The Ultimate Industrial Scale Buyer’s Guide

Scales are used in many different industrial and commercial applications. They are an essential piece of equipment in any business that needs to measure weight. An industrial scale is an instrumental component of multiple industries, ranging from supply chains to recycling and poultry.

Scales come in different sizes and capacities, so choosing the right one for your needs is essential. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about industrial scales, including their mechanism of action, benefits, and use cases.

What Are Industrial Scales?

Industrial scales are devices used to weigh objects in an industrial setting. These scales have many uses, such as measuring the weight of materials or products, checking incoming and outgoing shipments, or monitoring inventory levels.

Industrial scales come in various sizes and configurations to suit different needs. Some standard industrial scales include floor scales, bench scales, crane scales, and pallet scales.

Floor scales are typically used for weighing large objects or groups of things, while bench scales and crane scales weigh smaller items. On the other hand, pallet scales weigh entire pallets of goods. 

Besides their weighing capacities and builds, industrial scales can differ in their readout types. Industrial scales can be analog or digital. Analog scales use a dial or needle to display the weight, while digital scales use a digital readout. Digital scales are more accurate and easier to read than analog scales.

Industrial scales are an essential piece of equipment in any industrial setting. They help ensure accuracy and efficiency in the workplace. Some common industries that use industrial scales include manufacturing, logistics, and retail.

Readability of an Industrial Scale

Readability refers to the ease with which a reader can understand a written text. In the context of industrial scale, readability is often determined by legibility, which is the quality of the printing or readout on a scale that affects how easy it is to read.

Factors impacting legibility include font type, font size, line spacing, and color contrast. For example, a document printed in a small, difficult-to-read font is said to have poor readability.

On the other hand, good readability occurs when a document is easy to read and understand. This usually happens when the text is printed in a clear and legible font, with sufficient line spacing and good contrast.

Nowadays, most industrial scales have digital displays that show weight measurements. The readability of these displays is essential, as it affects the user’s ability to accurately interpret the information.

Digital readouts are typically more readable than their analog counterparts. In most cases, you can read the weight even from a distance.

Industries that Use Industrial Scales

Today, a wide range of industries need to use high-quality, accurate scales to maintain efficiency and product quality. Here are some of the key industries that rely on accurate measurements from reliable industrial scales:

  • Food and Beverage. Manufacturers in the food and beverage industry use scales for various tasks. For example, scales measure ingredients, track inventory, and calculate nutrition information.
  • Pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on scales to measure active ingredients in drugs and determine the weight of finished products.
  • Transportation and Logistics. Many industries within the transportation and logistics sector use scales to weigh cargo and track shipments. For example, trucking companies use axle scales to weigh vehicles, while airlines use floor scales to weigh luggage.
  • Recycling. Scales are also used to weigh materials and calculate payouts in the recycling industry. For instance, scrap metal recycling businesses often use industrial scales to weigh metals.
  • Chemical Plants. Chemical plants use scales for measuring raw materials and tracking production.
  • Farmers. Industrial scales are also handy on farms since farmers use them to measure their produce and farm animals.

Types of Industrial Scales

There are many different types of industrial scales used for various purposes. The kind of scale you need will depend on the specific application for which you will be using it. Here is a look at some of the most common types of industrial scales:

Floor Scales

image of a floor scale with "cardinal floor hugger" on it

Floor scales are typically used in warehouses and other industrial settings for weighing large items or for shipping and receiving areas to weigh packages or other items. 

They are usually made from steel or concrete and have a large, flat surface area for placing items to be weighed. They have a capacity of up to 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) and usually come in rectangular or square shapes. Floor scales can also be used for weighing people and animals.

Bench Scales

red bench scale

A bench scale weighs larger objects, such as boxes or crates. They are commonly found in warehouses, shipping facilities, and other commercial and industrial environments.

Bench scales typically have a large platform or deck on which the object to be weighed is placed and a display panel where the weight is displayed. Most bench scales also have a built-in printer to generate a hard copy of the weight.

Some bench scales also have countingcheck weighing, and dynamic weighing features. Counting allows the user to quickly determine the number of pieces in a sample, while check weighing ensures that an object falls within a specific weight range.

Dynamic weighing can also weigh ingredients in a recipe. It allows the user to see how much of an element is present in a product. Plus, you can check the total weight of all ingredients.

Truck Scales

Truck scales are an essential piece of equipment for any business that uses trucks to transport goods. They help ensure accuracy and efficiency by allowing users to quickly and easily weigh the trucks and their cargo

Crane Scales

Image of a crane scale

Crane scales are attached to the end of a crane’s boom to weigh the lifted loads. The most common type of crane scale is an electro-mechanical scale, which uses strain gauges and levers to convert the tension on the lifting cables into an electrical signal. This signal is then amplified and displayed on a digital readout.

Crane scales are used in various industries, including construction, mining, logging, and shipping. The key features of a crane scale include:

  • Built-in Stability Adjustment. Since crane scales are used in different environments, it is vital that they can be appropriately calibrated for each application.
  • Tare/Pre-Set Functionality. This feature allows the user to weigh the load without having to remove it from the crane.
  • Digital Readout. The digital readout provides a clear display of the weight, even from a distance. 
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Benefits of Industrial Scales for Businesses

Nowadays, many businesses need an industrial scale for their daily operations. Here are some benefits that these scales provide:

Enhance Accuracy

Accuracy is an imperative aspect of businesses, especially those handling extensive inventories. With an industrial scale, they can accurately and efficiently weigh their products. In addition, an accurate scale helps them avoid any costly mistakes that might occur by using a regular household scale.

Time-Saving

Another great benefit of having an industrial scale is saving businesses a lot of time. Can you imagine having to weigh every product manually? It would be very time-consuming and tedious.

Avoid Product Loss

Industrial scales help businesses avoid product loss. With its precision, they can ensure that they are not over or under-producing their products. Thus, they can avoid any waste and maximize their profits.

Better Customer Satisfaction

Last but not least, businesses that use industrial scales tend to have better customer satisfaction rates. Again, it’s because their products are more accurate and consistent in quality. As a result, customers are more likely to be satisfied with their purchases.

How to Choose the Right Industrial Scale for Your Business

industrial manufacturing factory at night

When selecting the correct industrial scale for your business, there are many factors to consider to make an informed decision. For example, the type of business you operate and the products and materials you need to weigh regularly will play a role in choosing the most appropriate model.

Other essential factors include budget, speed and accuracy requirements, platform size, and weight capacity. Here are some factors you should consider:

  • Space. If you have space constraints, you should opt for a crane scale since it doesn’t take up much space. A floor scale requires more space since it has a large base.
  • Speed. If you need to weigh products quickly, you should go for a floor scale since it can accommodate multiple items simultaneously.
  • Accuracy. A bench or floor scale is ideal for businesses that require high accuracy levels, such as those in the pharmaceutical and food industries, since they offer more precise measurements.
  • Platform Size. The size of the platform will depend on the items you need to weigh. If you’re weighing large items, such as sacks of flour or industrial machinery, a floor scale is your best bet.
  • Weight Capacity. Make sure to choose a scale that has a weight capacity that exceeds the heaviest item you’ll need to weigh.

How to Maintain Industrial Scales

Maintaining your industrial scale is important to ensure its accuracy and longevity. While regular cleaning is necessary, there are other ways to keep your scale in top condition. Here are some tips on how to maintain your industrial scale:

Keep It Clean

Regularly wipe down the platform and housing of your scale with a damp cloth. Doing this will help remove any built-up dirt or grime. Once a week, you should also use a mild detergent on the platform to give it a thorough cleaning. Finally, rinse the platform thoroughly after cleaning it with detergent.

Calibrate Your Scale

You should calibrate your scale at least once a year or more often if used frequently. To calibrate your scale, you will need to adjust the weights on the platform until the needle on the dial points to zero.

Store Your Scale Properly

Your industrial scale should be stored in a clean and dry place when not in use. If possible, store the scale in its original packaging. Doing this will help protect the scale from dust and other environmental damage.

Industrial Scales Near Me

As established, industrial scales are important to the operation of many several business types, including chemical plants, logistics, supply chains, farming, and more. No matter what type of industrial scale you need, it’s important to consider the scale’s weight capacity, cost, usage, platform size, and accuracy before buying it.

When it comes to purchase, American Scale Corporation is a leading name in the market, backed by three decades of experience and 24/7 emergency service response. You can buy industrial scales, additional scale products, or avail yourself of scale services, such as calibration, from American Scale Corporation while enjoying matchless professionalism and top-notch quality.

The information provided in this content is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. It is advisable to consult with a qualified industry professional before taking any action based on this information. The team at American Scale is here to assist you with any questions you may have.