How to Choose the Right Industrial Floor Scale for Your Business

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Industrial floor scales are an essential tool for many businesses that require accurate and reliable weight measurements. These heavy duty scales are designed to withstand the  demands of industrial environments and are commonly used in manufacturing, shipping and receiving, and warehouse operations.

However, with a variety of options available in the market, choosing the right industrial floor scale for your business can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll discuss some key factors to consider when choosing an industrial floor scale to ensure that you make the right choice for your business needs.

Pallet Scale with Ramp

Capacity and Accuracy

One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing an industrial floor scale is its maximum capacity and accuracy. The capacity of a platform scale refers to the maximum weight it can measure, while accuracy refers to how precise the measurements are. It is important to choose a warehouse scale with a capacity that meets your specific needs. If you are weighing heavy equipment or pallets, you will need a scale with a higher capacity. In addition, the scale’s accuracy should be sufficient for your application. Some common floor scale capacities include: 2500 x 0.5 lb, 5000 x 1 lb, 10,000 x 2 lb, & 20,000 x 5 lb

Platform Sizes and Material

Another crucial factor to consider is the platform size and platform material of the scale deck. The platform size should be large enough to accommodate the items you will be weighing, and the material should be ideal for the application. Common platform materials for industrial floor scales include painted steel or stainless steel. For standard industrial weighing, most customers choose painted steel. However, for food processing or washdown applications, stainless steel is often utilized. Popular platform sizes include: 3×3, 4×4, 5×5, and 5×7.

Environment and Hazards

When choosing an industrial floor scale, you need to consider the environment and hazards that your scale will be exposed to. If your business operates in a hazardous environment, such as a chemical plant or refinery, you will need to choose a scale that is suitable for use in such environments. The scale should be made from materials that can withstand the hazards, and it should be equipped with safety features, such as explosion-proof components and anti-skid platforms, to prevent accidents.

send scale weight to computer

Connectivity and Data Management

In today’s digital age, many industrial scales come equipped with advanced connectivity features and data management capabilities. These features can help you to streamline your business operations and improve productivity. For instance, scales with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity can send data or store data on a usb drive allowing you to track and analyze weight measurements. Label printers can also be configured to print things like time and date along with weight data.

Overall Value

Finally, when choosing an industrial floor scale, you need to consider your budget and how you plan to use the scale. As we have discussed before here in our learning center and on our YouTube channel, floor scales are available in light industrial design or industrial design.  The difference is often not noticeable to the eye. But, a deeper look at the specs will often show the key differences.

platform scale

While it may be tempting to choose a low-cost scale from China, it may not be the best long-term investment for your business. Cheaper scales usually have less durability, and they may need to be repaired or replaced more frequently, leading to additional costs in the long run. On the other hand, investing in a high-quality industrial floor scale may have a higher initial cost, but it can provide a better ROI in the long run by providing more accurate and reliable weight measurements and lasting much longer.

Choosing the right industrial floor scale for your business requires careful consideration of your specific needs and requirements. You may be fine purchasing one of our lower cost floor scales. On the other hand, in your particular industry, you may be best served by purchasing one of our toughest floor scales available.

One of the first steps we recommend is contacting your trusted scale provider to discuss your needs and what you are looking to accomplish. You can reach our sales department by calling (919) 776-7737 or clicking the RFQ button on our website.  By taking into account all the things we have mentioned above, you can make an informed decision that will help you improve your business operations, increase efficiency, and achieve your business goals.

5 Things You May Not Know About Weighing Animals on Vet Scales

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Weighing animals is extremely important as it’s one way to determine if they’re healthy or not. Comparing an animal’s individual weight to a set median cannot only help determine its weight but its species and state at the time. It also allows caretakers to determine the amount of food, water, medicine and exercise the animals should receive as well. However, there is much more to weighing animals than just having them step on a scale.

How Do You Weigh Animals?

The number one thing you may not know about weighing and is exactly how do you weigh animals? While some animals are tranquilized and put on weighing scales once they’re not moving. (Would you like to be the person holding the salmon over the scale to lure the bear?)  Many animals are fully conscious but not always cooperative. This is where dynamic weighing can be used. How does dynamic weighing account for excited dogs or naughty monkeys? The scale works out an average weight based on the force exerted by the animal over an extended period of time. Once the internal calculation is completed by the scale, it will hold the value this way. Even if the animal fidgets or moves around, it can easily be weighed.

animal weighing scale

Tough & Versatile Scales are a Must

The number two thing you may not know is you need a tough and versatile scale. You probably already know this but depending on what you’re trying to weigh, you need a tough and well designed scale. Whether you’re in a laboratory weighing small rodents or a vet who only deals with family pets. You need robust animal weighing scales. Often you need a scale that can be easily cleaned and has little to no exposed cables that can be ripped out. Stainless steel scales are rust resistant and easy to wipe down. Usually the pan can be removed so that any dirt that may have accumulated can be cleaned. A zoo or farm might have to weigh animals who live in a variety of habitats. And of course, a scale may need to be moved around within a vet’s office, a zoo or may need to be carried by a mobile groomer. Bringing a scale to various places is made easier with a portable scale. Portable scales that require batteries can be used virtually anywhere. Continue reading →

Top Rated Price Computing Scales (Legal for Trade) for the Farmers Market in 2024

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It’s almost spring time and it’s a time when everyone starts thinking about the farmer’s market. Can’t you almost taste the fresh strawberries? But, if you’re selling your fresh fruits and vegetables to customers, then you should use a legal for trade price computing scale. Updated for 2024.

Which produce scale should I buy?

Well, we have a couple of suggestions! Chances are you’ve seen one or maybe both of these top rated commercial scales at the farmers market before. Our top two choices for best price computing scales for the farmers market feature: rechargeable battery power, displays on the front and back, and both are legal for trade.

The Rice Lake RS130 and RS160 line of retail scales is one of our top picks for best price computing scales. The RS-130 and RS-160 produce scales are the ultimate choice for simple price computing applications, delivering unmatched convenience and accuracy. The RS series provide one button operation with weight displays and either pounds kilograms or ounces. These scales also allow you to enter a dollar amount and the scale will assist you with calculating the correct change. These scales are available in your choice of either a 30lb or 60lb capacity and with or without the tower display.

Best Price Computing Scales on the Market Today

We feel the the CAS S2000 Junior commercial scale is the top price computing scale. The CAS S2000 JR. farmers market scale features dual range capacities, the ability to weigh in pounds, kilograms or ounces and you can easily print out a basic label with the optional label printer. The S-2000 Junior is our top pick for 2023. If you’re looking for a legal for trade price computing scale that has great features and reliability.

 

Well there you have it. Our top rated farmers market scales for 2023. These commercial scales have a great track record of accurate and reliable weighing. Wondering why the S2000 Junior beat out the RS130? The answer is overall value, warranty, dual range capacities, and the ability to connect a label printer.

We based our ratings on our own opinion of the products, past sales, repeat sales from repeat customers, and overall reliability.  

Be sure to contact our sales department (919) 776-7737 to discuss the current prices for these legal for trade scales and current availability. 

Affordable Counting Scales for Small Businesses – Our Top Picks

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Today we are going to hopefully answer any questions you have about recommended counting scales and current prices of electronic counting scales. We always focus on providing a good selection of affordable counting scales for small businesses on our website.

Best Counting Scales for Any Size Business

A counting scale can save you so much time versus counting parts out by hand. We’ve discussed this before regarding exactly how a counting scale works. A piece counting scale measures the weight of the items you place on the weighing platform and divides the weight by the number of pieces you entered to compute the average piece weight. Of course, the items that you are weighing have to be uniform in weight.

affordable counting scales for small business

Warehouse Counting Scale Prices

If you’ve done any research online, you’ve probably seen a wide range of prices when it comes to piece counting scales. We’ve seen prices that range from just a couple of hundred dollars all the way up to a couple of thousands of dollars!  Let’s take a closer look at all these numbers. Continue reading →

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 →