The main components of belt scales are weigh frames that have load cells and idlers or rollers to support the conveyor belt. Conveyor belt speed is measured with an encoder or tracking wheel mounted on the return belt. Weight and speed are combined in the weight processor, or integrator, to determine the product flow in kilograms or tons per hour.
While weigh frames and sensors have not changed much since the 90’s, weight processors have advanced with more communication options. Weight indicators and scale controllers can communicate with PLCs through Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet and similar systems, while USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® allow weight information to be sent to peripheral equipment such as printers and computers.
Material Handling with Belt Scales at Recycling Facilities
The recycling industry is unique and requires specialized equipment. Due to the nature of material in recycling, conveyor belts are built to be enclosed to keep spindle and dust contained to the belt. In this case, it’s necessary to use a belt weigh frame that can be positioned outside of the belt to simplify scale maintenance. Belt scales used in recycling measure and register the main and waste flows separately.
Maintenance Needs for Belt Scales
When belt scales are being used in Legal for Trade applications, or anytime materials are sold based on weight, it is critical to ensure the scale is properly calibrated. The belt scale and conveyor must have Legal for Trade approval with routine inspections and calibrations to ensure accuracy.
Choosing the correct weigh frame for your conveyor is the first step to ensuring accuracy with your belt scale. You may want to consult with a belt scale expert to find the option that meets your requirements for precision. Additionally, the conveyor must be maintained and an automatic tension device, such as a ratchet, must be present with the conveyor belt.
Belt scales are calibrated and inspected for accuracy when the system is installed. Typically, this is done by weighing a truck loaded with material on a truck scale and comparing that load with the total from the belt scale.
Expert Scale Support
Central Carolina Scale can offer advice on choosing the right belt scale for your needs as well as offer on-site support during installation and maintenance. Learn more by visiting our RFQ form on our website.
B2B ecommerce sales surged past the $1 trillion mark for the first time ever a couple of years ago and online shopping continues to grow at a very fast pace. Unfortunately, or fortunately (depending on your perspective) weighing scales of every size and application are also selling online. We’ve seen everything from vehicle scales to laboratory balances become more widely available on the internet during the past decade.
But is that ultimately a good thing for customers?
When it comes to buying a scale online, the decision-making process often centers 90% + on price…. not necessarily what features or functions of the scale itself.
When buying a scale, you also need to consider things like:
Is it NTEP Approved, legal for trade? Does the scale arrive calibrated? Will the scale hold up in the environment where it’s used? How is the scale constructed? What is the resolution of the scale? Who will service the scale?
What we’re saying is, the price of a scale is just one of many factors to consider. That’s where you often benefit from working with an experienced scale company who can recommend a proven product with a long track record of success.
Sometimes customers attempt to save time and perhaps some money and find their own scales online. That often sounds like a good idea. However, this is where mistakes can occur since price alone becomes the number one priority.
SACRIFICING ACCURACY COSTS YOU MONEY
In some scenarios, buying the lowest priced scale could cost you much more in the long run. A cheaper scale rarely has the durability and longevity of a quality-made scale. Additionally, a cheaper scale often sacrifices resolution or repeatability which can lead to inconsistencies in accuracy, as the scale will not deliver consistent results. In some applications, this could result in millions of dollars of losses per year.
For example, the B-TEK High Resolution Counting Scale (HRCS) has a one billion internal count resolution thanks to the incredible accuracy of the Quartzell transducer. Additionally, the HRB Digital Bench Scale, which is mostly used in straight-weigh applications, also offers a one billion internal count resolution.
How much could such precision save your company over the course of a fiscal year?
DOES YOUR NEW SCALE COME WITH THE SUPPORT YOU NEED?
When purchasing a scale, there’s always more to consider than the hardware itself. Who will install the scale? Who will calibrate it? What is the process for registering the scale as legal for trade? How will you obtain future service, including both regular maintenance and unforeseen scale repair?
When you’re buying a new scale for your business, you’re also buying support and expertise.
We hear stories all the time regarding online scale purchases. Over the years, we have seen few customers who purchased a scale, without consulting a salesperson, be happy with that decision years later. Many times, these customers quickly return to the buying market because they need to replace a scale that didn’t quite fit the application or function as intended. That’s where working with an experienced scale company and/or experienced sales person is a valuable benefit for most customers.
HOW CAN CCS HELP YOU?
The bottom line in this article is, don’t choose a scale based on price alone! These days with all the overseas products available everywhere, you can likely find a scale for just about any price you need. However, the quality, durability, and accuracy of that product will be highly debatable!
Contact us with your questions and a rough idea of what you’re looking to weigh. If you have a budget, let us know that as well. We’ve been providing customers with scales for over forty years! Odds are that we can recommend a proven scale for your particular application.
Let us help you find the right solution that will serve your company for many years to come. Purchasing a scale with the proper accuracy, support, and compliance is where you will truly save money. For more information, contact us online or by calling (919) 776-7737.
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:
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 / 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…
Having an accurate and reliable scale for your wrestlers is crucial. It does not matter whether you are referring to professional wrestling, those at the collegiate level, or even high school wrestling teams – weight matters.
Depending on how strict the regulations are, any slight fluctuation in weight can have an impact on the weight class an individual is allowed to wrestle in – or can even mean disqualification. It is no wonder why wrestlers spend so much time and energy focusing on their weight.
Without a dependable scale, wrestlers may find themselves dealing with a surprise at the scale that can be devastating.
While you don’t need a fancy scale, some features may be beneficial. So, between affordability, dependability, and bonus features, here’s your wrestling scale buyer’s guide and what you need to be looking for.
Scale Portability
Do you intend to move your scale from one location to the next? Are you looking for a scale that your wrestling team can use when they travel? Or, do you prefer a fixed position scale that remains in your locker room or gym?
The answers to these questions are important because they will help you narrow down the scales that may or may not be a good option for you.
Digital or Mechanical?
In years past, mechanical scales were the go-to option as they were seen as more reliable. However, over the years and as technology has advanced, digital scales have become much more accurate.
Digital scales are much easier to read and offer readings at a faster pace. Though, both are good options. It really comes down to a matter of choice.
Digital Scale Added Features
Keeping up with certain weight requirements is part of being a wrestler. For some, knowing the body mass index (BMI) number can be an extra number to follow. It is not necessary, but seems to prove to be a nice extra bonus when it comes as an added feature on your digital scale.
Another digital scale feature (and the occasional mechanical scale) is the height rod. This gives you both height and weight in one sitting. Again, this may not be something necessary for your wrestling matches, but may be a nice addition to have.
Cost vs. Budget
Perhaps the most important aspect of buying a wrestling scale is determining how much you have to spend – or are willing to spend – to purchase this very important piece of equipment. Take the things we have talked about into consideration, such as the added features, whether you prefer a digital scale or mechanical, and your scale portability. And, note what the maximum weight is that you need your scale to capture.
Once you find a scale that meets all your qualifications, you will have choices. And there is a good chance you will find one that meets your budget, Though, talking to the professionals about what is available is always a good option.
Wrestling Scales at Central Carolina Scale
Looking for a wrestling scale for your wrestling team? With so many scales on the market, it can be overwhelming to narrow the list down to meet your needs. When you are ready, contact Central Carolina Scale so our team of professionals can help you discover exactly what you are looking for.
When you invest in a scale, learning how to care for it and properly maintain it will ensure that you will get the most out of your investment for years to come. Since accurate readings are a huge part of its function, you may want to get familiar with calibration and how it relates to your scale.
Over time, your scale can slowly start to become inaccurate. This could be due to use, wear and tear, dust build-up, and the like. Little by little the readings may begin to drift, being slightly off. Without calibrating the scale, however, these slight inaccuracies can become even greater over time.
Calibration is how scales are adjusted so that they are balanced and have a high level of accuracy in their measurements. While it may not be that big of a deal for someone just looking for an approximate weight, most people prefer to have a more accurate reading. And some require a high degree of precise accuracy.
Scales are calibrated to keep them working properly. This is something that should be done at least a couple of times each year – more often for those scales that are heavily used.
Calibration can be done in two ways – internally and externally.
Internal Calibration
Some scales are manufactured with internal calibration. That means there is a mechanism built within the scale that performs its own calibration. You may have to prompt the scale to verify its calibration using menu settings, for instance, but you don’t have to do the actual calibration yourself. This is known as manual internal calibration because you manually have to tell it to start the process.
If your scale has automatic internal calibration capabilities, then it will take care of the calibration on its own at various intervals. Some are set by the manufacturer while others allow the user to change the interval frequency through the menu settings.
Many prefer scales with automatic internal calibration because they require very little involvement – which maximizes time and efficiency in a company’s daily operations.
External Calibration
Scales that require external calibration are quite the opposite. With this type, you will have to physically balance the scale on your own using calibration weights.
If the reading on the scale doesn’t match the weight of the calibration weights, then you will need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions (or the instruments menu) to perform the calibration manually. This procedure will vary from one scale to the next, such as a span or a linear calibration procedure.
You know that the scale with external calibration has been verified when the reading on the scale matches the weight being used.
Central Carolina Scale for All Your Calibration Questions
If you are interested in learning more about calibration, have questions about ensuring your scale’s accuracy, or are interested in investing in a highly accurate and reliable scale for your business, then contact Central Carolina Scale. Our team of professionals can help you discover the best scale for your needs.
Adam Equipment is running a limited-time special on the Equinox balance range, rewarding customers with a $75 rebate (via gift card) when you purchase any Equinox semi-micro, analytical or precision balance from an authorized Adam dealer like Central Carolina Scale.
SEMI MICRO & ANALYTICAL BALANCES
Adam Equinox analytical balances provide outstanding precision to laboratory settings that perform highly detailed testing. The Equinox, available from Central Carolina Scale located in Sanford, North Carolina, is perfect for research and quality assurance facilities; science education; and production and manufacturing applications needing exceptionally precise results.
Eight analytical models offer capacities from 120 grams to 510 grams and 0.1 milligram readability. A color touch screen display provides intuitive operation, with icon-driven menus and readily accessible applications and functions. The five-inch screen is generously sized, offering 800 X 480 pixel resolution for excellent visibility. Higher capacity precision balances are also available.
PRECISION BALANCES
Adam Equipment Equinox precision balances provide users with exceptional precision to laboratories that perform highly detailed testing. The Equinox balance, available from Central Carolina Scale, is perfect for research and quality assurance facilities; science education and virtually any other application needing exceptionally precise results.
Twelve precision balances offer capacities from 360 grams to 8200 grams and readabilities of 1 milligram and 0.01 grams. A color touch screen display provides intuitive operation, with icon-driven menus and readily accessible applications and functions. The five-inch screen is generously sized, offering 800 X 480 pixel resolution for excellent visibility.
From September 21, 2021 through December 31, 2021, when you purchase any Equinox semi-micro, analytical or precision balance from an authorized Adam dealer, you will be eligible to receive a gift card for $75. All you need to do is make the purchase and complete the form below and submit a copy of your invoice. (Sorry this offer is expired)
The gift card will be delivered via email. Redemption must be submitted before January 15, 2022.
Fine Print: Offer valid through December 31, 2021 on qualifying purchase. Limit: one free Amazon gift card per customer. Cannot be applied to past purchases or combined with any other offers, quantity pricing, discounts or promo codes. Offer applies to purchases from authorized dealers made through the U.S. office of Adam Equipment Inc. only. Void where prohibited by law. Adam Equipment reserves the right to change or cancel the offer at any time without notice. Other restrictions may apply. Gift card will be delivered within 6-12 weeks following submission of the redemption form.
You invest in a scale because you are looking for a machine that will give you an accurate weight reading. If you have done your research, then you have purchased the right scale for your needs — one that is designed to handle the weight of the objects you need to weigh.
So what happens when you think you have done everything right and then you find out that your scale is giving you inaccurate readings? What if you have been using it and moving forward with business – only to find out your readings have been off for weeks?
If your scale is not level, it is not going to give you an accurate measurement.
Leveling Matters
Many people may use a scale without realizing that leveling it is crucial to a successful reading. Who cares if it is leaning a little? After all, leaning a little is not going to change the weight of the item on the scale, right? Wrong. Leveling has everything to do with a solid weight reading.
Here is why leveling matters so much. When weighing an object, it is actually the measurement of Earth’s gravitational force being exerted on the object. If you think way back to your middle school science class, you may remember learning that Isaac Newton taught us that gravity only forces things in one direction – and that is down.
With this in mind, gathering the measurement properly will only happen if the force of gravity is exactly perpendicular to the surface of the scale. If not? Well, you would only be weighing gravity on part of the object. And that’s just not going to give you the measurement reading you are looking for.
How do you fix the problem? Level the scale.
How to Level Your Scale
Leveling each scale will vary based on the type – and size – of the scale. Many have leveling feet that can be adjusted up and down to make sure it is completely level. Using a bubble level that may or may not be attached, you can easily tell when you have appropriately adjusted the feet.
Because leveling tips will vary based on the unit, it is best to consult your manufacturer’s guide when setting up your scale so that you know initially – and in the future – how to ensure proper leveling.
Important note: Leveling needs to take place before every use. If the scale gets bumped or if it is moved from one location to another, it will likely be unlevel again. It is a good idea to make it common practice to make sure the scale is perfectly level before each use.
Central Carolina Scale for All Your Scale Needs
We know how exciting it is to get a new scale and put it to work. But we can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure your scale is level before you start using it. Otherwise, you may find yourself wasting your business resources – or finding yourself with bigger problems.
So, whether you have questions about leveling your scale or believe it is just time to buy a new one, Central Carolina Scale has a professional team that is just waiting to help you out.
Be confident that your weight measurement is 100% accurate every time. Contact Central Carolina Scale today at (919) 776-7737.
Keeping animals of all sizes healthy and happy is what veterinarians have dedicated their lives to doing. This means monitoring their health in every way so that they can thrive for years to come. Of course, to make sure any animal is at a healthy weight or that they are prescribed the right dosage of medication, knowing their exact weight is vital.
Every veterinarian needs a scale that can easily handle the weight of the animals they see without putting too much strain or stress on the animal. But with so many options on the market, it is hard to tell which one you should purchase. This veterinary scale buyer’s guide is designed to help you determine the right choice for your practice.
The Scale’s Weight Capacity
Animals come in all sizes. Some veterinarians may work with a wide range of animals while others may only work with a select group. That means when it comes to purchasing a scale, you must have an idea of the weight capacity needed. For instance, if your practice primarily caters to small domestic animals – like dogs and cats – you may only need a scale that goes up to 300lbs or so. If you work within the equestrian community, however, you will need a scale that can weigh horses that are well over 1,000lbs. Cattle and other farm animals can weigh even more. At the same time, veterinarians that deal with small pets, such as gerbils, will need a scale that can accurately calculate lightweight.
The point of all this is to help you understand that scales are not one-size-fits-all when it comes to weighing animals. To make sure you get the one you need, decide the lowest and highest weights of the animals that you typically treat — and then add some cushion to either end. You want a scale that will go over your highest-weight animal just in case. Remember, a scale is an investment so you want to make sure it will be there for you when you need it.
The Size of the Platform
Just like you need a scale to be able to handle the weight of the specific types of animals you see at your veterinary practice, you also need to make sure that the size of the platform will be suitable for your patients, too. After all, you can’t accurately weigh a horse on a 2’ x 2’ platform. Instead, you would look at a larger scale, such as a heavy-duty livestock floor scale. These will be size-appropriate to adequately handle larger animals.
Whereas, if you have a typical veterinary practice that sees cats and dogs, then a 500lb capacity scale with a platform of 36” x 22” may be more suitable.
Weighing animals is a big part of treating them so it is important to make sure the scale you choose will allow you to easily gather the animal’s weight – without struggle.
The Price is Right
Finally, when making any business investment, the price must always be taken into consideration. You need a scale that gives you precise weight, but it doesn’t need to break your budget. Some scales offer a lot of extra frills that you probably don’t need. However, some may have different weighing modes and options that you think may benefit your practice.
Look at your options carefully and choose the scale that will best meet the needs of your practice – and your patients. More expensive and more features are not always better. Look for durable scales that give you precise weight and will be easy to care for and maintain.
Veterinary Scales at Central Carolina Scale
Whether you are a veterinarian that treats dogs, cats, horses, alpacas, goats, or any other animal – you will find the high-quality, durable scale you are looking for at Central Carolina Scale.
Speak to the experts at (919) 776-7737 to discover the perfect scale for your veterinary practice. Or, if you have an idea of what you are looking for, request a quote online.
If you have invested in a scale to meet the demands of your daily business operations, then you expect that scale to be ready to go with quality, accurate readings every time. One small issue can have a disastrous impact — sending your productivity and efficiency in a downward spiral.
As with anything, a little care and attention can go a long way. Before you power up your scale for the day, follow these 4 tips to ensure long-lasting reliability.
Tip #1: Give Your Scale Plenty of Clean Space to Work
Your scale is going to need space to function properly. Depending on the size of objects you have to weigh, you will need adequate room to access the scale and gather a proper weight. The scale should have a sturdy foundation free from any climate conditions (including indoor drafts) and vibrations from other machines or equipment.
Further, your scale needs to be cleaned regularly. Wiping it down will help keep dust and other debris at bay. Check for any objects or debris that may be blocking your weighing mechanism. For instance, anything that gets caught under the weighing pan (big or small) can have an impact on gathering weight. Carefully remove the pan and clean anything that may be caught under there.
Without proper cleaning, you are risking downtime and even costly repairs as these tiny particles make their way into the internal parts of the scale – so make this part of a daily routine.
Tip #2: Always Check Your Power Supply
Your power supply is one major thing that stands between you and a working scale. If your scale doesn’t seem to be working, always check the power supply first, making sure it is securely plugged in. This will ensure it is always ready to go when you need it. It is a good idea to periodically check and make sure your power cord is healthy, without any cracks, frays, or knots.
If your scale is a battery-operated model, check to be sure your batteries are charged up and have a spare set ready to go when you need them. Being prepared in this manner can keep your productivity flowing.
Tip #3: Keep Your Scale Level At All Times
We talked about keeping your scale on a solid, steady surface, but you always want to be sure that the scale is level. Even if the surface is solid and not wobbly, it could still be off-level. And any degree of off-level surface can result in poor, inaccurate readings. Some may not even be visibly noticeable – which means your scale could be inaccurate and you wouldn’t even know it.
To avoid any potential future issues, use a bubble level to check your scale and make sure that it is perfect. Most scales will come with adjustable feet to help you make this happen more easily.
Tip #4: Regularly Calibrate Your Scale
Calibrating your scale regularly keeps it performing at its optimal, accurate level. This is vital in maintaining the accuracy and reliability of your scale. Depending on the scale, you may have received a manual from the manufacturer with instructions on how to calibrate your scale. Or you may want to contact the experts.
Set a date on your calendar (at least annually) to take care of your scale’s calibration — and stick to it.
Scale Experts at Central Carolina Scale
Whether you are looking to purchase a new scale, need a repair, or have a scale that needs calibration, Central Carolina Scale can help. Our experts understand the best practices for every scale — and we can guide our customers when it comes to technical issues or knowing which scale to buy or rent.
For the many businesses that use a scale in any part of their daily operations, that scale is a crucial part of the process. When it is not functioning properly, not only can it severely disrupt your production line, but it can lead to a lot of unwanted aggravation.
There are a few common problems that can often be fixed with some minor attention. However, it should be noted that before doing any troubleshooting on your own, you should consult with your supplier or manufacturer as this could void any warranty you may have.
Below are the top 5 scale problems and how you can fix them.
Scale Problem #1: Lack of Power
Most scales require electricity to run. So when the scale doesn’t power on or it doesn’t seem to have any power at all, it may not be connected. And while it could be any number of issues, checking the power source is a good place to start. Make sure that it is securely plugged into the outlet.
Many times these cords accidentally get unplugged and simply require you to plug it back in. However, if it is plugged in and you are still facing a lack of power, then you may want to take a moment to check for any frayed wires or damage to the cord. Any visible damage to the power cord could result in power issues — and may be a fire hazard.
If you don’t see any cord damage, test the power supply of the cord, the outlet, and the adapter. This should help you to narrow down the faulty area.
Scale Problem #2: Inaccurate Readings
Calibration is so important when it comes to getting accurate readings on scales of all types. And, at a minimum, it should be done every year. If this is something you haven’t done in a while, perhaps your scale is not calibrated and can explain your inaccurate readings.
Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for calibrating your specific scale. Once you do, test the scale to make sure the reading is correct. If it isn’t, then it could be another issue, such as having a broken component within the scale.
At this point, it is best to speak to a scale expert at your supplier or manufacturer to determine the issue.
Scale Problem #3: Inconsistent Readings
You rely on your scale to give you consistent readings. If you find that it isn’t, there could be a couple of reasons why.
Drifting refers to a scale that fluctuates with its readings due to water exposure. If your scale is used in or near water or has been exposed to rain or floods, you could be dealing with drifting. If exposed to water, load cells, cables, the junction box, and other areas of the scale can be affected. Turn it off until it has a chance to dry out.
If there is no way that water is the culprit, perhaps you are experiencing electrical issues or even have loose connections. Double-check your wires and cords and make sure everything is secure.
Scale Problem #4: Battery Problems
Some scales run on batteries. And while having no power can alert you to batteries that are likely dead, sometimes there can be issues with displays blinking, taking too long to display a weight, or doing other strange things. This could be the sign that your batteries are getting low, but aren’t quite dead yet. Or, there may be a battery leak inside the scale.
Try replacing your batteries with a fresh batch and see if that makes a difference.
Scale Problem #5: Error Codes
Error codes were designed for manufacturers to help you troubleshoot issues with the scale. If you have your manufacturer’s manual, each error code should be listed so that you know what it means and how to address the problem.
If you don’t have your manual, a quick search on the internet can often lead you to a list of manufacturer codes.
If all the troubleshooting tips and solutions have been tried and your scale is still not working, there are several options to consider.
Further Diagnosis: You can continue to explore additional troubleshooting guides to try and identify the problem with your scale. By following step-by-step instructions and utilizing different techniques, you may be able to uncover the issue causing the malfunction.
Technical Support: Contacting the technical support line of the manufacturer is another option. They have experienced technicians who can assist you in determining whether your scale can be fixed or if it needs to be replaced. You can reach out to them for guidance and support, providing them with details about your scale’s problem and any troubleshooting steps you have already taken.
Service Request: If the technical support team recommends it, you can submit a service request. This will allow a professional technician to examine your scale and provide a personalized recommendation on whether it can be repaired or requires a replacement. They will have the expertise to diagnose the problem accurately and suggest the best course of action.
Replacement: If all else fails, you have the option to shop for a new scale. There are various high-quality digital scales available on the market, offering a wide range of top brands and models to choose from. You can explore different options that suit your needs and preferences, ensuring you find the perfect weighing equipment to replace your malfunctioning scale.
Tried all that, now what? What are some reasons to consider purchasing a new scale?
There are various reasons to consider purchasing a new scale if you are experiencing issues with your current one. First, if you have exhausted all troubleshooting tips and your scale continues to malfunction, it could indicate that it is beyond repair. In such cases, investing in a new scale would be a practical solution to ensure accurate and reliable weight measurements. (PS: we also recommend working with a scale sales person and discuss how you will be using the scale and what environment you will be using the scale.)
Older scales may lack precision and accuracy over time due to wear and tear. If you frequently rely on precise weight measurements, such as for shipping or parts counting, it may be beneficial to replace your scale with a new one that can provide more precise readings.
Lastly, purchasing a new scale allows you the opportunity to explore a wider range of options. There are numerous brands and models available in the market, each offering unique features and designs. By shopping for a new scale, you have the chance to find one that aligns with your specific needs and preferences, ensuring a more satisfactory weighing experience.
Contact the Experts at Central Carolina Scale
If you have followed any of these troubleshooting tips, but you find that your scale is still not working right – or if you believe that you are in need of a new scale altogether – then contact the experts at Central Carolina Scale at (919) 776-7737.
