Digital scales are precise, accurate and easy to use. From homes to hospitals, to bakeries and warehouses, there are digital scales designed for all applications and uses.
A good quality scale is worth investing in, as it not only delivers accurate results consistently, but can also last for a long time. Having said that, there are a few factors that may occasionally cause your scale to perform poorly, deliver inaccurate weighing results, or break down prematurely.
Here are some issues to avoid when using your digital scale.
Uneven loading
Digital scales are designed to be the most accurate when the object to be weighed is placed evenly. Ensure that the object’s centre of gravity is at the centre of your scale’s weighing surface or platform. This will avoid uneven loading, which would yield inaccurate results.
Weighing objects that are too big or heavy
When purchasing a scale, try as much as you can to get one that is able to handle your largest and heaviest item comfortably. If you weigh an item that is too big for your scale surface, the reading may be incorrect as the item is not completely on the weighing platform. Similarly, do not put a weight that exceeds your scale’s capacity on it. Overloading your scale will cause permanent damage, so be mindful of your scale’s maximum capacity and whether or not it would be able to take on the heavy object you want to weigh.
Excessive exposure to moisture or water
As with all electronic devices, most digital scales can be negatively affected if the interior components are exposed to water. Moisture on the load sensor can also interfere with the signals that are sent from the load cell to the display indicator, resulting in inaccurate readings. Therefore, unless your scale is specifically designed to work with wet items, it is better to keep it away from wet environments.
Excessive or careless use
No matter how rugged and robust a digital scale is built to be, it still contains sensitive components within. If heavy materials are dropped too suddenly onto the scale, or if exposed to excessive knocks and trauma, the load cell and other scale components may be damaged.
Cold temperatures
Most digital scales are designed to work at room temperature, and may not perform at its best in an environment that is too cold. If the temperature in the room is too low, the scale may be sluggish and inaccurate. The display may also malfunction, and you will not be able to get the right reading.
Stabilising objects by hand
Be careful not to support or adjust items on the scale with your hand, as you may be unknowingly adding to the weight. If accuracy is important, ensure that you are not in any way influencing the weight through pressure to stabilise when taking the reading.
Uneven or unsteady surfaces
Speaking of stabilising, digital scales should always be placed on a stable and flat, solid surface. Avoid soft or uneven surfaces such as carpet, rubber flooring, sloping tiles, or unsteady tables.
Electromagnetic disturbances
Electromagnetic disturbances from some electronic devices such as mobile phones or microwaves may affect your scale readings. To improve accuracy, move your digital scale away from areas with such devices.
Low battery
One of the often overlooked causes for inaccurate readings is actually low batteries or unreliable power adapters. If your scale readings seem to be fluctuating or the display is sluggish, check the batteries or make sure the power connection is working properly.
At Anyscales, we offer highly accurate and robust digital scales that are suitable for a wide range of applications. From commercial scales to medical scales and laboratory balances, there is one that will suit your requirements. For more information about any of our scales, please contact our team at 1300 738 705 or email [email protected].
