Category Archives: Digital Weight Indicators

Truck Scale Basics & Terminology You Need to Know

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We’re going to try & help you understand all the truck scale terminology that you need to know. Especially if you’re new to truck scales.

So let’s say your business has decided to purchase a truck scale in order to determine accurate and reliable vehicle weight for your application. That’s great! Understanding fundamental truck scale basics and how a truck scale works will help you know which questions to ask your local scale distributor to ensure you purchase the truck scale style that fits your needs with the options and accessories that can enhance your application.

 

Whether monitoring a vehicle’s weight for safety guidelines or to complete business transactions, you should know what the info determined by a truck scale means to your business.

For example:

Gross weight is the total weight of the vehicle and loaded product.
Tare weight is the weight of only the vehicle.
Net weight is the weight of only the loaded product.

how accurate are truck scales

Today, most scales at solid waste facilities or recycling centers are installed with above ground or concrete pit foundations. Depending on state or regional requirements, scales can also be installed in a shallow pit, as opposed to the deep pit required by older mechanical scales. A pit installation requires less space than an above ground scale since longer approaches are generally required for above ground configurations. However, pit-styles require sump pumps and drains, and are generally more vulnerable to corrosion due to potential standing water.

The truck scale’s driving surface is called the weighbridge. Weighbridges are composed of steel or concrete decks, and are typically manufactured in modular designs that are connected together during installation.

weight indicator

The indicator, also called a controller, or terminal, can display basic weight functions, as well as serve as the command center for a weighing system with truck in & out programs to control the entire truck scale system, including any remote displays and ticket printers.

Load cells are vital to truck scale performance. There are various types of load cells, but they all basically have the same function—to accurately measure weight on the scale. How do load cells work, you may be asking?  All load cells take an analog measurement, and then that signal is converted to a digital output either at the load cell, junction box, or in the scale indicator. Load cells are typically constructed of steel and are integrated within the weighbridge, usually at the corners of each module.

A junction box properly manages multiple load cells. By matching the signal of each load cell and summing them into a signal that’s sent to the indicator, junction boxes equalize the system for accurate and reliable weight readouts.

Handwriting a ticket for each weighment is time consuming and tedious, and also leaves room for human error. Ticketing kiosks, scale data management software, and/or ticket printers eliminate those problems. Most states also require ticket printers and Remote Displays.

We’re going to wrap up our entry on truck scale basics and terminology.  I hope we made all this truck scale jargon a little easier to understand for those of you in the market for a truck scale. If you need some truck scale buying advice or scale recommendations, we are just a phone call or email away.  

Cheap Floor Scales vs. Industrial Floor Scales

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It may be tempting to save a few dollars by purchasing an inexpensive floor scale imported from overseas. After all, the capacity and size may appear to be the same as the more expensive brand and the pictures of the products look virtually identical! So, what is it that really separates the Expensive Floor Scale and makes it better than the Less Expensive Floor Scale?

Imported Floor Scales Worth the Hassle?

This is something we’ve discussed before actually. We’ve seen just about every possible brand of platform scale over the years.  Some of the scales shipped over from China are decent. Some aren’t as good.  Some of the weight indicators are not very user friendly or reliable.

cheap floor scale

When it comes to floor scales, we generally rank them in different levels of floor scale quality.  For example, top of the line would be the B-Tek Clydesdale or Rice Lake Roughdeck.  Second level might be the Pennsylvania 6600 or Digi Summit 3000. Third level might be a Brecknell floor scale.  Lowest level would be brands & models that we won’t mention…

Do I Need Legal for Trade?

First thing that you want to determine is NTEP legal for trade status. You will need to determine if your floor scale needs to be legal for trade. Some cheap floor scales you find on the internet are not legal for trade. It’s almost always a good idea to buy a legal for trade floor scale. In our opinion, it’s a good idea to purchase a platform scale that is capable of earning a Certificate of Conformance (CoC#).  

Quality Scale Components Make a Difference

Next, compare the electronic components that make up the scale There are typically four load cells in each floor scale, one in each corner. Some lower-quality floor scales use load cells that you cannot replace just one of the cells. When checking for causes of scale weight error, if one goes bad, all four need to be replaced!  Some manufacturers also use cheap load cells that are sourced overseas and have little if any documentation. It is important to use quality components to ensure longevity and accurate weighing. Some of the load cell brands we recommend include Revere Transducers and Rice Lake Weighing Systems among others.

Next, is the Junction Box with Summing Board. Does the scale you are considering have a junction box with summing board inside? The purpose of the junction box is so you can adjust the output of the loadcells so the scale weighs the same regardless of where the load is placed on the scale platform. If a loadcell needs to be replaced the junction box allows you to easily remove the bad cell and replace it with the new one and wire it back into the scale without having to unwire and re-solder all the cells back together. Some cheap platform scales just tie the wires together and eliminate the junction box in their design. We do not recommend this and it makes replacing a load cell and/or troubleshooting difficult.

Heavy Duty Steel Platforms Can Last for Many Years

Maybe equally as important as the scale components is the build of the scale itself — The steel weighbridge. Pay attention to the shipping weight of the scale. The heavier the scale typically means the better build quality.

platform scale

Thicker deck plate and substructure is an important key to giving the load cells the structure they need to perform properly. If the floor scale is flexing and bending, the scale will not last and it will cause inconsistent weights. Thin, short welds are also a sign of mass-produced low-quality scales. These welds could break over time and cause inconsistent weights and/or significant down-time.

Weight Displays are an Important Part of the Scale System

The last item, and possibly most important to consider, is the indicator that comes with the floor scale. Is an indicator included in the price? If it is, there are a few questions to ask. Is the indicator calibrated to the scale base? Does the indicator include a user manual that is easy to read and understand? Do you need a certificate of calibration with certified weights for your ISO program? Do you need a full numeric keypad to enter a tare weight? Do you want to tie your scale into a computer or printer?

These are all common issues people come across when purchasing a cheap floor scale online. And, many times this leads them to spending significantly more money with their local service company to get their scale up to the actual functionality they need.

In our experience, customers usually experience a better overall scale buying experience by contacting an experienced scale sales person first. Price and budget can certainly be an important component.  But, scale construction, quality components and more can also be considered as well. By working together with a scale company, you get the type of industrial floor scale that you actually need. You also get any custom features that you may require.

As always, Central Carolina Scale would like you to make the most informed decision possible to help your business. We are here to help you with any questions you may have to help guide your decision.

Stock Replacement Scale Parts to Minimize Unplanned Downtime

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Our local scale calibration and repair customers throughout the central sections of North Carolina are very important to us. We typically stock 90%+ of the standard replacement scale parts that they may need.

However, if you have certain types of scales that aren’t as common or if you have a large number of scales or load cells at your facility… then it can be a smart strategy to keep some spare parts on hand to minimize any downtime. Call us today (919) 776-7737 to determine what replacement scale parts and hardware you need.

​If your business relies heavily on your scale(s), then it’s imperative to stock some spare parts to minimize unplanned downtime. Downtime can be a real problem. Especially for certain businesses and at certain times.

Our suggestion is to contact our scale repair & service department and discuss your scales and down time and identify any spare parts that are really important or any spare parts that are difficult to obtain.

Unfortunately, customers often don’t think about downtime and potential failures until it’s too late. This year, we’ve seen some scales that were down for weeks while they wait for replacement parts to arrive from the manufacturer.  This is why we encourage you to contact us to determine what items you need to stock.

Supply Chain Issues & Longer Lead Times!

You’ve likely experienced this in your business and we certainly have as well.  Between rising prices and labor shortages and continued medical issues, it’s greatly affected the manufacturing and logistics industries. We have seen parts that used to be a 2 day lead time, turn into a 2 month lead time. This is why it’s important to contact us today and discuss what item(s) you need to stock so you can experience the least amount of down time as possible. 

These are real concerns that in the past we haven’t had to think much about. However, with certain lead times at record levels… it just makes good sense to plan.

How much money could you potentially lose if your scale is shut down for a couple weeks?  What about a couple of months?  When you think about it in those terms, if can sometimes lessen the burden of spending a few thousand dollars to keep some spare scale parts on your shelf. 

 

Which Spare Replacement Scale Parts should I Keep on my Shelf to Minimize Unplanned Downtime?

The truth is that spare parts can be expensive to keep on your shelf.  We see this every year when we analyze our inventory and determine what items sold and what items collected dust.

And, as mentioned earlier, we stock A LOT of replacement scale parts like load cells, weight indicators, main boards, etc… But, the truth is that we can’t possibly stock every single spare part that every single customer of ours might need.  That’s why it’s important to discuss this with our service department and determine what item(s) we feel you should stock. 

This will cost you some money but we would argue it’s still not as expensive as a few weeks of unplanned downtime with a broken down truck scale. It goes without saying, but this suggestion regarding spare parts also needs to factor in how important a particular scale is to your business. 

For example, if you are a metal recycler, one broken floor scale might be easier to manage since you likely have several other floor scales you could use.  However, if you have a broken down truck scale and that’s the only truck scale you own, that item would be much harder to do with out.  In our opinion, if you want to reduce potential down time… you might want to stock the following items:

scale controller

Replacement Weight Indicator

Digital Weight Indicators are items that often break or get damaged on job sites. Sometimes the damage is through lightning, while other times it’s from being knocked off a desk and dropped to the floor or perhaps being run over or hit. Other times “nobody knows what happened“…..  In any of these scenarios, the weight indicator is a very important component to a scale system. Without a functioning scale controller, your employees can’t see the actual weight on the scale platform.

To take it one step further… some companies use very sophisticated weight controllers that are programmed for various tasks like truck in/out or truck storage, batching, etc… Those scale indicators need to function and if they fail, there needs to be a replacement available ASAP.  For applications like this, it can be a good idea to stock a spare indicator with the custom software installed.  

Replacement Scale Boards 

Boards are one of the most essential components to a scale. These boards connect all of the components required to power the scale.  It’s smart to have the main board, display board, analog output board, summing board(s), remote display main board, etc….  This will vary depending on the customer and which scale(s) you have. 

replacement load cells

Replacement / Spare Load Cells

We have to include load cells on this list since they are so prevalent in most weighing systems. However, in a lot of cases, we do have stock for most standard strain gauge load cells. This is a great example where we recommend contacting us and discussing what we have in stock and what we recommend that you stock.  For example, of the past several years there have been multiple new digital truck scales available which take a digital load cell, cables, and digital weight indicator. Similar challenges exist with hydraulic truck scale replacement parts as well.

Bottom line:

if you have a scale or multiple scales that are very important to your business process, then you need to contact us and discuss recommended spare parts and what we stock versus what we suggest that you stock.

A little forward thinking can minimize the unplanned downtime and it could mean the difference between a few hours of downtime or multiple weeks without a scale.

And these spare parts discussions (they can be phone calls or emails) probably need to happen every year since things change.  Items become obsolete, new products get purchased, etc…   

NEW! WiFi – Wireless Ethernet Option From Pennsylvania Scale Company

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The Pennsylvania Scale Company Wi-Fi option brings power and versatility wireless networking connections to the rugged and reliable count weigh bench scales and indicators. Wi-Fi 802.11b/g Transceiver Module at 2.4GHz provides a seamless integration into your existing wireless network, with no special requirements!

A Wi-Fi enabled counting or weighing scale system allows you to collect and analyze data from a workstation, production line, shipping/receiving station or stock room, providing valuable information to help management increase accuracy, productivity and reduce costs.

wifi scales

WiFi Features and Benefits for Scales

The Pennsylvania Scale Wi-Fi option keeps your data safe and secure with configurable network security protocols (WPA1, WPA Mixed & WPA 2) supported by the wireless ethernet standard.

The Wi-Fi option saves the expense of running cables in an industrial or warehouse environment. Wi-Fi is the absolute best choice for data collection applications where the scale system is mobile or changes locations on a regular basis. Collect data with powerful and flexible data collection and control software from Pennsylvania Scale.

Initial setup and troubleshooting are easy using the innovative and built in Webserver/soft AP mode. Simply enable the soft AP mode on the option, connect to the “WiFly” SSID and open the configuration web page to setup on the wireless networking protocols or for troubleshooting. Now available as a factory installed option on any Pennsylvania Scale Indicator or Bench Scale. Don’t forget we can also add other options to turn a regular scale into a digital scale with usb output for maximum data collection.

Part Number ………… Description
_WIFI       Wi-Fi Option installed: Ex: 7300-XXX WIFI, 7500-XXX WIFI, 7600-XXX WIFI 7400
WIFI, 7500/4 WIFI, 7600E WIFI, 7600/4 WIFI

57869-1    Wi-Fi Option Board Only

61301       Replacement Antenna

61300      Replacement Option Board to antenna interface cable

Upgrade to Rice Lake Advanced Weight Transmitter

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Rice Lake Weighing SCT-1100 and SCT-2200 signal conditioning weight transmitter is a small, DIN-mounted indicator featuring theoretical or weight calibration and an easy-to-navigate menu.

SCT-1100/2200 Advanced Series Signal Conditioning Weight Transmitters

Theoretical calibration: Enter deadload or capture zero with theoretical calibration, which is ideal for use in environments where traditional calibration isn’t practical.

Quick-start setup menu: For a quick setup, this feature prompts you through basic configuration and calibration, analog setup and inputs/outputs.

Rice Lake scale tools: Rice Lake Tools is a user-friendly PC application that allows users to calibrate the scale and upload, download and save parameters.

weight transmitter

Additional Benefits of the SCT-2200 When Using a Fieldbus Protocol

Hub mode: With hub mode, 16 units are able to be connected to just one protocol module, making installation easier and cutting costs.

Web server: A web server provides calibration, zero and tare functions as well as remote weight viewability through PC control. The server can be used to access all units in the hub.

Calibration from a PLC: Using a protocol for calibration eliminates the need to physically access the SCT. Zero capture, span capture and linear points can be performed using the protocol.

You can read more about Rice Lake’s SCT-1100, SCT-2200 and other din mountable weight transmitters online at Central Carolina Scale.com. Please complete our Request a Quote form if you’re interested in receiving a quote or additional information about these weight transmitters. 

How to Create a Remote Scale System

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A remote scale system uses two weight indicators to allow users to access scale functions without having physical access to the primary indicator, or “local” indicator. Historically, to create a remote scale system, a technician needed to add a second weight indicator to a scale and run the load cell signal to both indicators. Only one indicator supplied the scale with excitation; each unit was calibrated independently and operated as a separate system.

Today, however, creating a remote scale system has never been easier, thanks to remote indicator capabilities. To form a remote solution, a scale is paired with two digital weight indicators: a primary indicator, or “local” indicator, and a secondary “remote” indicator. The local weight indicator, connected to the scale, transmits a string of weight data to the remote weight indicator, which displays the weight with limited independence. This forms what is known as a remote scale, or secondary scale.

When weighing functions occur in more than one area, a remote scale can prove useful—in some cases, it may even be essential. Remote scales are ideal for environments such as a scale house and a front office, or a control room and a process floor.

Remote scales provide numerous benefits, including:

Access to weight data from a distance
Ability to perform scale functions without having physical access to the local indicator

Despite the advantages of remote scales, it is important to consider that some functionality may be limited. Before implementing a remote scale system, take note of the following:

A key press on the remote indicator will initiate basic weighing functions like zero and tare, performed by the local indicator. Not all functions may be supported or initiated from the remote indicator to the local indicator, such as keyed tares or setpoint values.
Printing at the remote location may or may not be supported by the remote indicator. Some remote indicators have printing capabilities, but others simply forward the command to the local indicator.

When it comes to printing with remote indicators, consider whether a tare weight is included with the transmitted weight from the local indicator. Typically, only gross or net weight is transmitted to the remote indicator, so a ticket that shows gross, tare and net information may need to be printed by the local indicator.
Databases are almost always resident in only the local indicator. Remotely accessing a database may be prevented for a number of reasons. If specific records are entered during the transaction, those will need to be entered at the local indicator.

Another method of setting up a remote scale is using a scale webserver. A scale webserver is a server that allows a local indicator to communicate scale data that can be read on a network, through a PC or a handheld device. Typically, weighing functions can be performed at these remote locations, just like at the local indicator.

Whether you opt to form a remote scale system using local/remote indicators or a webserver, remote scales can streamline your process and increase accessibility. Central Carolina Scale offers a variety of weighing solutions. Optimize efficiency in your process with a Rice Lake indicator. Call our sales team at (919) 776-7737 to request a quote today.

Impacts That Factor in the Price of a Truck Scale?

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A couple of years ago we discussed the ever popular how much does a truck scale cost? Today, we answer a similar question. What factors impact the price of a truck scale?

When purchasing a large piece of equipment, such as a truck scale, it can be hard to look past the price tag. However, to ensure you are investing in quality equipment that will last your business a generation or more, it is important to understand the factors impacting total purchase price. Elements such as design, craftsmanship, components and foundation of a truck scale all impact the final purchase price.

Truck Scale Design

Although the weighbridge (the structural body of a truck scale) can have varying designs depending on the manufacturer, it performs the same basic function across all brands and models: weighing trucks. Manufacturers who use a wide flange I-beam weighbridge design often have a higher steel content in their truck scales than manufacturers who utilize bent plate or steel tubing designs.

The number and size of beams in a weighbridge can also impact steel content. Designs that place larger beams closer together offer more support for vehicles than designs with smaller beams placed further apart. The support from larger beams means the deck won’t bend as easily, so the truck scale will provide accurate weighments for a longer time.

To better understand the cost of the truck scale steel content, divide the cost of the scale by its shipping weight to get the price per pound of the scale. This can be used to compare the price per pound of similar scales from different manufacturers. You may find the scale with higher steel content actually costs less on a price-per-pound basis.

Value in Scale Quality

Quality craftsmanship also contributes to a truck scale’s integrity. Purchasing from a company that invests in engineering and manufacturing ensures that there is a highly skilled team behind each and every truck scale.

The components that make up a truck scale are just as important as the team behind it. Companies who take the time to source high-quality load cells, steel, cables and other components often have a higher quality product.

Truck Scale Installation

The installation of the truck scale will also impact the final price. Installation includes excavation, the cost to pour the concrete foundation, off-loading and positioning the scale, installing electronic components and performing the initial calibration of the scale.

The truck scale installation should be performed by professional scale technicians who have experience working with scales from the manufacturer you chose. This expert installation will ensure proper scale operation and reliable weighments over the life of the scale.

A truck scale is a significant investment, and design, quality and installation all impact the final price of a truck scale. Choosing a truck scale with a heavy-duty design, superior engineering and components backed by industry experts gives you a scale that will last for a generation or more.

For more information on purchasing a truck scale, please contact the Central Carolina Scale heavy capacity sales department by calling (919) 776-7737.

Brewery and Beverage Manufacturing Equipment Co. Uses Cardinal Scales in Process and Packaging

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In the case study below, we take a look at how a brewery and beverage company that manufacturers equipment for that industry, uses Cardinal Scale equipment in its process. The company that is featured in the case study chose Cardinal products for various reasons, one important reason was the wide range of products that Cardinal offers which allowed the company to utilize Cardinal Scale products throughout and not have to contend with multiple different brands of scales.

Cardinal 190 indicator

The systems provided by IDD provide answers for operations such as keg cleaning, sanitation and filling, flash pasteurization, bottling, and their HEBS (High Efficiency Brewing System). IDD manufactures these intricate and precise equipment systems to meet the distinct needs for their many customers in the beverage industry.

IDD’s reach extends all over the world. While primarily servicing America and Canada, IDD Process and Packaging, Inc. ships to Western Europe and as far as countries in the Oceania area, such as Australia. The burgeoning craft brewery and distillery movement in America and Canada provides IDD with a great deal of business opportunities; however, they are not limited strictly to beer and spirits. IDD delivers expertise in more traditional beverage production, such as grape juice, to more exotic and contemporary drinks, like kombucha and cold-brew tea.

To round out the design of a few of their systems, owner Jeff Gunn researched scale manufacturers to compare products lines and breadth of products. Cardinal Scale was capable of providing the load cells he preferred, along with the digital weight indicators meant to complete filling functions for keg, grain, and yeast managements systems, plus the scales themselves. “Cardinal Scale provided all of the implements that I needed within one company, and that influenced my decision to go with them,” said Gunn.

Cardinal Scale products are featured in Squire Keg Systems, Grain Handling Systems, and Yeast Management Systems. For the Squire Keg series, Cardinal Scale’s model EB-300 scale is coupled with the 190 STORM indicator. The EB-300 weighs the keg that can be moved on a roller platform, and the 190 provides the weight preset programming that is invaluable to precision filling. The Squire Series system can fill up to 30 kegs per hour.

The Grain Handling Systems and Yeast Management Systems utilize Cardinal Scale’s 825 or 225 weight indicator and the company’s TCBSS1KM-4 load cell kits. The TCBSS1KM-4 load cell kits provide the durability and precision needed to take on filling of grain augers, mills, and hoppers or multi-tank yeast propagation systems. The 825 or 225 weight indicator guides the more complex filling functions associated with the aforementioned tanking systems.

So as you can see, the robust product features of the Cardinal Scale Manufacturing lineup of products was a key ingredient in the success of the featured company in the case study. With more than five years of business between the two entities, both the companies are poised to achieve even more success in the beverage industry.

You too can enjoy this same level of success for your business. Contact our sales department to discuss adding load cells under your tanks or adding digital weight indicators to your scales that can collect data that you can then analyze in a spreadsheet on the computer.  Call (919) 776-7737 to get started.

Important Changes to Rice Lake 920i Display & CPU Board

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The Rice Lake Weighing Systems 920i digital weight indicator has been an extremely successful indicator. It’s been utilized in thousands of different applications with accurate and reliable results. But as we all know things change and technology improves. So Rice Lake is making a few updates to the 920i which should allow it to continue to be a great choice for your scale needs for years to come.

To make the 920i programmable weight indicator even more robust and further extend its life, Rice Lake Weighing Systems is now manufacturing the 920i with enhanced display and CPU boards. These changes offer several benefits and are essential to ensure availability of components needed to continue manufacturing the 920i in the future.

ENHANCED DISPLAYS
As of February 1, 2018, Rice Lake began manufacturing the 920i with a technologically improved LED backlight display. While this change may go unnoticed, it affects the replacement part process.

If a 920i was built prior to February 1, 2018, and needs a replacement display, Rice Lake recommends replacing the old fluorescent backlight display with a new LED backlight display.

 

LED BACKLIGHT DISPLAY PART NUMBERS

LED backlight display
board (transmissive) …………………. 186275

LED backlight display
board (transflective)………………….. 186276

LED backlight only …………………… 187677

 

A new power supply cable must also be installed during this replacement:

                                                            AC POWER               DC POWER
Universal models ……………………………186464                        186464
Deep Universal model………………………186278                        187603
Panel mount models ………………………..186278                        187603
Wall mount models ………………………….186760                        188345
Two-slot expansion for
Wall mount models …………………………188716                          189424
Two-slot expansion for Panel mount
or Deep Universal models …………………188717                        189425
Six-Slot expansion for Wall mount………  188774                             N/A

Please note, fluorescent backlight displays are temporarily available if an upgrade to LED is not desired. CPU boards compatible with fluorescent backlights are also temporarily available.

 

ENHANCED CPU
As of June, Rice Lake will begin implementing a new CPU board in the 920i. This updated board (PN 186272, blue in color for easy identification) is compatible with firmware version 4.0 and above, and offers the following benefits:

– Updated power regulation for 5V and 3.3V supplies
– Merged analog, digital and chassis grounding to new industry standard
– Increased transient voltage protection
– Improved signal integrity
– Digital power conditioner for safe shutdown in unreliable power environments

The new CPU board is not compatible with fluorescent backlight displays, please use caution when ordering replacement parts.

rice lake 920i updates

Call the sales / service team at Central Carolina Scale (919) 776-7737 to obtain the 920i indicators and replacement parts that you need. For replacement parts, you will want to have indicator serial numbers handy along with the date that you purchased the indicator.

Digital Scales For WinSPC Real-Time Statistical Process Control Software

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Today more and more customers want to not only measure the weight of their products, but they also want to capture that information and send it to their laptop computer for data collection and further analysis. There are several ways to do this, and various software programs to help accomplish this as well. We offer various communication types like USB and ethernet and we offer some of the software as well, such as Doran Excelerator.

But today we wanted to mention the WinSPC software. Quite a few customers over the years have been interested in having their digital scales be able to connect to this real time statistical process control software.

WinSPC basically allows companies to compete in today’s worldwide economy since many manufacturers must constantly discover new and innovative ways to cut costs while consistently delivering the highest quality products for their customers. Now it’s important to note up front that we don’t sell WinSPC. The product does seem to be a really nice software though.

WinSPC provides a proven, effective way for manufacturers to quickly improve quality, reduce variation, monitor production or process changes, increase profitability and more. Best of all, WinSPC runs in real-time, collecting data to deliver real meaningful process information directly to operators or to quality engineers, supervisors, and management. WinSPC is a very popular real-time process control tool of choice for manufacturers that need a top of the line solution because WinSPC provides real time SPC capability than quality modules or other process control software products.

A key requirement of most continuous improvement, Six Sigma, and Lean Six Sigma programs is the ability to access timely manufacturing data. WinSPC’s data collection software enable manufacturers to quickly obtain product and process data from nearly any shop floor source, including: serial devices, text files, machines, gauges, databases, and other manufacturing systems. WinSPC’s data collection features offer the fastest, easiest way for quality engineers to quickly gather manual input, connect to devices, and capture data from other manufacturing sources.

The reason we’re mentioning all of this is that if you’re currently using WinSPC (or you’re thinking of purchasing it) and you need to add some digital scales to your company, give us a call at (919) 776-7737.

Our outstanding selection of Doran Scales can be setup to communicate effortlessly with the WinSPC software. Doran Scales offers RS-232 serial, usb, and ethernet connectivity. Many of these scales are NTEP legal for trade and many of the scales are available in stainless steel washdown capability if needed.

With Doran’s Excel Series Indicators line comes an array of “Value Added Standard Features and Options” for a wide variety of applications. In the scale industry, the RS232 Serial Port has been used for communications between scales, computers, or printers since the introduction of the personal computer. In 2002, PC manufacturers agreed to obsolete Serial Ports over time and replace them with USB communication ports.

Doran 2200CW stainless steel checkweigher

Therefore, today’s computers are not always equipped with an RS-232 port, which makes the use of USB absolutely necessary. There are several benefits to using USB communications over RS232 Serial Ports. These include ease of use, reliability, flexibility, and compatibility.

Virtually every company today has an Ethernet network to distribute email, provide Internet access, share printers, and run enterprise wide software. Customers both large and small can leverage their existing Ethernet and PC hardware infrastructure and extend it to the factory floor. The merging of the administrative, control level, and device level networks makes for a less expensive and more connected data network. The result is an efficient end-to-end flow of data from the plant floor to the front office network, where it can be used to better manage operations.

Adding scales to an existing Ethernet network will not adversely affect the network speeds for existing devices. The speed of 10/100Base-T Ethernet networks that provide up to 100 Mbps communication bandwidth clearly eclipses the requirements for scale communications. A typical scale data string only requires about 200 bits, a tiny fraction of the available bandwidth for Ethernet.

As an example of the speed of Doran’s Ethernet option; The Excelerator Data collection software can monitor up to 20 scales with continuous print into one spreadsheet workbook in real time, while only utilizing 0.004% of the total network’s Ethernet bandwidth. Compare this to loading Google on Internet Explorer, which requires quite a bit more network bandwidth! Utilizing the existing Ethernet network without affecting existing devices makes Doran’s Ethernet communications option extremely cost effective.

The point of this article is to simply let you know that if you currently use WinSPC, or are considering purchasing the software, please keep us in mind when it comes to purchasing new digital scales that can connect to WinSPC software. You can reach our sales team at (919) 776-7737 or fill out our RFQ on the website.