Finding the right weighing solution is essential for most industries. Using the wrong scale may not only cost you money and slow your process down, but it can also affect product quality, customer confidence, and your ability to meet trade compliance and regulatory requirements.
There are many types of weighing scales in the market, and they come in different configurations designed for different applications.
Here’s a quick guide to help you select the weighing scale that is most suitable for your organisation.
Required capacity
Some scales are designed to take on large and heavy items, while others are made for finer precision and smaller loads. Before purchasing a scale, it is important to know what your required maximum and minimum weighing capacity is. What is the largest and heaviest load that needs to be weighed?
Weighing increments need to be considered too. Heavy duty scales usually have increments of 100g, while more precise scales can go up by as little as 0.1mg.
Size of items being weighed
What is the physical size of the items being weighed? Warehouses that constantly weigh pallets, crates or large boxes will need sturdy platform scales. However, if you only weigh small quantities of flour or coins, then you can go for a smaller bench or precision scale.
Ensure that your scale is able to take on the largest and smallest items being weighed.
Location of use
The environment or area where a scale is being used is another important consideration. Will the scale be placed on uneven surfaces? Is the place dusty or wet or hazardous? What about temperature and humidity?
These factors can affect the scale’s performance and lifespan, as well as the safety of the operator.
Budget
Price is another factor to be considered, because there is no point in buying a scale that would cause cash flow problems and disrupt operations.
Having said that, a cheaper scale may end up being more expensive if it does not perform as desired or often needs to be repaired, maintained or even replaced. Sometimes it is worth investing in a good quality scale that can last longer and save you money in the long run.
Trade purposes
Some products, such as food, produce, medication and precious metals, are priced and sold according to their weight.
If your business does commercial selling by weight, you need to use trade approved scales to ensure that you comply with all the standards and requirements set by Australia’s National Measurement Institute.
Application and industry
A quick way to narrow down your options is to consider your application and/or industry. For example, laboratories and pharmacies need precision balance scales or counting scales for accurate formulation and counting tasks.
Food preparation and packaging applications usually require food scales that are waterproof and wash-down resistant, while veterinarians and farmers need scales with a dynamic weighing mode to capture accurate results even if the animals move.
As weighing scales play such a vital role in businesses, it is worth taking the time to evaluate and look through your options carefully before purchasing.
If you need assistance in selecting the right weighing scale, please get in touch with our team at Anyscales today.
