To enhance the shipping process, customers must establish clear lines of communication with their freight companies. Inquiring about their dimensional weight calculation methods, applicable surcharges, and any other cost-related factors will enable customers to make informed decisions and prevent unwelcome surprises in the final billing.

Additionally, maintaining open channels of communication allows customers to negotiate better shipping terms, especially for regular or bulk shipments. Building a healthy partnership with the freight company can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes, fostering a smoother shipping experience overall.

Education and Awareness

An essential aspect of overcoming the challenges of shipping boxes and pallets is fostering education and awareness among customers. Many individuals and businesses are still unfamiliar with the concept of DIM weight and its implications. Providing relevant information and resources on websites, customer portals, and through customer service representatives can empower clients to take the necessary steps to optimize their shipping processes.

Freight companies can also conduct workshops, webinars, or tutorials to educate their customers on best practices for measuring, packing, and shipping items. In the long run, informed customers will not only benefit from cost savings but also contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing the carbon footprint associated with shipping inefficiencies.

As a society, we probably ship more boxes and pallets than ever before. It’s important to find various ways to reduce the cost of moving these boxes from point A to point B.  By embracing accurate measuring techniques, optimizing packaging, fostering communication, educating themselves, and adopting automated solutions, customers can navigate these challenges effectively. In doing so, they can not only reduce unnecessary expenses and billing disputes but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient shipping industry.

The Peril of Monopoly: The Dangers of Choosing an Industrial Scale Provider who Basically Only Recommends One Scale Brand

Posted on by

In the world of industry and commerce, precision measurement and weighing accuracy are paramount, making industrial scales and laboratory balances an indispensable tool in many industries. When it comes to selecting a reliable provider for your weighing needs, many local businesses seek convenience by opting for a one-stop-shop that sells scales and offers calibration and service support. And, often folks search for old and familiar scale brand they may have heard of years ago.

However, one mistake that some customers make involves choosing a scale supplier who essentially is only offering one brand of scale 99% of the time. This cozy relationship with a sole brand may appear convenient on the surface, but it comes with a range of potential pitfalls that businesses should be wary of. Do the terms Protected Territories, Limited Competition, and High Prices sound familiar? 

This article explores the perils of such an arrangement and underscores the importance of keeping an open mind when it comes to selecting a local industrial scale provider in your area.

1. Limited Product Options:

Relying on an industrial scale provider who predominantly offers one brand of scales leaves your business with limited options. Each industry has unique requirements, and no single scale brand can cater to the diverse needs of every enterprise. By restricting yourself to just one brand of scales, you risk overlooking better-suited alternatives that might provide more accurate readings, advanced features, or even more cost-effectiveness. Opting to work with a local scale company with a wide array of scale options ensures you can find the perfect match for your business requirements.

2. Bias and Unreliable Recommendations:

The inherent conflict of interest in exclusively recommending one scale brand raises questions about the objectivity and credibility of the provider’s suggestions. Is the recommendation driven by the best interest of the client, or is it motivated by financial gains or meeting sales quotas from promoting a particular brand? A biased recommendation might lead to investing in scales that are not truly suitable for your operations, leading to suboptimal performance, increased maintenance costs, or even safety hazards.

3. Lack of Customization and Product Flexibility:

Industrial operations vary widely, and a one-size-fits-all approach to scales simply won’t suffice. By relying on a local scale provider who predominantly deals with one brand, you may face limitations in customizing the scales to match your specific requirements. Customization could involve factors such as scale capacity, platform size, and specialized features, which are critical to ensuring optimal performance and efficient workflow.

There could be situations where your number one scale brand might be a good choice for the scale platform but the scale controller might be a different brand. Is the scale company willing to use another brand?

4. Inadequate Support and Service:

Calibration and regular maintenance are vital to the accurate functioning of industrial scales. Choosing a local scale sales and service provider that primarily deals with one scale brand may limit your access to reliable service and support. They may lack the expertise to handle other scale brands effectively, resulting in subpar calibration or repairs. In contrast, a diversified local scale provider (like Central Carolina Scale) is more likely to have a skilled team capable of servicing a wide range of scale models efficiently.

5. Competitive Pricing:

Monopoly situations can also sometimes lead to inflated pricing. With limited options and no direct competition, the scale provider may not have any incentives to offer competitive prices. As a result, your business might end up paying more for a scale that could be obtained at a better price elsewhere.

high quality scales and weighing equipment

Final Thoughts:

Choosing an industrial scale provider is a crucial decision that directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of your operations. While the convenience of an all-in-one provider might be tempting, the dangers of opting for one who predominantly deals with a single brand of scales cannot be ignored. The limited product options, protected territories limiting competition, biased recommendations, and inadequate support could all hamper your business’s growth and success.

Instead, we recommend working with a scale company like ours. At Central Carolina Scale, we have good working relationships with many different scale manufacturers. If a customer approaches us and asks for a product or solution for their weighing, we are going to base our product recommendations off things like past success, proven products, overall value, etc… We typically provide multiple reputable choices to customers to consider.

In our experience, rarely is one scale manufacturer the best choice for everything. Some manufacturer really good truck scales. Some manufacturer easy to use digital weight indicators. In fact, we often provide scale systems to customers that have one brand of scale platform and a different brand of digital weight indicator. Most of the time we do that because we’re trying to provide the customer with the best overall scale equipment for their needs.

How Much Does a Waterproof Scale Cost?

Posted on by

Today we’re going to discuss how much a wash down scale costs. Wait, is it waterproof or wash down? First, a little disclaimer. Some customers like to call these scales “waterproof” which is why we use it in our title. However, that term is not quite accurate. The scales we sell are called “wash down safe” and typically have an IP rating usually somewhere between IP66 and IP69K.

cw-90x check weigh scale for commercial fishing

Stainless Steel Washdown Scales

Basically a washdown scale is designed to be water resistant and easily cleaned after use. The components of a washdown scale are typically constructed of stainless steel. In choosing a new washdown scale for your business, the quality of the components often plays a huge role in the cost.

Stainless Steel Scale Platform Costs

For example, in a standard bench scale, one way to lower the cost would be to use a stainless steel cover and a painted steel scale base. Another way to lower the cost is to use an aluminum load cell instead of stainless steel cell or a hermetically sealed load cell. If you’re in a food processing setting, you should probably be using a stainless steel scale system designed to handle the rigors of daily cleaning. The scale base or platform is available in various sizes and capacities. Continue reading →

Best Shipping Scale for Small Business Needs

Posted on by

In today’s article we take a look at what we think is the best shipping scale for small business locations around the country. And really this scale is a great choice for just about any size business that ships boxes via UPS or Fed Ex each day.

What is the Best Shipping Scale for Small Business?

So what is the best shipping scale for a small business? Well, if you’re basing it entirely on the price, the answer is probably some plastic scale that you’ve seen on the office supply store shelf. But if you’re looking at such as durability, legal for trade quality, and the ability to connect the scale to your shipping software, then the chances are you might choose a different scale.

Based on our many years of using and selling this scale, in our opinion, the Mettler Toledo BC60 is the best shipping scale for small business usage. The shipping scale has become one of the standard accessories that you see in shipping departments all over the country.

best shipping scale for small business Continue reading →

Scales for Weighing Propane Cylinders & Tanks

Posted on by

Many folks use portable refillable propane tanks every year. Perhaps you’re using them for your outdoor grill. Chances are you’ve either searched online or wondered things like, how can you tell how much propane is in a 100 lb tank?  Or maybe you’ve asked, how much does a 100 lb propane tank weigh? Or, perhaps you’ve asked the question, how much does 100 pound propane tank weigh empty? These are all popular questions that folks have asked recently.

The National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released the publication “2022 NCWM-NIST National Survey on 20 lb LPG (Propane) Cylinders” with the Weights and Measures Divisions. This survey represents practices of exchanging, selling, filling and manufacturing 20-pound propane tanks by measuring actual tare weight accuracy compared to the cylinders’ stamped tare weight.

scales for weighing propane tanks

Study Findings
When a consumer purchases a propane tank, they are being charged based on weight. If the weight stamped on the tank isn’t accurate, and price at the end of the process is inaccurate.

Most tank manufacturers will stamp the tare weight on the tank before it’s filled with propane and sold to consumers or retailers. Over time, a tank’s weight can fluctuate when it is repeatedly reused. This means when a tank is refilled, the tare weight is often not checked or the tank is not weighed correctly, making it possible to overfill or underfill the tank. This results in the consumer paying an inaccurate price and creates safety risks.

Out of the thousands of cylinders that were evaluated—both new and used—less than half of the new cylinders, and even fewer of the used cylinders, were in compliance with the existing DOT tare weight requirements. However, after December 28, 2022, almost all of the new cylinders and more of the used cylinders will be in compliance due to the updated DOT regulations.

Many direct sale refilling locations were evaluated throughout the country, and nearly 10% of those locations were improperly verifying the safe fill level of 20 pounds. Out of those refilling locations, most of them passed the overall requirements, but some still exceeded the safe fill level.

Many consumers return a cylinder still containing between 1 and 5 pounds of propane. This causes the consumer to lose money due to an inaccurate weight check.

Scale Considerations for Propane Tanks

Having an accurate scale to weigh something such as a 20-pound propane tank is critical, not only for fair commerce but safety as well. A tank that has been overfilled with propane can be dangerous. Measuring and weighing devices used to check propane tanks must meet Handbook 44 requirements, and it is essential to have the right kind of scale for this type of environment.

A Legal for Trade scale means that items such as cylinders and tanks weighed on a scale can be legally sold based on their weight. Both the scale platform and digital weight indicator must have a Certificate of Conformance from the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) to be considered Legal for Trade, and the scale must also meet requirements for Handbook 44.

The NCWM developed Handbook 44 to help provide equity, fairness and accuracy of measuring and weighing equipment. This market of fairness is enforced through policies adopted by federal, state and local jurisdictions to provide accurate and traceable measurements. Not only do these scales need to meet Handbook 44 requirements, it is also crucial that they are intrinsically safe.

intrinsically safe portable scale with 1000 lb capacity

Having a Legal for Trade scale that is intrinsically safe is important when weighing a substance that could cause combustion. When a piece of equipment is intrinsically safe, it means that it is incapable of causing sparks or combustion. It must limit electrical current, voltage and heat to reduce the risk of explosion. This is critical to have in a scale when weighing something such as a propane tank or cylinder.

Accurate Propane Tank Scale Recommendations

We have intrinsically safe equipment to meet the demands of applications such as tank manufacturing and filling. These products include the RL1200 Series portable beam scale and the 882IS Performance™ Series digital weight indicator.

The RL1200 IS portable beam scale is a cost-effective, cast-iron design to help deliver durability and portability. Well suited to intrinsically safe applications, the all-mechanical design is NTEP certified and has a capacity of up to 1,000 pounds.

The 882IS indicator is designed for hazardous locations that are potentially explosive. Its auto-ranging power supply enables wiring to a single AC conduit line and seal from the safe area. This indicator can be paired with most bench and floor scales, including the RL1200 scale.

We also offer a variety of cast iron and stainless steel calibration weights to properly test and/or calibrate almost any scale. 

If an intrinsically safe system makes sense for your application, we offer a wide variety of bench scales and floor scales. Our scale experts are available for consultations if you have questions about the right system for your application. Call us (919) 776-7737 or complete our RFQ form on our website.