Category Archives: General

Top 8 Strategies to Improve Your Dim Weight Shipping Process

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Yesterday we had a chance to see, in person, the Rice Lake iDimension® 100 dim weight scanning system and the Rice Lake Bench Pro Series shipping scale and it is an impressive group of products from Rice Lake!

With a system like this, all you do is place the package that you’re shipping on the scale top and within a few tenths of a second you have the weight of the box and the dimensions. This data can then be sent over to your shipping software such as UPS Worldship.

We never had to key in the weight of the box. We also did not have to pick up a yard stick and squint trying to read measurements. We did not have to key in the length, or the width, or the height of the box either. All of this was done automatically in under a second!

Think of how much easier your shipping process could go at your business!

If your business ships a couple dozen boxes or more per day; this iDimension 100 dimensional weight measuring scanner could save your company and your shipping clerk a lot of hassles and money.

The iDim 100 could also help your UPS shipping corrections drop dramatically as well each month on your UPS or FedEx statement. We’ve written about the iDimension 100 before with a series of Frequently Asked Questions.

The key part of this system is the cost savings.

Let’s say you ship products to your customers on a daily basis. On average you ship (50) boxes per day all over the country. The boxes are usually different sizes because you sell various products and various quantities on each order. Your standard order fulfillment process that you currently use is to just fill each box, place the box on the scale and enter the weight and ship to address. The shipping cost is then displayed on the screen and that is what your customer is charged for shipping.

Unfortunately, when your UPS and FedEx bill comes in at the end of the month, you will soon find out that you have been undercharging your customers on virtually every transaction. And the costs can be significant. Multiply that out by (50) orders per day and (300+) days per year you can see where a iDimension 100 automatic dim weight measurement system could instantly improve your productivity and bottom line.

dim weight scanning device

When you research about the dim weight subject online, often you see folks mention the dimensional weight calculator for UPS or FedEx. A freight density calculator is great but only for a handful of boxes. You don’t want to have to use that online calculator manually for thirty boxes each day.

The future of shipping is dimensional weight. From small businesses and mail counters to large operations and warehouses, parcel and package shipment is a daily occurrence. In order to more accurately reflect billable weight, many carriers are now determining shipment pricing based on either dimensional weight or actual weight. Whichever is greater.

Measuring dimensions manually is more time consuming than obtaining the package’s weight with a conventional shipping scale. How can businesses ensure freight compliance and deter revenue-loss from miscalculated dimensions, without adding time to their process?

There are manufacturers modernizing dimensioning technology to provide shippers with solutions to quickly, efficiently and accurately obtain package dimensions for shipment with dimensioning systems.

Dim weight is all about volume. Dimensioning systems use sensing and imaging technology to calculate the dimensions of packages to determine dim weight. Although dimensioning systems differ in performance and technology, they provide valuable solutions to ensure companies optimize dim-weight shipping with accurate package dimensions, all without slowing processes.

Follow these EIGHT steps to optimize dimensional weighing in your application:

1. Optimize the way you package items. Use only the material needed to safely ship products and choose the best sized containers.

2. Do your research. Speak with your carriers to determine the dim weight policies they have in place. Knowing shipping requirements now can help deter additional fees in the future.

3. Document your current total monthly shipping charges to ensure your dim weight shipping charges are accurate (and that you’re measuring dim weight correctly). Odds are you will see a lot of areas for improvement.

4. Convert irregulars to cubic measurements. Polybags, tubes and irregular shapes need cubic measurements, too. Manually measuring irregular shapes can be complicated. A dimensioning system can measure them for you.

5. Streamline your system. Utilizing dimensioning systems can maximize your process flow and limit the amount of errors & time spent manually measuring.

6. Know that not all dimensioning systems are created equal. If speed, accuracy and dependability are important to you, ensure that your dimensioning system can deliver all three.

7. If you ship a variety of items, from oversized packages to thin mailers, closely research the maximum package height and widths dimensioning systems can measure.

8. Spec out the systems on the market. Certain dimensioning systems can integrate scales to provide package dimensions and weight at the same time. Some can integrate this data with existing shipping software, too.

If this sounds like a shipping solution that your company could use, contact us today. We’ve seen this product up close and there are many companies out there who have shipping departments who would benefit from a system like this. We can provide you with a custom quote for your particular needs. Our phone number is (919) 776-7737 or you can fill out the Request a Quote button on our website.

TruckScaleFest: 10-Year Weighbridge Warranty Special

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Order a Cardinal truck scale between May 1st 2017 and June 30th 2017 and receive a 10-year weighbridge warranty!

Celebrate the strength of Cardinal’s truck scale bridges and join us in the TruckScaleFest going on now. Standard 5-year warranty still applies to electronics. 10-year weighbridge warranty applies only to 45-ton CLC truck scale models as designated and approved by Cardinal Scale. Terms apply within Cardinal Scale’s standard limited warranty.

cardinal scale extended warranty for truck scale

One popular choice to consider for this promotion is the 13570-EPR which is a 70 foot long and 11 foot wide steel deck Armor truck scale. As the name implies, Cardinal’s ARMOR® truck scales (EPR Series) provide you with superior-strength, long-life steel construction for optimum vehicle weighing.

The ARMOR’s durable baked-on, anti-corrosion tan powder paint stands the test of time. The NTEP legal-for-trade Armor® arrives fully-prepared for installation and includes DB75000-lb stainless steel load cells standard, which are factory assembled.

A wide selection of Armor® capacities, platform sizes, and types are available. Each Armor® scale bridge features interconnecting load blocks and receivers for an efficient, no-bolt installation. Rodent protection is standard throughout the scale via conduit integral throughout each scale module. Every Armor® truck scale is 100% assembled and tested before shipping.

The PRC series is also available. The Cardinal PRC series is a low-profile, fully electronic truck scale. The high-capacity PRC’s rigid design prevents excessive movement, ensuring long lasting reliability and accuracy in high-traffic installations.

The anti-corrosion powder coat painted weighbridge with welded structural steel tube and checkered deck plate is ready to install upon delivery. Features rock-solid steel deck plate to carry heavy loads! Many lengths and capacities to choose from. NTEP legal-for-trade certified.

Don’t miss out on this special! The offer is only good until the end of June. Contact us today and we can put together a customized quote just for you.

Call (919) 776-7737 or complete our Request for Quote form on the website at centralcarolinascale.com

I Want To Buy A Scale That Is Made In The United States of America.

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The title of this blog post sounds simple enough, right? Many customers are interested in purchasing lots of different items that are made in America versus buying items made in China and other countries. But, I would like to ask you a question…

What exactly do you consider “Made in America”?

The reason I bring this up is that it’s really difficult to find certain types of scales that meet a certain definition.

According to the FTC, for most products there is no law requiring manufacturers and marketers to make a “Made in USA” claim. But if a business chooses to make the claim, the FTC’s Made in USA standard applies. Made in USA means that “all or virtually all” the product has been made in America. That is, all significant parts, processing, and labor that go into the product must be of U.S. origin. Products should not contain any – or should contain only negligible – foreign content. The FTC’s Enforcement Policy Statement and its business guide, Complying with the Made in USA Standard, spell out the details, with examples of situations when domestic origin claims would be accurate and when they would be inappropriate.

For simplicity, let’s look at an industrial floor scale as an example.

Ok so you’re looking to buy an American Made floor scale. Did you know that almost every floor scale that is built in the USA utilizes (4) load cells that were made in China? With that being the case, let’s say your floor scale was built in Rice Lake, Wisconsin but uses load cells from China.  Do you still consider this scale an American Made item?

industrial floor scale

Did you also know that many of the junction boxes and summing boards are made overseas? Finally, did you know that the home run cable, the fifteen foot long cable that connects the scale to your digital weight indicator is probably constructed overseas? And, what about the steel used in the floor scale? Was it purchased domestically?

Sticking with the floor scale example, next area to consider is the digital weight indicator. Is it one hundred percent made in the USA? Were all the boards and components made in America? How about the display board? The plastic or stainless steel enclosure? Was the AC adapter made in the USA?

These are some interesting things to consider. I know of many people who can justify buying a scale that was constructed and calibrated in the USA but does utilize some Chinese components. However, there are some who absolutely want their products to be 100 % made in America.  Are there any scales that can one hundred percent meet that?

From our standpoint as a distributor it can be quite tricky since we are not involved in the actual manufacturing process. We have had numerous scale manufacturers tell us over the years that they build Made in the USA weighing equipment and then over time they slowly start substituting Chinese parts or in some cases, send all the manufacturing over to China. Unless the scale manufacturer tells us, sometimes we are not even aware that anything has changed in the manufacturing process.

So if buying a Made in the USA scale is important to you, contact us and we can help you. Just be sure to specify to us up front how flexible you wish to be when it comes to things like Chinese components such as load cells being a part of the final product.

In our experiences, many customers may originally start a transaction as a “Made in the USA” fanatic but once they discover certain prices and lead times for domestic components, they become a fanatic of “Made in U.S. from Imported Parts” or “Assembled in U.S.A.”.

The New Look of the UWE PS2 Stainless Steel Scale and Why It Matters

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The UWE PSII (PS2) is a Stainless Steel, Washdown bench scale that is great for sanitary applications, as you can lightly spray it off without worry of damaging the scale. This scale comes with a stainless steel load cell as well, so rust and water damage is less of an issue over time. This is great for food production, and messy environments. The manufacturer lists this scale as IP67 rated.

FDA safety regulations on food production have compelled process equipment manufacturers to rethink their designs. The UWE PS2 sets the pace for industry standards by producing a medium capacity food service bench scale that utilizes easy to clean stainless steel parts which wipe out the chances of food particles becoming trapped or hidden during washdown.

The PS2 features all stainless steel platform, pillar, indicator, load cell and base. This means easy to clean for food processing or harsh environments / washdown resistant scale. The open pillar design allows for thorough washdown with less chance of food particles remaining. Heavy duty construction Will withstand harsh industrial operation and the sealed electronics leads to improved water and dust resistance. The low profile design is easy to load and unload with platform only 3.7 inches high. The scale displays weight in grams, pounds and pounds:ounces for flexibility of operation.

The UWE PS2 stainless steel scale is great for stationary applications or can easily be moved around with the built-in rechargeable battery or external power adapter. The battery lasts a minimum of 100 hours (without backlight). Automatic power save conserves battery power. And, Low battery indicator / charge status indicator alerts you to charge the battery, saving downtime.

Accumulation function allows you to add together consecutive weights to arrive at a total. Adjustable stainless steel feet with rubber inserts help to make sure the scale remains level for accurate results on uneven working surfaces – anti-slip. The wide angle LCD display with backlight can be seen from a wide viewing angle. Gravitational correction software enables you to input different G acceleration factors.

Food safety regulations have caused manufacturers to adjust or improve their designs over time. The UWE PS2 was recently redesigned and utilizes easy to clean stainless steel parts which wipe out the chances of food particles becoming trapped or hidden during wash down with water. The easily accessible pillar design eliminates the chance of food particles remaining behind after washdown.

uwe ps2 scale designed for food safety

• Same Dependable Bench Scale
• New FDA Safe Pillar Design
• Rechargeable Battery Eliminates Cord Clutter
• Stainless Steel Parts Made For Washdown
• Large Back-lit Display
• Gravity Compensation
• Accumulation

Contact our sales department today for additional information regarding the UWE Scale lineup. You can call us at 919-776-7737 or complete our request for quote form on our website.

Installing Load Cells on Suspended Hoppers or Tanks

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If you have a hopper or tank in your facility, one great way to accurately keep track of its contents is to weigh it. The ITCM Series modules utilize several Rice Lake Weighing Systems components (mounting hardware, load cells, junction box) to provide an unmatched level of performance in suspended tank and hopper weighing applications and mechanical scale conversions. The ITCM HE incorporates clevis and unique rod-end ball joint assemblies to reduce the overall length to less than half of the traditional tension cell mounts, while providing correct load alignment.

In addition, the load cell is completely electrically isolated from stray currents, which are a major cause of load cell failure. To complete the design, a grounding strap connects the two clevis assemblies to further provide safety to your load cells. As always, the installation should be planned by a qualified structural engineer. Each installation is unique, and this manual is meant to serve only as a general guideline for installation.

The ITCM Weigh Module provides excellent performance in suspended tank and hopper weighing applications. The ITCM reduces the overall assembly length to less than half of traditional tension cell hardware arrangements and offers correct alignment of the assembly. The combination of clevises and rod end ball joints isolates the load cell from extraneous forces detrimental to accurate system performance.

suspended hopper load cell mount for scales

The ITCM incorporates an insulating system which resists the flow of stray currents through the load cell. To insulate the load cells from the clevises, the clevises incorporate nylon insulating washers, and the rod end ball joints are lined with Teflon®. A parallel grounding strap connects the two clevis assemblies to provide an alternate path to ground, preventing load cell damage from electrical spikes or stray currents.

The ITCM modules feature RL20000 series S-beam load cells and are available in a variety of capacities, ranging from 100 to 20,000 pounds per module. A single ITCM module is often used to convert a mechanical scale to electronic operation, allowing for the added benefits of an electronic signal for process control or data collection. When an ITCM module is inserted into the steelyard rod, the mechanical beam or dial is still functional and can serve as a backup indicator.

General Installation Guidelines for Tension Cell Mounts

Depending on the weighing application, ITCM modules may be used in single or multiple load cell configurations. Single cell suspension configurations are relatively simple and work well in low capacity applications which have minimal disturbance from mixers, materials flow, or other agitators.

For best results, the vessel should be symmetrical with respect to the suspension point and used to weigh only self-leveling materials, such as liquids.

This allows the center of gravity to rise along the same vertical line each time and minimizes the tendency of the vessel to bind against the bumpers. The bumpers only serve to limit sway caused by accidental contact or other external forces. Erroneous scale readings result if the vessel contacts the bumper. Instead of bumpers, horizontal stay rods may be used to rigidly hold a vessel which has a tendency to sway sideways. Also, note that single cell systems must be restrained from rotating to prevent the suspension hardware from coming unscrewed.

single load cell tank hopper mount

Multiple cell suspension configurations commonly involve three or four load cells. One advantage to using three suspension points is that even weight distribution is inherent in this configuration. Support points should be equally rigid and deflect by the same amount when loaded. Otherwise, one or more of the cells may be overloaded.

For maximum stability, attach suspension rods at or above the filled vessel’s center of gravity. In situations where there is a potential for vibration, agitation, wind, or seismic activity, install bumpers or horizontal check rods to check the sideways motion of the vessel.

3 and 4 load cell hopper scale mount

We always like to mention that all suspended vessel weighing systems must be protected by safety check rods, chains, or other means to prevent damage or injury in the event of a failure.

If piping or conduit is required, make sure that it runs horizontally and verify that the distance from the vessel to the first pipe support is 20 to 30 times the pipe diameter. If necessary, incorporate flexible sections into the pipe. Suspension rods should be as long as possible to minimize the introduction of side forces.

Use only hermetically sealed load cells in washdown applications. Environmentally protected load cells are not suitable for such applications and will eventually be damaged. If tanks and surrounding equipment are frequently steam cleaned, or if the load cell might be subjected to direct washdown pressure, a protective shroud for the weighing assembly is recommended.

It is important that the S-beam load cells are properly oriented with respect to the load. The cable must emerge from the dead, or fixed, end of the cell. If it emerges from the live end, it will restrain the movement of the cell. This orientation must be followed with low capacity S beams.

correct way to use a s-beam load cell

Installing the ITCM suspended weighing modules

1. Select a suspension rod of the appropriate diameter. Use a safety factor of at least 4, based on the yield strength of the rod material. If vibration or shock loads are common, then a higher factor of safety should be considered. Commercially available threaded rod is made from a low yield strength material and will not provide an adequate safety factor in many applications. When determining the rod length, subtract the length of the ITCM module from the overall suspension length, making allowance for complete thread engagement in each clevis.
2. Making certain to provide adequate thread for the jam nut, cut the suspension rod near its center point and thread the ends that screw into the ITCM module.
3. Making sure to put the jam nut on first, assemble a clevis to the top and bottom rods. Screw the rod in sufficiently so that all threads of the clevis are engaged. Lock each clevis in place using the jam nuts. The clevises should be rotated 90° relative to each other.
4. Initially, the lined rod end ball joints are stiffer than regular rod end ball joints. This is normal. Verify that all threads of the load cell are engaged by the rod end ball joint, then lock in place with the jam nuts provided. Screw the rod end ball joints into the load cell. Align one so the flat face is in the same plane as the load cell. Turn the other to 90°.
5. Insert the rod end ball joint into the upper clevis. Place a nylon washer on each side of the rod end and insert the shoulder screw. Secure the shoulder screw with the lock nut provided. Repeat the procedure on the lower clevis.

Note: The 15K and 20K ITCM models use plain pins secured with washers and cotter pins, rather than threaded shoulder screws and lock nuts.
6. Remove the 1/4” machine screw and lock washer from each clevis. Fasten the bonding strap in place as shown in the illustration below. Make sure to connect the vessel or the support structure to a single system-wide ground.
7. The attachment points on the structure and vessel should be rigid to minimize deflection. Add gusset plates if necessary. Spherical washers help to minimize bending of the suspension rod due to structure or vessel deflection under load. They can also compensate for initial misalignment.
8. In multiple cell applications, adjust the length of each assembly to level the vessel. If the system consists of more than three cells, you must be sure the load is evenly distributed. This may be done by lifting or prying on the vessel at each support point, checking for even load, or by reading the dead load output from each cell. The variation in load among the cells should be no more than 20%.

Load Cell Wiring

1. Route the load cell cables so they will not be damaged or cut. Cables should not be routed near heat sources greater than 150 °F. Do not shorten any load cell cable. The load cell is temperature compensated with the supplied length of cable. Cutting the cable will affect temperature compensation. Coil excess cable and protect it so it will not be mechanically damaged or be sitting in water.
2. Provide a drip loop in all cables so that water or other liquids will not run directly down the cables onto either the load cells or the junction box. Attach load cell cable to the dead structure, not the vessel.
3. If conduit protection is necessary against mechanical or rodent damage to the load cell cables, use flexible conduit and conduit adapters at the load cells.
4. Connect cables for the load cells to the summing board in the junction box according to the load cell calibration certificate provided with the load cell and the labels on the terminal strips of the junction box.
5. For better performance, use positive and negative remote sense lines if the wiring run from the junction box to the indicator is longer than 25 feet.

Junction Box Connections, Adjustments & Calibration

• Refer to junction box manual for trimming details.
• Refer to indicator manual for system calibration details.

Scale Troubleshooting

If the system powers up and gives some type of stable digital readout that varies with the load on the system, the system problems are probably caused by factors other than the load cells. Often, load cells are blamed for a malfunctioning system and the majority of the time, the problem lies elsewhere.

Look for mechanical causes first. If the system can be calibrated but doesn’t return to zero, loses calibration, or demonstrates non-linearity or non-repeatability, see the following chart for possible causes and refer to the following list of checks.

No return to zero
Mechanical binding or debris in seals or under load cells; may have lost system calibration

Non-linearity
Thermal expansion or deflection under load causing binding or side load

Non-repeatability
Loose load cell mount; drifting caused by moisture, load cell overload or shock damage; mechanical binding

Lost calibration
Out of level or plumb; moisture problem; mechanical binding

Drifting readout
Moisture in junction box, cables, or load cell; mechanical binding

1. Check load cell mount for debris restricting load cell movement or debris between scale and structure.
2. Check that tank/vessel and mounts are plumb, level, and square at the critical areas.
3. Check piping and conduit for connections that restrict vessel movement.
4. If check rods are used, loosen connections to finger tight only for testing.
5. Check load cell cables for physical or water damage.
6. Check all electrical connections, especially in the junction box.

Contact the scale sales and service team at Central Carolina Scale today for hopper scale load cells and weigh bars. Nobody stocks more load cells in North Carolina than we do. We can put together a quote for the ideal system for your weighing needs. And when it comes to digital weight indicators, we can meet just about anyone’s requirements for specifications like analog output or a certain price range. We can also repair or calibrate an existing hopper scale. We feature many of the top scale manufacturer product lines to choose from. Call us at 919-776-7737 or complete the Request a Quote form on our website.

70 ft Truck Scales for Sale – What You Need to Look For When Buying.

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When it comes to buying a 70 foot long truck scale, there are about a half dozen key ingredients to think about. If you don’t look at these important factors it could lead to increased scale down time, increased costs and overall dissatisfaction with your scale purchase. Don’t let that happen, be sure to look at the following key features.

We sell several different brands of truck scales but the list below from Rice Lake sums up the key facts to consider when purchasing a truck scale for weighing your trucks with trailer.

70 ft truck scale

IS THE TRUCK SCALE BUILT TO WITHSTAND EXTREME USE?
Rice Lake SURVIVOR® series truck scales utilize up to 25 percent more steel than most competitive models and incorporate a longitudinal highway bridge design. The Survivor truck scale is designed to provide you with years of service. It’s important to purchase a scale that is built tough and not full of short cuts.

DOES THE TRUCK SCALE PROVIDE ULTRA LOAD CELL PROTECTION?
SURVIVOR truck scales are designed with the load cell pocket integrated into the steel structure of the scale. Rice Lake truck scales are some of the most reliable truck scales in the market today. The design of their Survivor truck scale is important and is a big part of why they enjoy one of the lowest load cell failure rates in the industry.

DOES THE SCALE OFFER BREATHING ROOM BELOW THE PLATFORM?
SURVIVOR steel deck truck scales feature an open-bottom design, providing unrestricted airflow to eliminate rust-causing moisture buildup. Important feature since the scale is going to be providing you weights for many years of service.

IS THE SCALE TOUGH, FROM START TO FINISH?
High-performance epoxy primer and specialized hard-coat alkyd enamel is applied to all visible steel surfaces for a car-like finish that protects the scale from the elements. Once again, this is important since your truck scale is going to be out in the elements for many years.

IS THE SCALE AVAILABLE IN CUSTOM SIZES?
SURVIVOR truck scales can be custom-built to fit almost any project specification and application requirement including installations on existing foundations or in unique locations with space limitations. One important thing to consider is the width of your truck scale. Many customers will choose a 10 foot wide scale bridge. This is ok but often for just a little more money, you can order a 11 foot wide scale and give your drivers a little extra room to maneuver across the scale.

IS YOUR SUPPLIER ABLE TO OFFER A COMPLETE SOLUTION FOR ANY APPLICATION?
Our supplier Rice Lake offers not only the scale, but the complete solution for your weighing application. The digital weight indicator is important since it will normally include the truck storage program. We can also provide you with a ticket printer and remote display so that your drivers can see their truck weight on the scale.

When you’re ready to proceed with your 70 ft Truck Scales for Sale, give us a call (919) 776-7737 or fill out the request a quote form on our website. Customers have trusted us to sell and install their new truck scale for over three decades.

Are You Paying For Your Frozen Yogurt Cup too?

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Believe it or not, the warmer months will be here before long and we’ll all be looking to cool down at the local froyo shop. Today, many of these frozen yogurt shops allow the consumer to dispense as much frozen yogurt he or she wants. 

The yogurt is priced at around fifty cents per ounce, so if you want many different flavors or a cup that is filled sky high, you can. However, the real question is are you paying for just the yogurt and toppings that you consume or are you also paying for the cup that the yogurt is placed in?

Many yogurt shops determine price based on the weight of the yogurt and toppings, but they are required to subtract the weight of the cup or package first (which is called the tare weight). According to Jerry Butler, NCDA & CS Weight and Measures program manager, not every shop is aware of that. Butler heads a team of 24 inspectors whose job is to inspect scales in the state, and he guesses that they’ve inspected around a hundred or so yogurt shops so far. Of those, he estimates about 75 percent have not been using their scales properly. “Say you’re a family of four,” Butler says, “you could be paying up to a dollar extra just for the weight of the cups. So it’s important that the shops know how to use their scales.”

Now that the NCDA & CS inspectors have discovered that yogurt shops use scales, they’re keeping an eye out for them as they drive to other jobs. If they see a frozen yogurt shop while they’re out, they’ll step inside to inspect it. Most shops that have been violating are quick to correct their mistakes, which were usually made in ignorance, Butler says. A second offense would result in a notice of violation, and a third offender must pay a penalty of up to $5,000. So what can frozen yogurt eaters do to make sure they’re getting the most yogurt for their buck? “The bottom line is: the consumer needs to look and ask,” Butler says. “Make sure that the yogurt shop employee uses the tare. And if they’re not, the consumer needs to call me.”

Fortunately for frozen yogurt shop owners, we have electronic scales available that make this process fairly easy to accommodate. Contact the sales staff today (919) 776-7737 and they will be happy to provide you with prices for the legal for trade scales that will work best to accommodate weighing frozen yogurt by the ounce, and using the tare feature to subtract out the weight of the cup.

scale for weighing frozen yogurt by the ounce

Scales for Every Application 

We have standard legal for trade counter top scales. We have point of sale scales that can connect to your cash register. Finally, we have price computing scales that can display the weight and price on both the front of the scale and the back of the scale. 

We offer over 40,000 products (and counting) — the largest selection of quality weighing products available—and the best customer service in the business. Contact us today for all of your scale needs.

New ZQ375 Light Stack Available from Avery Weigh-Tronix

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Avery Weigh-Tronix checkweighers feature stainless steel enclosures and are sealed up to IP69K, for washdown situations. These checkweighers are ideally suited for food and beverage applications, as well as pharmaceuticals, transportation and many others. With easy to use operator interfaces, users can clearly see the target level, speeding up operation without jeopardizing accuracy. These checkweighers offer multi-connectivity and can be can connected with existing data systems for automatic reporting.

Great News! Fully wash down compact light stack options ideal for the ZQ375 Checkweigher are now available!

That’s 3 extra light stack options that could be easily used on the current Avery Weigh-Tronix ZQ375 Checkweigher.

These new light stacks offer a more cost effective solution that can easy be installed to any new or existing ZM or ZQ375 Checkweigher indicator or indicator and base combination with no extra fabrication modifications required.

weigh-tronix checkweigh scale light stack

This new compact light stack easily mounts directly to the side of the indicator using the same side stud as uses to clamp the indicator to the column or stand with no extra fixings required. Ideal when the ZQ375 indicator needs to be mounted away from the weight platform.

These IP67 light stacks are available in 3 versions all with audible alarms
3 lights (red / green / yellow)
2 lights (red / Green)
1 light (red)

Avery Weigh-Tronix part numbers
AWT05-508943   IP67 side mounted compact (Red, Green, Yellow) light stack + audible alarm
AWT05-508944   IP67 side mounted compact (Red, Yellow) light stack + audible alarm
AWT05-508945   IP67 side mounted compact (Red) light stack + audible alarm

The Avery Weigh-Tronix ZQ375 series checkweighers are ideal heavy-washdown scales built to meet stringent food hygiene requirements. Certified by NSF to NSF/ANSI Standard 3-A, the ZQ375 Checkweigher has been specifically designed to meet the stringent hygiene requirements of the food processing industry. IP69K rated for heavy washdown environments.

The ZQ375 checkweigher features a highly visible, low power draw IBN display, which offers ease of viewing in all lighting conditions. Its large, nine segment digits and coloured multi-segmented under/overweight graph give the operator a fast visual indication of weight which is user friendly, yet highly accurate.

Plus with the optional light stack, scale operators can easily see when items are under weight, over weight or within tolerance.

This checkweigher is legal for trade, making it suitable for use in commercial applications where product is sold by weight. It is available in a range of sizes and capacities from 6lb to 500lbs (3kg to 200kg).

The ZQ375 Checkweigher provides you with the information you need through Wireless, USB or Ethernet to maximize performance and profitability.

Contact the sales team today at (919) 776-7737 or complete our online Request a Quote.

The Cambridge Model 770 Vehicle Scale is NOW NTEP APPROVED

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Sometimes you don’t really need a heavy duty 70′ long truck scale, but you do need a smaller scale to weigh small trucks or vans. Look at the features that make this light weight vehicle / airport scale the best value on the market today. The Cambridge Model 770 Series Light Vehicle / Airport Scales are available in a wide range of sizes and capacities in order to meet your specific requirements.

This versatile scale can weigh air cargo trams and containers and also light capacity vehicles. Best of all the scale now has NTEP approved sizes available.

What makes the 770 scale a good choice? See below.

cambridge 770 vehicle scale

The Model 770 will be delivered by LTL Common Carrier which eliminates the need for expensive flatbed carriers and special wide load permits. This alone can save a lot of money! The Model 770 can be unloaded and installed entirely with a standard forklift. No need for expensive cranes to be brought on site. Once again, this saves you even more money! The Model 770 vehicle scale can be installed on an existing concrete or blacktop surface. No need for expensive site preparation and concrete work. Once more you save huge amounts of money doing it this way.

The model 770 utilizes Cambridge Scale’s exclusive drop-in-place modules that come to the site pre-wired from the factory. No need to spend time pulling load cell cables and wiring them into a “J” box. This will save lots of labor. Installation is a snap in several hours even on uneven surfaces. Cambridge’s exclusive deck levelers eliminate the need for shimming and grouting.

The 770 vehicle scale is now available in NTEP sizes up to 10’ x 24’ with a 60,000 pound capacity.

Depending on your particular application, this vehicle scale could be a really good choice for your weighing needs. Contact our sales team (919) 776-7737 to discuss the application or complete our online Request for Quote.

Doran Scales Updates 7000XLM Digital Weight Indicator

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Doran has been manufacturing digital scales for forty years. This milestone was a great reason for them to take a look at their indicator lineup and make some adjustments. One of the biggest changes is a focus on Made in the USA quality. They have actually been able to source many more of their components from USA sources. In fact, according to Doran, if you buy a 7000XL with a 10″x10″ base and column, all products in that build were sourced from USA vendors. That’s pretty impressive in today’s competitive environment.

doran scales built in America

Another change that Doran has made is to replace the 8000XL bench scale and digital weight indicator. Actually, this is not a surprise since the only real difference between the 7000XL and the 8000XL was a battery. So if you were a fan of the 8000XL scale or the 8000XLM digital indicator, then all you need to do is order a 7000XL with optional battery.

Doran challenged the design team to update the indicator line. Doran’s engineers have been working overtime to update our indicator line starting with the 7000XL and 8000XL. Not only that, the purchasing department found ways to bring many items back to the USA. Doran is proud to announce that they will be building many of their products in their plant in Batavia, IL again. They are sourcing metal including indicators, columns and most platforms from superior stainless steel producers in the USA. Touchpanels and boards also come from USA sources.

When you buy a 7000XL with a 10×10 base and column, know that all components were sourced from USA vendors. As they transition products back to the USA, Doran will be labeling products that are built in the US factory and USA sourced components with Built in America label that you see in this blog post. Along with USA manufacture, Doran has made some additional improvements as well. They are excited to introduce improvements like the 7000XL display, which is now 0.8” tall and expanded options. The factory now supports 34 options for the 7000XL weight indicator.

It’s no mystery why so many people turn to the Doran 7000XL for their weighing applications. From capturing plant floor data to a simple dough scale on a baker’s bench, the 7000XL is adaptable to fit your specific needs. Engineered to stand up to the harshest environment, the sealed, heavy duty “Guardian” touch panel resists moisture and puncture damage. The big, bright red LED display is easy to read. IP69K rated Washdown safe, stainless steel is a hallmark of Doran Scales. The heavy gauge 304 stainless steel construction and the gasketed enclosure ensure that the 7000XL will provide many years of trouble-free service.

Choose from a variety of Doran 7000XL models that include columns and attachment brackets to place the weight indicator at an ideal height for your weighing application. Need battery power? Just add option EXOPT308 and you have what used to be called the “8000XL” indicator.

Doran 7000XL Indicator Features

• Built in America
• Variety of data communication options including, wired Ethernet, WiFi, USB, Bluetooth or 4-20mA
• Optional internal rechargeable battery providing up to 60 hours of continuous use
• 304 stainless steel construction
• IP69K washdown protection
• Bright red, 0.8” tall 6 digit LED display
• Heavy duty touch panel with ZERO, UNITS, and PRINT controls
• Units of measure: lb, kg, oz, g, or lb:oz
• Legal for trade in US and Canada
• Dimension configuration software
• Programmable custom data strings

doran 7000xlm weight meter

A couple of additional notes to consider about the Doran product line. The 7000XL display is now 0.8″ tall and the indicator now has thirty four options available. One thing that hasn’t changed is the washdown quality and stainless steel construction. So, if you need a scale for food processing environments with grease and debris clean up is needed, this is your scale. The 7000XL is ideal for washdown situations in food processing plants, dairies, packing houses, bottling plants, breweries, canneries, creameries and much more.

So when it comes to stainless steel washdown bench scales, we usually recommend Doran Scales. In fact, we have received “Top Doran Scales Dealer” awards in the past. Contact our sales team (919) 776-7737 for additional information and price quotes.