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Scalesco Measurement Technology provides a quick reference for you to be able to determine the correct product for your application. Feel free to speak directly with a trained Product Specialist at 1-866-587-9773.
The first steps in choosing the right scale are:
Choose your Size
Determine the largest size of an item to be weighed on the scale platform. It is best to have the item being weighed to fit directly on top the weighing platter, without overhang, to obtain the most accurate weight. However, the maximum recommended overhang of an item is 2 inches on each side.
If you choose a scale with a weighing platter that is smaller than the item to be weighed you may not be able to see the display weight or use the keyboard to perform certain functions of the product.
Choose your Capacity
Determine the largest weight of an item to be weighed on the scale platform, add 10-15% for overload protection. Most scales have built in design features to provide a minimum of an additional 100% overload protection, compared to the capacity of scale, against damage to the load cells or destruction of the housing.
Selecting a scale that has the largest capacity available to prevent from overload abuse, is typically not the best solution for you. When selecting a higher capacity of scale, you will loose the accuracy because of a the increase in the scales displayed resolution.
Choose the Correct Resolution
A scale the specification showing 150 x 0.05 lb has the rated capacity of 150 pounds and the displayed resolution of 0.05 lbs. This means the scale will display the weight in increments of 0.05 lb; 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 lbs (etc.) up-to the maximum weight of 150 pounds. CAUTION! This is not the same as accuracy.
If your application requires your that you display weight in increments of 0.01 lb, then you may have to purchase a scale with a reduced maximum capacity in order to achieve accurate weightments.
Check the accuracy statement of the scale
There are many ways scale manufacturers show the accuracy rating of an individual scale. Accuracy statements are typically stated in a % of the scales capacity (% x total capacity = accuracy) or by number of divisions (+/- 2 divisions. 25 lb x 0.1oz scale = accuracy to 0.2 oz's). Typically accuracy is affected by the temperature the scale is operating in.
Will the scale be used indoors or outdoors, Display Type
There are a few types of common displays used on light industrial scales. Each display type have it's own set of indoor and outdoor visibility advantages and disadvantages. They are:
"LED" Display- Great for indoor use, bright and visable. Can be washed out by direct sunlight. "LCD" Display - Visable in direct sunlight. Can be difficult to read weight if in dark lighting conditions. "Backlit LCD" display - Turn on back light in dark conditions, turn off for outdoor applications.
Waterproof vs. Washdown Scales
How you clean your scale usually determines what type of scale you need.
A waterproof scale can be used for both outdoor and indoor applications and then cleaned without using a high pressure washer or chemicals. Some waterproof scales may not use stainless steel loadcells or structural material, which can eventually rust over time, making it difficult or impossible to repair your scale. Check the construction of the scale, prior to making your purchase.
A washdown scale can typically withstand cleaning from a high pressure hose, caution is advised on the use of chemicals since some may cause damage to the stainless steel surface. Usually IP or NEMA rating are identified on washdown scales, indicating the manufacturer has tested the instrument to ensure that water can not gain access into the electronics of the scale. A washdown scale typically uses a stainless steel hermitcally sealed load cell to provide protection against rust. Since the cost of stainless steel is becoming more costly, look for more scales that use a booted sealing method to protects the aluminum load cell from rust.
The indicator or display may be composed of either plastic or stainless steel, either can be used in a waterproof or washdown application as long as they provide protection from water being allowed in the enclosure. Plastic housing are being used more and more today, since the price of stainles steel continues to increase.
Most scales today provide a stainless steel weight platter that will allow you to wipe down the surface of the weight platter removing any contaminated material from it. If this is similar to your application, then a washdown or waterproof scale is not normally required.
Check the operating temperature statement of the scale
Most scales provide a statement indicating the ability of the scale to perform under certain temperatures. Make sure your application falls within the stated temperature criteria. Choosing a scale that falls outside the rating may cause inaccurate weight, return to zero or the inability of the scales display to operate correctly.
Check to see if your require an "NTEP" or type approved scale
Check with your local state weights and measures department for specific details. In general, if you are using a scale to detemine weight and charge a customer a fee based on that weight, an NTEP approved scale is required. In most states this does not include scales used for determing shipping fees, unless the customer is present at the time of weighing.
Will the scale interface to my 3rd party shipping software?
If you currently have a software system installed and you are looking for a new scale, identify what scale drivers are available within the software. It is not recommended to buy your scale before identifying what software you will be using, they may not communicate with each other.
How do I transmit weight from the scale to my PC without a software program using a driver?
Industrial scales do not provide software drivers. Your IT department will have to create a special program to interface your scale to your PC. Most scales with RS-232 interface provide the communication language within the user or service manual. |
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