Category Archives: General

How Do Truck Scales Work?

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Have you ever driven by a truck weigh station on the interstate? Or maybe you’ve driven by a feedmill and noticed a seventy foot long truck scale out front? The odds are that most of us have done one or the other of the scenarios above. So, how do truck scales work that are sitting beside the highway or beside the recycling center?

A truck scale is a large set of scales typically installed permanently on a concrete foundation. By weighing the vehicle both empty and when loaded, the load carried by the vehicle can be calculated. Typically the truck scale will have multiple load cells underneath the platform.

truck scales 101

How do Truck Weight Scales Work?

Truck scales are used to measure the weight of a vehicle and its contents. Vehicle scales are used in many industries such as metal recyclers, waste facilities, truck stops, landfills, and rock quarries etc… to weigh heavy vehicles such as dump trucks, semi-trucks and trailers. 

Truck scales typically consist of several large platforms. These platforms are often called the weighbridge. The weighbridge is supported by multiple load cells, which are sensors that measure weight. There are typically three choices of load cell technology. Analog, Digital, or Hydraulic. 

When a vehicle drives onto the scale weighbridge, the load cells measure the weight of the vehicle and its contents. The weight is then displayed on the scale digital readout with truck id numbers. At this point, a ticket is printed showing the gross weight of the truck. And in many cases, the ticket will also show the tare weight and net weight as well. There are many options to consider.

Some truck scales also have additional features such as a weigh-in-motion system, which allows the scale to measure the weight of a slowly moving vehicle. Or, some truck scales include a self-service kiosk, which allows the driver to enter their information and print a weight ticket which can be used for record keeping purposes or to verify the weight of the vehicle and its contents for shipping or other purposes.

how do truck scales work

Importance of Accurate & Reliable Truck Weighing Equipment

Overall, truck scales are a vital tool for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the transportation industry. So when you wonder how do truck scales work, the answer is a truck scale is a large weighing platform with load cells underneath that allows trucks to be accurately weighed. And, by accurately measuring the weight of vehicles and their contents, these vehicle scales help to prevent overloading and other potential hazards on the road. Whether you’re a truck driver, a shipping company, or a business owner, a reliable truck scale is an essential component of your business operations.

What Makes a Weighing Scale Better Quality than Another?

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We get this question all the time and it’s a fair question. What makes one weighing scale better quality than another? Sure, it can be worded a little differently like why is one scale priced so much higher than the other, even though they look identical?  The answers can vary from scale type to scale type.

Why Does One Scale Cost So Much More Than Another?  

So why does one scale cost so much more than another?  Here are a few reasons.

  • The country the scale was manufactured in
  • The quality of the components inside the scale
  • The construction of the scale itself
  • A lithium ion battery vs. a lead acid battery
  • IP68 enclosure vs. IP65 enclosure
  • Stainless Steel enclosure vs. painted steel or plastic enclosure
  • The warranty of the item
  • The reputation of the scale manufacturer 

Probably no better example exists on this subject than floor scales. We have floor scales that we offer that basically look very similar to one another that are essentially $2000 different on price. How do you explain that difference?  Well, let’s try to do just that below.

industrial floor scaleOur industrial floor scale is a 4×4 with 5000 LB capacity. NTEP approved. Stainless Weight Indicator with battery.  It weighs approximately 300 pounds.

light industrial floor scale

Our light industrial floor scale is a 4×4 with 5000 LB capacity. NTEP approved. Stainless Weight Indicator with battery.  It weighs approximately 220 pounds.  

Essentially, that eighty pound difference in the physical weight of the scale platform is one big reason there’s approximately $2000 difference in price.

So, is the more expensive scale worth it?  The answer is…. it depends on your weighing application.

If you are a metal recycler for example, then you likely want good quality scales that are built tough and can handle the daily abuse that weighing equipment is going to take in that environment. The last thing you want in that environment is a scale platform that can’t handle the thousands of pounds of weight. So in this example, yes the additional cost is likely worth it when you average out the years of service the scale will provide.

However, if you’re a shipping warehouse that weighs a few 800 pound pallets everyday, then you probably don’t need the more expensive scale. 

Ultimately, this is where discussing your particular weighing needs with your scale sales person is a smart thing. Give us a call or fill out the RFQ form on our website.  

Better Quality Weighing Equipment or Low Priced Scales? 

Really, there are numerous factors that can determine the overall quality of a weighing scale. Some of the most important factors include:

  1. Accuracy: A high-quality weighing scale should be able to accurately measure the weight of an object. This is often determined by the scale’s sensitivity and resolution. We recommend choosing NTEP approved weighing equipment for reputable scale manufacturers for the best results.

  2. Repeatability: A good weighing scale should be able to consistently produce the same weight reading for the same object. Often with lower quality items, this can become a problem.

  3. Construction: A good scale is designed to last for years of service. This is where you need to discuss your weighing needs with your sales person and determine if industrial or light industrial weighing equipment makes sense for you. 

  4. Resolution: The resolution of a scale refers to the smallest weight that the scale can measure. A scale with high resolution will be able to measure small weights more accurately than a scale with low resolution. This often comes into play with counting scales and lab balances.

  5. Stability: A high-quality scale should be stable and not drift or fluctuate over time. Once again better quality items tend to be more stable and consistent.

  6. Durability: A scale that is built to last will be of higher quality than one that is prone to breaking or malfunctioning. We recommend choosing reputable scale brands with a good reputation in the scale industry vs. cheap imported scales.

  7. Ease of use: A scale that is easy to use, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface, will be better than one that is difficult to operate. Scales that are easy to use is a good thing. Don’t just think about you or the one employee who is using the scale. Also think about the person who has to fill in and learn how to use the scale.

  8. Customer support: A scale manufacturer that provides good customer support and stands behind their product is likely to offer higher quality products. We have several reputable scale manufacturers who offer quality weighing equipment that we’ve sold and serviced for many years.

Ultimately what it really comes down to in our opinion is communication between the buyer or procurement manager and the scale salesperson. That seems simple. But in today’s point and click and add to shopping cart world that we live in, it’s really important to be on the same page. When you ask the question what makes one weighing scale better quality than another, you need to discuss this subject with your scale sales person, who can assist you with appropriate product choices that will best fit what you’re trying to do.  

Weight Transmitters for Process Control & PLC Connections

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What is a Weight Transmitter and what exactly does a Weight Transmitter do?

Weight transmitters or signal conditioning transmitters are specifically designed to be DIN rail mountable and seamlessly integrate weight data into PLC systems. Some of these transmitters are built with the ability to accept four independent scales or four load cell inputs. The often include (1) RS-485, (1) RS-232 communications, Analog Output 0 to 20mA, 4 to 20mA (Maximum 350 ohm) and 0 to 5VDC, 0 to 10VDC (Minimum 10,000 ohm)

What does a Weight Transmitter do in a PLC?

A weight transmitter can be the ideal solution for PLC systems which require weight data from a scale. These signal transmitters offer industry leading process control without the additional costs or shelf space of a standard digital weight indicator. These multi-function transmitters have a small design while offering the same signal-conditioning functions as many popular digital weight readouts. 

weight transmitters

Utilized as an independent or dependent four-channel digital junction box, the load cell transmitter allows for the direct reading and diagnosis of each individual connected load cell or summed as a whole. The ability to be DIN rail-mounted within a cabinet or control panel, permits a straightforward implementation into new and existing systems. Integration is also made simple with a wide range of available fieldbus communications, as well as optional Bluetooth®  Wi-Fi and radio interfaces for external management. Continue reading →

How to Use a Triple Beam Balance

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When you think of the triple beam balance, you probably remember it from science class in school.  You probably remember an accurate and dependable weighing scale that could operate with no battery and now 110 VAC power. But it’s been awhile and you may be wondering how to use a triple beam balance?  We’ll show you how to use the Adam triple beam balance below.

The triple beam balance has been the standard in science classrooms for decades. Whether you’re weighing solids, liquids, powders or even animals, a triple beam balance is well equipped to handle the job. These balances offer the accuracy and convenience of a toploading balance while allowing users (many times these are students) to gain hands-on experience through manipulation of the poises and attachment weights (usually sold separately).

triple beam balance

Triple Beam Balance Instructions

To weigh using the triple beam balance, place the item to be weighed on the stainless steel pan. The beam will move up. Adjust the weights on the 3 beams until the beam pointer is aligned with the zero mark again. Start with the largest weight and work towards the smallest. Each weight should be moved until the beam falls below zero then moved back one notch and then the next weight moved. The last weight moved will be the sliding weight on the front beam. Slide this weight until the beam pointer aligns with the zero mark. Read the weight by adding the values for each weight. For example 400 + 20 + 5.7 = 425.7g 

If the sample is more than 610 grams it will be necessary to add a weight to the hanger on the right side of the beam. Add the 500g counter weight first, then increase to 1kg, 1kg plus 500g or 2 of the 1kg masses. Add these counter masses to the readings from the sliding beams to determine the mass. Counter weights are supplied only with the TBB 2610S and TBB 2610T.  These instructions above specifically correspond with the Adam Equipment brand of triple beam balances but they should give you a good idea of how a triple beam balance generally works from any scale manufacturer.

 

Affordable & Reliable Weighing Device for Schools

A triple beam balance is a type of mechanical balance that is commonly used in scientific and laboratory settings to accurately measure the mass of an object. It consists of a horizontal beam with three weights that can be moved along the beam to balance the object being weighed.

One of the primary benefits of using a triple beam balance is its high level of accuracy. The balance uses a lever system to measure the mass of the object, which allows it to be extremely precise. This is important in many scientific and laboratory applications where accurate measurements are critical.

Another benefit of the triple beam balance is its simplicity and ease of use. It does not require any electricity or batteries, and it is straightforward to operate. The user simply places the object being weighed on the platform, moves the weights along the beam until the balance is achieved, and reads the mass of the object from the marked scale on the beam.

The triple beam balance is also highly durable and reliable. It is made of sturdy metal components that are designed to withstand the rigors of laboratory use. It is also resistant to temperature changes and other environmental factors that can affect the accuracy of electronic balances.

In addition to its accuracy, simplicity, and durability, the triple beam balance is also a cost-effective solution for measuring mass. It is significantly less expensive than many electronic balances, making it a budget-friendly choice for educational and research institutions such as junior high school science class.

So, we showed above how to use a triple beam balance and it’s an excellent tool for accurately and affordably measuring the weight of smaller objects. It is easy to use, highly accurate, durable, and cost-effective, making it a valuable addition to any scientific or laboratory setting on a budget.

Dangers of Buying Certain “Cheap” Scales Online

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The article below is courtesy of Mr. Boon Lim who has been involved in the weighing industry for many years. It really hammers home the points that we have been trying to discuss with customers for literally decades! 

There are differences in quality between certain brands of scales. We’ve discussed this numerous times over the years either here in our learning center or on our Youtube channel or perhaps via phone or email with you. A lot of times it’s a balancing act between value & accuracy. Many customers don’t have the budget or the requirements for the top of the line most expensive scale… but they also don’t need to buy the cheapest scale under the sun either. Let’s take a look at what Boon found when he purchased some of the cheapest scales available online. We hope you enjoy the article below.

Have you noticed a quality shift in the weighing industry? Quality standards have
decreased significantly on consumer scales with “assembly only” operations making big
waves in the scale community. Large sellers are dominating the online retail space for
consumers, and this is not any different for scales. Whether you support the
unstoppable rise of these ecommerce giants or not, there is no denying the profound
impact associated with their operation.

So, we bought some of the “Best Selling”, highly rated, affordable scales and balances to test the quality.

Yes, with 2-day free shipping too.

Our discoveries were astounding… Continue reading →

Ways to Clean & Protect Your Truck Scale from Snow & Ice this Winter

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Just like any tool or device that generates revenue for your business, a high quality truck scale should perform reliably for many years. But, with many years of use comes years of changing seasons. And, in many areas throughout the United States, a truck scale may be affected by winter weather conditions such as extreme temperatures, along with snow and ice.

snow around a truck scale weighbridge

Once you’ve invested in a truck scale and installed it in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, you may wonder… How do I protect my truck scale from ice and snow, and precipitation build up around a truck scale?  

If snow and ice accumulate around suspension components or between the weighbridge and the foundation, it can compromise scale functions. This can result in incorrect weighments and a potential loss of profit. Even if you manage to avoid the snow, build up of dirt and debris may contain moisture which can freeze and prevent a scale from functioning properly. Continue reading →

Importance of Vehicle Scales at a Rail Logistics Facility

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Using vehicle scales at a rail freight logistics facility is important for a variety of reasons, including cost savings, safety, and efficiency. Below, we will explore these reasons in more detail.

Rail service has an amazing history of fueling this country’s overall economic growth by moving freight across the country.  But if you think about it, rail service isn’t the most popular choice of travel in most folks minds when it comes to their logistics and supply chain optimization strategy. 

In addition to railroad track scales, rail logistics service solutions can often benefit from having a 70’x11′ truck scale at their facility. Or perhaps a larger platform such as 80′ x 11′ or even 90′ x 11′ would work better?

70 ft long truck scale for rail logistics

Intermodal Travel for Containers or Trailers

Intermodal freight focuses on the best way to send long haul shipments domestically, utilizing both truck and rail to move containers & the traditional 53′ domestic containers that you’ve surely seen on the highways. Basically, in a lot of people’s minds, “intermodal” is the better way to ship, both economically and environmentally, for truckload shipments of 700 miles or more. There are two types of domestic intermodal shipping in container-on-flatcar (COFC) and trailer-on-flatcar (TOFC). 

Using truck scales at a rail freight logistics facility can help to save money. Accurate measurement of cargo using vehicle scales allows facilities to optimize the use of railcars and ensure that they are not overloading or underloading them. Overloading railcars can lead to additional costs, such as the need for additional railcars or the need to pay overweight fines. On the other hand, underloading railcars can lead to wasted space and lost revenue. By using scales to accurately measure the weight of cargo, facilities can optimize the use of their railcars and reduce costs. Continue reading →

What Does 5000 x 1 Mean? Scale Capacity x Readability

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We’re going to discuss something that many folks wonder about the first couple of times they are tasked with buying scales.

What Does it Mean when you see 5000 x 1 on a Scale?

If you’ve done any research at all online for scales, you’ve probably seen something written like 5000 x 1, or perhaps you’ve requested a quote and seen that number written. Either way, you may be wondering what these mean. 5000 x 1 lb, or it could be 60 x 0.02lb or it may have been 3000 g by 0.01g. 120,000 x 20 lb, 500 x 0.1 lb etc….

600 x 0.1 LB

 

 

But what exactly does that mean? It’s actually pretty simple.

In the case of 5000 x 1 lb, this means that the total weighing capacity of the scale is 5000 pounds and the scale increases or decreases in weight by 1 lb increments from zero all the way to 5000 lb.

Some people refer to the 1 lb in this example as the readability or the graduation size. In the 60 x 0.02 lb example, it would be as follows, 60 lb is the capacity and 0.02 lb is the graduation size that the scale increases or decreases by from zero all the way to 60 lb. Continue reading →

How Does a Load Cell Work?

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You can step on a scale at the doctors office or buy fresh produce off a scale at the farmers market. Either way the scale you are looking at includes a load cell inside. But, how exactly does that load cell work?  What does a load cell do?  How does a load cell send weight data to a digital weight display?  Let’s find out.

What is a Load Cell?

For our example, we are going to focus on the most common load cell which is the strain gauge cell.  A strain gauge load cell is a type of device used to measure weight or force. It is commonly used in a variety of applications, such as weighing scales, process control automation, and testing and measurement. The load cell works by converting a force, such as the weight of an object, into an electrical signal that can be measured and send weight data to a computer.

There are several types of strain gauge load cells. This type of load cell consists of a small metal beam or rod, often made of aluminum or alloy steel, which is attached to a base. The beam is designed to flex or bend slightly under the weight or force applied to it.

how does a load cell work

How Do Load Cells Work?

At the heart of the strain gauge load cell is a thin, flexible strip of material called a strain gauge. The strain gauge is attached to the beam in a specific pattern, known as a Wheatstone bridge configuration. When the beam is subjected to a force, it will flex or bend slightly, causing the strain gauge to stretch or compress. This change in the length of the strain gauge results in a change in its electrical resistance. Continue reading →

Importance of Vehicle Scales at Solid Waste Facilities

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The waste industry demands heavy-duty scale equipment that is built to survive long periods of service and harsh environments. From truck scales and onboard weighing systems to digital weight indicators and scale controllers, we have several heavy-duty weighing products ideal for the waste industry.

Using scales at a solid waste facility is important for a variety of reasons, including regulatory compliance, cost savings, and environmental protection. 

First and foremost, using scales at a solid waste facility helps to ensure regulatory compliance. Many states and localities have laws and regulations governing the handling, processing, and disposal of solid waste. These regulations often include requirements for the accurate measurement and reporting of the weight of waste materials, which can help to ensure that waste is being properly managed and disposed of. By using scales to measure the weight of waste materials, solid waste facilities can ensure that they are in compliance with these regulations, which can help to avoid costly fines and penalties.

rice lake truck scales for solid waste facility

In addition to regulatory compliance, using scales at a solid waste facility can also help to save money. Accurate measurement of waste materials using scales allows facilities to accurately charge customers for the disposal of their waste. This can help to reduce the risk of overcharging or undercharging customers, which can lead to lost revenue and a less competitive business. In addition, using scales can help facilities to optimize their operations and identify opportunities for cost savings, such as by identifying and reducing the amount of waste that is being generated or by identifying and separating recyclable materials that can be sold to generate additional revenue. Continue reading →