If you do any research on the internet about scale companies and ISO, then most of the time you will only read about how great the certification is and how that is the only way to go. Well, we are going to provide you with a different point of view on the question, should you choose an ISO certified scale company?

The International Organization for Standardization is an international independent, non-governmental organization with a membership of 168 national standards bodies. Their history can be traced back to 1946. The organization develops and publishes international standards. The purpose of achieving ISO certification is to ensure the safety and quality of the product or service. 

There is certainly an argument to be made for the benefit of a scale manufacturer (or any manufacturer) to have quality guidelines and to be ISO compliant. In this situation, it likely makes really good sense. In fact, most of our top scale manufacturers that we offer are ISO 9001. It is a good thing for companies with a lot of employees or companies that build things to a consistent quality level. It’s essentially all about documenting your process and training your staff to follow that process so you produce a consistent product.

However, for a small scale service company with less than ten employees…. does it really make sense to spend thousands of dollars just to have an independent group “approve” or “accredit” how you’ve been successfully operating your business for over forty years?  

BENEFITS FOR A SCALE COMPANY TO BE ISO CERTIFIED

The ISO certification for scale companies is referred to as ISO/IEC 17025. In order to earn ISO 17025 certification, an industrial scale company must survive an accreditation process from a certified third-party organization that is often expensive and time consuming. And, that’s just the approval, the scale company will also be evaluated every few years in order to renew their certification.

If a scale company has earned ISO 17025 certification they can then boast about their ability to provide high quality precise testing and calibration results and how they can follow a quality management system. 

Some of the external organizations that provide this certification to scale companies are the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) and the Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation (PJLA). The process of becoming ISO certified takes time and costs money and of course there is a renewal process that we mentioned earlier which also costs money.  

BUT I HAVE TO USE A CERTAIN TYPE OF SCALE COMPANY….

One area that is often misunderstood is what customers require or don’t require. Often a customer will be under the impression they can only use a ISO 17025 certified scale company, as specified by their internal quality manual. 

The fact is that scale companies are not required to have ISO 17025 accreditation. There are some folks who will argue that the ISO accreditation provides extra credibility to the scale company and that having an ISO 17025 certificate of calibration displays superior quality control, as opposed to getting a non-ISO 17025 certified calibration of your scale.  You’re also likely to pay a higher hourly rate for this type of scale service as well, even though the scale company is using the same test weights as any other legitimate scale company.

NEGATIVES FOR A SCALE COMPANY TO BE ISO CERTIFIED

So you could almost compare three different categories: (1) ISO scale companies, (2) scale companies who achieved ISO and didn’t renew (but still employ some of the positives w/o the recurring fees) and (3) those that are truly non-ISO scale companies.

But for simplicity, let’s take a moment to truly compare an ISO certified scale company versus a non-ISO scale company.

The following are important points to remember. You can also argue that a scale company, whether ISO or not, is using: the same Class F weights. Those same test weights are tested at the state lab each year (traceability to NIST) for both scale companies. Both scale companies have licensed scale technicians. Both scale companies are documenting the results of the scale check online using Pass / Fail calibration software with tolerances, etc…. So, we have to ask the question…. What exactly are you paying extra $$$ for?

Let’s put this in table form just to make sure you see and understand this.

So, once again we have to ask the question…. What exactly are you paying higher hourly rates for?    Continue reading →

From a scale company perspective, when we hear the question, why does the number on the scale fluctuate so much?  There are several answers below that could be true.  

When we define the word fluctuate, the definition is: rise and fall irregularly in number or amount. Sometimes the word fluctuation can be used interchangeably with bouncing or changing.

From a healthcare scale or bathroom scale perspective:  It is normal to see your body weight vary daily. It could be various reasons such as food or water intake. Maybe a new diet. 

In the scenarios that we see more often as an Industrial Scale Company, when we’re asked why does the number on the scale fluctuate so much?  The answers below are usually true.

Often with industrial scales a customer places an object on the scale and it is a certain weight. There is usually little to no fluctuation.  If the scale does fluctuate more than a couple graduations, then it likely means that some component in the scale is not working correctly (main board, load cell, etc…) or it could mean that the scale needs to be re-calibrated.

With commercial scales or industrial scales, if you place an object or weight on the scale, there should be little to no fluctuation.  If the weight is bouncing around, then you likely have a problem of some type.  Sometimes it can be something as simple as wind or water.  If you’ve ever tried to weigh trucks on a 70 foot long truck scale on a windy day, you have likely seen truck weights fluctuating. Once the wind subsides, the weigh fluctuation should as well. As for water, if a junction box has water inside, that can cause fluctuations. Dry out the j-box and often the weight stabilizes.

Frequency interference on a digital scale can be caused by several factors

One main factor is the presence of other electronic devices in the vicinity. Microwaves, cell phones, and static electricity are examples of such devices that emit radio frequencies that can potentially disrupt the functionality of the scale. The fluctuating electromagnetic radiation emitted by these wireless devices can interfere with the scale’s ability to provide stable and precise readings.

To ensure consistent and accurate results, it is crucial to carefully examine the workspace and remove any nearby electronic devices before taking measurements with a digital scale. By eliminating potential sources of interference, one can minimize the negative influences on the scale’s performance and ensure reliable readings.

Frequency interference on a digital scale can be caused by several factors. One main factor is the presence of other electronic devices in the vicinity. Microwaves, cell phones, and static electricity are examples of such devices that emit radio frequencies that can potentially disrupt the functionality of the scale. The fluctuating electromagnetic radiation emitted by these wireless devices can interfere with the scale’s ability to provide stable and precise readings. To ensure consistent and accurate results, it is crucial to carefully examine the workspace and remove any nearby electronic devices before taking measurements with a digital scale. By eliminating potential sources of interference, one can minimize the negative influences on the scale’s performance and ensure reliable readings. 

What are the contact details for CCS technical support?

To get in touch with CCS technical support, you can reach out to our service team for assistance with any issues regarding inaccurate readings on your digital scale. Please feel free to complete our form on our website or submit a service request, and our experienced technicians will promptly attend to your request, working diligently to restore your scale’s functionality. We are committed to providing timely and effective solutions to ensure your scale is in proper working order.

Where can Someone Find High Quality Digital Scales for Purchase?

If you’re wondering where to find high-quality digital scales for purchase, look no further. At CCS we offer an extensive range of premium digital scales from many scale manufacturers that are sure to meet your needs. Our selection boasts a variety of models, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect digital scale for your requirements. Experience the convenience and precision of our top-notch digital scales by exploring our collection today on Central Carolina Scale.com or by calling the sales department.

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 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.

We’ve been checking, testing and adjusting scales for a long time. And over the years of calibrating scales you learn a few things and pick up on a few nuggets of wisdom regarding scales and how to keep them working year round. Scales are precision instruments that need to be maintained on a fairly regular basis in order to ensure accuracy and reliability. Your scale accuracy can influence your profitability greatly. There are lots of examples, everything from ingredients used in a recipe for batching to recycling metal or aluminum. Every ounce counts and a scale that isn’t accurate can cost you, or your customer. Of course, if your scale breaks down, you’re going to be down for potentially several hours depending on the service and replacement parts needed. The bottom line is, Scales are important and need to be maintained.

Regular service and calibration from a factory trained service technician is important. We have seen examples in the past where companies realized that they need regular maintenance on their scales, but to save money they would choose a different company who didn’t have factory training on the actual scales the company owned. As fate would have it, the scale broke and their technician spent large amounts of time trying to troubleshoot the problem, which was difficult since he didn’t have factory training on this particular brand. CCS was contacted and the scale was repaired and working within a couple of hours.

Another example is a company who buys/sells based on the weight of items loaded on their trucks. With most truck scales we recommend at least a semi-annual check and calibration but the customer felt the costs were not worthwhile for their business and they wanted to go with a call as needed model. Over the course of the year they noticed that their truck weights seemed to be off, so they called CCS to check and calibrate their truck scales. Their scales were off by several graduations and the customer had been losing what turned out to be hundreds of dollars in profits per truck over the past several weeks. At that point, the customer was very interested in discussing a quarterly scale check and calibration. Continue reading →