Concrete Deck Truck Scale or Steel Deck? Which should I Buy?

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Probably somewhere around 3/4 of our truck scale customers choose the steel deck truck scale, but in case you’re curious about purchasing a truck scale with a concrete deck, please keep reading to see which is better for your needs. 

With a steel deck truck scale, once the foundation is in place, the installation process is quick and the customer is weighing usually within 1 day.  However, you may prefer the durability and additional traction that a concrete deck truck scale provides.

So, what are the pluses and minuses of a steel deck truck scale versus a concrete deck truck scale?  Read below to find out. 

concrete deck or steel deck truck scale

Steel Deck Truck Scale Overview

Our selection of steel deck truck scales from well respected scale manufacturers like Rice Lake, Avery Weigh-Tronix, and B-Tek are constructed of high quality structural steel and then painted with quality paint. Now each manufacturer builds their weighbridge slightly different but most include steel I beams running the length of each scale module. The number of beams and the space between each beam varies depending on the scale manufacturer.

The advantages of purchasing a steel deck truck scale are the fast installation and since a steel deck truck scale weighs less than a concrete deck version of the same scale, it makes it easier years later, to move or relocate if the need arises. The disadvantage of a steel deck is typically the platform can become more slippery than concrete. 

Concrete Deck Truck Scale Overview

The concrete deck version of a truck scale is similar to a steel deck module, except there is no top treadplate of steel. There is an open top in each platform for the concrete to be poured in. In most cases, you will want to have the scale shipped to your location and fill the platforms with concrete once the scale is set in place. The normal cure time for the concrete is around 28 days.

The advantage of a concrete deck truck scale includes better traction in wet conditions such as rain and snow and better load distribution across the overall weighbridge. In some cases, concrete decks can provide a few extra years of service when compared to steel decks. The disadvantage of concrete deck scales is the extended wait time while the deck cures. Also, if you need to move the scale, it can be more difficult with the heavier platform.

We hope this article helps you to determine which truck scale top you prefer. They both have their +’s and -‘s.  If you need some guidance and are looking for truck scale prices and buying information, please call us at (919) 776-7737 or complete our RFQ form.

Peak Hold Feature on Scales and Weighing Balances

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What is Peak Hold?

There are several ways to describe peak hold, but for our purposes, we are going to say that a scale with peak hold enabled displays the highest reading detected by the scale or balance and holds the result on the display.  

How Is Peak Hold Different From a Regular Hold Function?

This is where the “hold” function can get a little confusing. Many scales these days offer some version(s) of a hold function. Some offer a hold function that will hold whatever weight is on the scale when it stabilizes. Some scales will hold the stable weight and then increase the displayed weight if it increases beyond a certain percentage. 

The regular hold function freezes the results on the display when the scale receives them. In this case, that means that the weight on the display would only show what first registered on the scale, paying no attention to the weight applied afterwards. So if your scale measures 3kg, 7kg and 5kg, it will hold and display 3kg. As mentioned above, some scales will go beyond this and display an increased amount if the scale weight increases beyond a certain percentage. Other hold settings average the weight and hold or “lock” the weight once it becomes stable.

 

Peak hold normally is the highest amount the scale has registered. It doesn’t usually involve all the averages and percentage increases. When the weight is held for dynamic weighing, it’s after the scale has averaged the results of all instances of weight registered. If your scale measures 3kg, 7kg and 5kg, it will hold and display 5kg. You see some of this on animal or livestock scales sometimes. This would not be “peak” hold.

While peak hold will record the highest value obtained rather than the first stable value, or the average of multiple values. It can be useful when a lot of weight is applied very quickly and removed just as quickly. If your scale measures 3kg, 7kg and 5kg on it, it will hold and display 7kg.

Why is Peak Hold Used in Quality Testing?

You don’t want cardboard packaging to fall apart because of the weight in the box. Peak hold can be used to determine a material’s tensile strength, which can help manufacturers determine if a material is suitable to contain and transport various objects, materials and chemicals.

Also, product consistency is very important. Imagine purchasing a bag of candy only to find that some pieces of candy melt in your mouth, while other pieces of candy hurt your teeth when you attempt to chew them.

You probably would not buy that brand again.

Quality testers need to ensure that tools that see heavy duty usage can always withstand daily usage without breaking randomly.

Another example, a can with potentially volatile chemicals needs to be made of a material that can withstand a certain amount of pressure build up before it breaks, or people could get injured.

peak hold scale

Many manufacturers use peak hold to test the amount of weight and pressure that can be supported by a part or piece to make sure components will not break from daily usage and stress on individual components.

The peak hold function can also be used to measure the highest weight for multiple weighing results in a short succession. For example, you can place an item, weigh it, remove it and place another one until you’re done measuring all your items, but the only weight recorded will be the highest one. Peak hold can also capture unstable weight spikes, while most weighing functions capture weight results once they are stable.

How is Peak Hold Used?

Some scales, like certain Adam Equipment scales, allow users to set a time interval in which the scale will keep displaying the recorded peak. The user can either have it displayed for that time interval before the display clears, or manually clear the display. Scales will often record and display a peak until another one is captured.

Material is sometimes weighed too quickly for the human eye to follow, or the sample is so bulky that it hides the display, which needs to maintain the weight to be read when the sample is removed from the pan. In addition, many quality testing facilities use systems with switches or remote mechanisms in place, so the scale or balance must be able to capture weight even if a person is not at the scale.

We have a customer who has purchased peak hold scales from us for many years. They measure the amount of weight that a person can lift by utilizing a S-Beam Load Cell along with a Digital Weight Indicator with Peak Hold Function enabled. The system has worked very well over the years and is currently utilized across the United States.

For more information on scales that offer peak hold capability, contact the Central Carolina Scale sales department or call (919) 776-7737.

Scale Weighing Equipment Maintenance Tips

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For many folks, their scales are an important part of their overall business. Proper scale maintenance can help extend the life of the weighing equipment, minimize unexpected down time, and even protect employees from possible dangers.

By maintaining a Central Carolina Scale scale service maintenance plan, companies can coordinate scheduled time at certain intervals to inspect & clean their scales and weighing related equipment. This is also a good time to do any major repairs as well.

This is also a good time to work with your scale company to determine if any replacement scale parts need to be ordered.  Remember, as we have mentioned in the past, lead times for certain scale parts can be an issue at the time of this article. Having adequate stock is very important. You need to work with your scale company to make sure that either they or you have adequate stock of any hard to source items to eliminate or greatly reduce any emergency down time.

If you have an above ground truck scale, this is also a wonderful time to clean under the scale. Mud or compacted dirt that builds up under a truck scale will cause inaccurate weight readings and could cause the underside of the scale to rust. Below are a few additional scale service ideas that your company should consider.  

​Scale Owners with a Remote Display and/or Ticket Printer: Check Scale Cables for Wear and/or if they are being crushed

Power cords and other cables such as printer cables, remote display cables, etc… can sometimes be forgotten or ignored over time.  Then, they are often pushed to the side or have heavy items placed on top of them. Over time these cables tend to be nicked or completely crushed. Make sure that they do not get damaged from being cut or overloaded with heavy objects. You might also want to check the connection to the back of the digital weight indicator to make sure it is solid. 

scale repair and maintenance

Clean your Scales and Weighing Equipment Regularly

Regularly cleaning weighing scales is often overlooked or completely forgotten. But, keeping weighing equipment clean is actually a very important step to ensure your scales have a long service life. Check underneath and all around the weighing equipment for dirt and debris. Debris on, or especially, under a scale, can cause it to provide inaccurate weight readings. 

The preferred cleaning methods can vary depending on what type of scale you have. We have found with most counter top scales, a soft cloth rag and a small amount of 409 or Windex will usually work for simple cleaning.

Larger scales often need a little more effort to clean such as a high-pressure washdown. As we’ve mentioned before, truck scales need to be cleaned underneath so their is no buildup which would affect the weight readings. Be careful to clean the scales but not get any water or chemical inside the digital weight indicator or the junction boxes. 

Industrial Scale Owners Inside a Warehouse: Make Sure Scales are Level & Surrounding Areas are Safe & Functional

The feet on your scale(s) should be completely on the table top or floor. If they are not, then you will need to adjust them. Scales work best in a very flat and level environment. Also look for things that could be problems such as a high speed fan blowing air near or around your parts counting scale or perhaps someone has recently welded a rigid pipe to a mixing tank with load cells underneath. These are things that could cause a problem down the road. 

load cell cable

Truck Scale Owners: Inspect Cables & Wires to make sure they have not been damaged

In addition to cleaning the underside of the scale from any build up, one of the other things a truck scale owner can do is to inspect the cables and wiring. In certain situations, rodents love to chew on load cell cable. Wires can also be affected by electricity, lightning, or water. Regular equipment maintenance & inspection can help operators detect wiring issues early, while there is still an opportunity to correct the problem & minimize the risk of danger or equipment failure.

Schedule the CCS Scale Technicians to Handle Necessary Repairs

Many companies are capable of fixing or repairing certain things in and around the scales. However, most of the time, it’s a good idea to at least consult with your scale company before you do any type of repairs involving your scale. Regularly inspecting & calibrating scale equipment & performing basic equipment maintenance tasks allow you the opportunity to schedule service calls & schedule the down time for repairs to be made. 

Summary: Kick off the New Year with Accurate Weighing Equipment all year!

Since it’s the first part of the year, it might be a great time for you to go ahead and commit to a service agreement from Central Carolina Scale. We can check your scales periodically throughout the year and bring anything we see to your attention.

We can recommend a service interval but ultimately, you decide how often the weighing equipment is serviced. Maintenance agreement customers also enjoy preferred status when it comes to scheduling, discounts on spare parts & other scales as well. It’s really a great deal since you know that your scales need to be checked on a regular basis anyway.  Why not go ahead and set up a schedule and pay less money per visit.  Call (919) 776-7737 or complete our RFQ form to get started. 

How is Zero & Tare Different on a Scale?

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On most scales or laboratory balances you will often see a “Zero” button and you will probably see a “Tare” button as well. What do these two buttons do?  Are they the same?

If you’ve pressed these buttons before, they might seem like they do the same thing.  Actually, they are similar, but they actually do different things.

zero vs tare

ZERO BUTTON ON A SCALE OR LAB BALANCE

The “Zero” button should be pressed when the scale is a graduation or two away from zero and you would like it to be perfectly on 0.00 before you start weighing. For example, if you have a floor scale and it is flashing between 0 and 1 lb.  If you press the “Zero” key, that will hopefully zero the scale off and it will be ready for weighing.

Technically, the zero point is actually set during the scale calibration along with span calibration. Why would you have to zero the scale?  Perhaps there is some buildup on the scale platform that has accumulated since the scale was last calibrated or perhaps the scale needs to be re-calibrated… 

Basically, the “Zero” button should only be pressed when no load is on the scale. On legal for trade scales, there is a limit to how much weight you can “zero off” the scale.

TARE BUTTON ON A SCALE OR LAB BALANCE

What does tare mean?  The “Tare” button is pressed when you have placed something on the scale (like a box, container, or empty truck) and you need to disregard the weight of that item. After adding the truck or container to the scale, pressing the “Tare” key will set the display to display 0.00 and then whatever you’re looking to weigh can then be added to the scale in the “Net” mode.

For example, let’s say you are using a parts counting scale and you often use a plastic container when you are counting out bolts. You place the empty plastic container on the scale, press “Tare” and then count parts. The only weight you will see on the scale is the weight of the bolts (and the number of bolts, since you are counting them).

Then when you’re finished, you can remove the plastic container from the scale. When you do this, the weight of the plastic container will still be displayed since you “tared” that off earlier. You then press the “Tare” key to remove that container weight from the scale and the display will once again be showing 0.00 and ready to weigh.

Advantages that Digital Scales have when it comes to the Tare Function

Digital scales offer several advantages when it comes to the tare feature, making them a preferred choice for many customers. One significant advantage is the simplicity and ease of use. With a digital scale, the tare feature is much simpler – all it takes is a press of a button. This convenience saves time and effort, ensuring a smooth and efficient weighing process.

Additionally, digital scales automate the deduction of container weight. When the tare button is pressed, the scale automatically subtracts the weight of the container, resulting in a more accurate measurement of the desired contents. This eliminates the need for manual calculations and reduces the chances of errors that can occur with traditional mechanical scales.

Moreover, digital scales provide enhanced precision and accuracy. The advanced technology and engineering behind these scales allow for more precise measurements, ensuring reliable results. With digital scales, the tare feature optimizes precision by accurately deducting the weight of the container, enabling users to obtain accurate measurements of the net weight.

Furthermore, digital scales offer versatility and flexibility in weighing. They can accommodate various units of measurement, making it easier to switch between different measurement systems such as ounces, pounds, or grams. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for customers who need to weigh items in different units or are operating in a global market where different measurement systems are used.

What is a Tare Weight and How is it Calculated?

The tare weight refers to the weight of a container or box that holds items being measured on a scale. It is usually expressed in units of mass (such as pounds or kilograms). The tare weight is determined by placing the empty container on the scale and pressing the tare button. This action resets the display to zero, effectively subtracting the weight of the container from the total measurement.

By utilizing the tare function, any subsequent items placed inside the container are accurately weighed without including the weight of the container itself. The scale automatically calculates the net weight by subtracting the tare weight (previously determined and stored) from the combined weight of the container and the item.

And it doesn’t always have to be a box or tote that you tare off the scale. Sometimes it can be a person. For example, perhaps a mom or a nurse is holding a baby and needs to get a weight of the child. Or, perhaps a veterinarian needs to get a weight of a dog that wants no part of walking on a scale and standing still. 

*** Key Points to Remember Regarding Zero & Tare on Digital Scales ***

What does the tare function deduct from the weight measurement?
The tare function deducts the weight of the container or any other object from the overall weight measurement. By pressing the tare button after placing the container on the scale, the display is set to zero, effectively subtracting the weight of the container from the subsequent weight measurements.

What does “net” zero mean in relation to the tare function?
A complete “Net” Zero in relation to the tare function, refers to the balance or weight measurement after deducting the weight of the container or any other object. It represents the true weight of the substance being weighed without any additional factors.

When is the Tare function used?
Remember, the tare function is used when there is a need to disregard the weight of a container or any other object placed on the scale. It allows for weighing only the desired substance without including the weight of the container or any other item.

What is the difference between the Tare function and the total or gross zero function?
The tare function is not the same as the total or gross zero function. While the total or gross zero function applies when there is no weight on the scale at all, the tare function focuses on net zero, which is the balance after deducting the weight of the container.

It’s a good idea to have your scales calibrated on a regular basis with certified test weights by state certified scale technicians. This will make sure the zero of each scale or lab balance is set correctly and the span from zero to the max capacity is correct. Contact the service department by calling (919) 776-7737 to get your scales checked.

The Importance of Animal Scale Calibration

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Veterinary clinics and Animal hospitals throughout the triangle area of North Carolina count on Central Carolina Scale to check and calibrate their vet scales on a regular basis. Our state certified scale technicians use certified calibration weights which are ideal weights to use when calibrating animal scales. They ensure your scale is properly calibrated and ready for the requirements of weighing in a wide range of animal care settings.

Weights for Animal Scale Calibration

Consumer weights such as barbells or similar items may not provide an accurate weight to calibrate your scale. For example, a 5-pound consumer weight, such as a barbell, may actually weigh between 4.75 and 5.25 pounds. Compare that to our certified calibration weights which have a manufactured and adjusted tolerance of +/-230 milligrams! Our scale tech’s use a certified calibration weight to ensure your scale is calibrated correctly and presents accurate weighments for proper animal care.

equine weighing scale

Our scale technicians use certified calibration weights ensure the scale is properly calibrated and ready to weigh a wide range of animal needs.

Animal patients can be unpredictable, especially if they are nervous or anxious at veterinary clinics. You may want to look for scales that have a low profile so animals aren’t taking large steps on or off the scale. Some scales may have optional mats to increase animal comfort as they step onto the weighing platform. The scales you use should also be durable and easy to clean. Hard, nonporous ABS plastic surfaces provide an easy-to-clean weighing platform that can withstand claws and accidents.

Functions such as weight recall, tare and movement compensation technology allow operators to record and verify accurate weights for every patient. Movement compensation technology in scales recognizes when a patient is moving or shaking on the weighing platform and accounts for that movement in the final weight display. You may want to consider these scale functions as well as automatic shut-off for long battery life as you search for a scale to meet the needs of your specific practice.

Standardizing the units of measure at your clinic and using scales that allow you to lock the units of measure can help you prevent potentially fatal errors. Some animal scales are able to lock units of measure, meaning the scale won’t accidentally be switched from pounds to kilograms, or vice versa. If a scale is unknowingly changed from kilograms to pounds, medication can be given in dangerously high amounts.

Recently we announced the availability of the new Rice Lake RoughDeck® EQ equine scale. Durability and repeatability are additional factors that should be considered when choosing large animal scales. A weighing system may be accurate when initially installed but fall out of tolerance as it is used. After all, horses are not always well-behaved during the weighing process—especially when they are not feeling well.

Selecting a scale that can handle reluctant patients’ antics, including hoof stomps, and still deliver consistent, stable weights is key for long-term use. Hermetically sealed load cells are ideal so the system can be washed down without damage. Regular inspections and calibrations should also be performed by a local, authorized scale service technician.

For more information on our cattle scales and related animal weighing products or scale calibration services, please call us at (919) 776-7737.

Belt Scales for Recycling Centers

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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.

belt scale

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.

Sometimes the Cheapest Scale Can Become the Most Expensive Choice…

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WHY YOUR SCALE IS COSTING YOU MORE THAN YOU THINK

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.

high resolution bench scale

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.

Stock Replacement Scale Parts to Minimize Unplanned Downtime

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

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

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

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

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

Supply Chain Issues & Longer Lead Times!

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

scale controller

Replacement Weight Indicator

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

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

Replacement Scale Boards 

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

replacement load cells

Replacement / Spare Load Cells

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

Bottom line:

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

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

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

Wrestling Scale Buyer’s Guide

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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.  

Contact Central Carolina Scale at 919-776-7737.

Internal vs. External Calibration: What to Know

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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. 

weight measure on the electronic balance

Whether your scale offers internal calibration or external calibration, it is important to understand what it is and how to use it. Here’s what you need to know.

Calibration: What is it? 

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. 

Contact Central Carolina Scale at 919-776-7737.