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Weighing scales are versatile devices used to measure the mass of single or multiple objects. They serve a critical purpose in various industrial and commercial environments, from weighing raw materials and components to ensuring accurate product packaging. The majority of scales feature a plate or bowl platform for placing the item to be weighed.
Mechanical weighing scales use a spring mechanism to read the weight, while a digital weighing scale uses the force of the weight to generate an electric signal, providing a highly accurate reading for applications where precision is essential. Weighing scales offer readings in various units, such as grams (g), kilograms (kg), Pounds (lbs), and Stone (St), with some models providing multiple options to suit different application requirements.
Types of Weighing Scales
Weighing scales are available in various configurations, each engineered for specific operational environments and measurement requirements. Selecting the appropriate scale type is crucial for achieving accurate results and maintaining workflow efficiency.
Bench Scales
Bench scales are compact, low-profile instruments designed for placement on a workbench or counter. Characterised by their smaller footprint, they are ideal for weighing discrete items or materials in controlled settings. Common applications include component counting, quality assurance in manufacturing, and formulation tasks in laboratories.
Counting Scale
A counting scale is a specialised digital scale that simultaneously weighs and counts a large number of uniform parts. By using a pre-determined unit weight, these scales automate the tedious and error-prone process of manual counting. They are extensively used in inventory management, kitting, and packaging operations to ensure accurate part quantities.
Hanging Scales
Hanging scales, also known as suspended scales, measure the weight of an object by suspending it from a hook. This is useful for weighing items that are bulky or too large to fit on a conventional platform. They are commonly employed in agricultural, industrial, and transportation settings.
Crane Scales
A crane scale is a heavy-duty variant of a hanging scale, engineered to be suspended from a crane or hoist. These devices are built to withstand harsh industrial environments and high-capacity loads. Crane scales provide accurate weight measurements for large, heavy objects such as steel beams, enabling safe lifting and cargo management.
Pocket Scales
Pocket scales are highly compact and portable weighing devices. They are designed for on-the-go applications where space and mobility are key. While their capacity is limited, they offer a high degree of precision for small items, making them suitable for field technicians or laboratory sampling.
Calibrated Bench Weighing Scales
Weighing scales are used regularly, which could mean the level of accuracy drops. It is important that your scales give accurate readings, and one way to ensure this is by calibrating your scales. RS offers a calibrated option at initial purchase stage and a yearly calibration service, using certified calibration weights in accordance with RSCAL standards.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Weighing Scale
Selecting the right weighing scale for an industrial application involves a careful evaluation of several technical and operational factors. The wrong choice can lead to inaccuracies and operational inefficiencies.
- Match Scale Type to Task Needs: The first step is to identify the specific application. A counting scale is mandatory for inventory tasks, while a crane scale is required for lifting heavy loads.
- Verify Capacity & Resolution Capacity: This refers to the maximum weight the scale can measure, while resolution is the smallest increment it can detect. These must align with the material being weighed.
- Look for Calibration Options: Regular calibration is essential for maintaining accuracy. Look for scales that are easy to calibrate and come with the necessary support from the manufacturer.
- User-Friendly Display: The display should be clear and easy to read, with essential information like unit of measure and tare functions.
- Build Quality & Portability: The scale’s construction must be robust enough for its intended environment. A scale for a dusty warehouse needs to be sealed (e.g., with an IP rating), while a field scale should be lightweight and durable.
- Calibration Support: Ensure the manufacturer provides comprehensive calibration support, including documentation and local service options.
Applications of Weighing Scales
Weighing scales are ubiquitous across various sectors, providing essential data for everything from quality control to logistics. Their versatility allows them to be customised for specific tasks, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in diverse operational environments.
Laboratory Use:
In laboratories, precision scales are used for weighing chemical reagents and preparing samples. The high resolution of lab scales is critical for research, development, and quality assurance.
Retail & Packaging
Retail scales are used for weighing goods for sale. In packaging, scales ensure that product packages contain the specified net weight, which is essential for consumer trust and regulatory compliance.
Industrial & Logistics
Industrial scales, such as floor scales and crane scales, are used to weigh raw materials, finished goods, and pallets in manufacturing and warehousing. In logistics, scales are vital for determining freight weight and ensuring trucks are not overloaded.
Field & On-the-Go
Portable scales, like pocket scales and hanging scales, are used by field professionals for applications such as soil sampling or on-site material assessments where fixed equipment isn't practical.
The Leading Supplier and Distributor of Weighing Scales in New Zealand
RS is your reliable source for high-quality weighing scales. We offer a comprehensive selection from leading brands, including Ohaus, Kern, and RS Pro. Our inventory features diverse types and capacities at competitive prices, ensuring you find the ideal industrial weighing solution for your specific application.
We also stock other essential equipment to optimise your operations, such as workshop benches and storage boxes. Shop our range of digital scales, bench scales, weighing balances, and accessories online today. For more details on our ordering process, delivery services, and fees, please refer to our delivery page.
