Scales for Chemical Processors: Enhancing Efficiency and Safety in Chemical Weighing

The chemical processing industry plays a pivotal role in manufacturing a wide array of consumer and industrial products. From organic alcohols and petrochemicals to industrial acids, catalysts, compounds, pigments, paints, and other inorganic substances, chemical processors encounter a diverse range of hazardous materials. Ensuring the safety and accuracy of these processes is crucial for both human well-being and product quality.

One of the fundamental aspects of chemical processing is weighing equipment, which demands exceptional precision, reliability, and resistance to harsh chemicals and environments. In this article, we explore the significance of scales for chemical processors and how they enhance efficiency and safety in the chemical industry.

The Importance of Corrosion-Resistant Weighing Equipment

Chemical substances used in the processing industry can be highly corrosive, leading to the degradation of materials over time. Standard weighing equipment might not withstand the aggressive nature of these chemicals, resulting in equipment malfunction, measurement inaccuracies, and potential safety hazards. Therefore, chemical processors require specialized corrosion-resistant weighing equipment to maintain the integrity of their operations.

weight indicator

Meeting Industry Demands: A Focus on Reliability

Reliability is the backbone of any industrial process, and the chemical processing industry is no exception. The selection of appropriate weighing equipment plays a pivotal role in ensuring that processes run smoothly and efficiently. Corrosion-resistant scales, made from materials like stainless steel and other durable alloys, offer a reliable weighing solution that can withstand exposure to a variety of harsh chemicals. These scales are designed to resist rust, oxidation, and chemical attacks, prolonging their lifespan and maintaining accuracy over time.

Accurate Measurements for Quality Control

Quality control is a critical aspect of chemical processing. Accurate measurements are essential to ensure that the final products meet specific standards and exhibit consistent quality. Corrosion-resistant scales provide precise measurements, allowing chemical processors to monitor the composition of their products and make necessary adjustments to achieve the desired outcomes. This level of precision is particularly important for applications where even slight variations in chemical ratios can significantly impact the final product’s properties.

Ensuring Operator Safety

The chemical processing environment can be hazardous for operators and technicians. Exposure to corrosive chemicals and harsh substances can pose serious health risks. By investing in intrinsically safe weighing equipment, chemical processors can minimize the chances of equipment failure and subsequent chemical spills or accidents. Additionally, these scales often come equipped with advanced safety features, such as overload protection and anti-slip platforms, to further enhance operator safety during the weighing process.

cardinal scale thbc brewery tank scales

Scales for Chemical Processors

From organic alcohols and petrochemicals to industrial acids, catalysts, compounds, pigments, paints and other inorganic substances, the chemical processing industry is composed of a broad range of consumer and industrial products. To optimize chemical manufacturing and maximize chemical material handling efficiency, we offer heavy-duty weighing solutions for hostile materials and hazardous environments.

During chemical reactions and refining, exact measurements are crucial. Chemical vessels—from tabletop beakers to industrial drums and tanks—require special corrosion-resistant material to withstand the chemicals’ hazardous properties. Weighing equipment used in these processes also needs to stand up to harsh chemicals and environments.

The SURVIVOR® RL2100 HE weigh module kit is ideal for medium and heavy-capacity hostile environments found in chemical blending and batching applications. Heavy capacity kits include all stainless steel compression mounts and weld-sealed, double-ended beam load cells. The JB4SS NEMA Type 4X stainless steel junction box and 25-foot hostile environment load cell cable complete the kit.

The Rice Lake RoughDeck® HE hostile environment floor scale is specifically designed for corrosion resistance and longevity in harsh chemical and washdown environments. Constructed from stainless steel and incorporating stainless steel, IP67 weld-sealed load cells, the RoughDeck HE is ideal for chemical material processing and handling.

Choosing the Right Scale for Specific Applications

Different chemical processes have varying requirements when it comes to weighing equipment. Some applications might require high-precision analytical balances, while others demand heavy-duty industrial scales for bulk weighing. The chemical processing industry encompasses a wide range of products, each with unique properties and handling considerations.

For instance, in laboratories and research facilities, analytical balances with high precision and sensitivity are essential for accurately measuring small quantities of chemicals. On the other hand, industries dealing with large volumes of chemicals might rely on robust floor scales or tank scales to handle bulk weighing. The diversity of applications calls for a comprehensive range of scales tailored to the specific needs of chemical processors.

Innovations in Weighing Technology

As the chemical processing industry continues to evolve, so does the technology behind weighing equipment. Manufacturers are continuously innovating to meet the increasing demands of the industry. New developments include advancements in load cell technology, digital signal processing, and connectivity options. Cloud-based data storage and integration with IoT (Internet of Things) platforms enable real-time monitoring of weighing processes, allowing for quick decision-making and improved traceability.

Scales for chemical processors are an integral part of the chemical processing industry. With their corrosion-resistant properties and precision weighing capabilities, these scales contribute significantly to the efficiency, safety, and quality control of chemical processes. By investing in reliable and accurate weighing equipment, chemical processors can optimize their operations, ensure compliance with safety standards, and produce high-quality products that cater to the diverse needs of consumers and industries alike. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more sophisticated weighing solutions to further revolutionize the chemical processing landscape.

Paving the Path of Progress: Asphalt Producers, Weighing Equipment, and the Raleigh-Durham Roadway Boom

The Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina has experienced rapid population growth in recent years, with an influx of new residents seeking the region’s thriving job market, educational opportunities, and cultural attractions. To accommodate this exponential growth, a vast network of roads is being built, modified, or widened to connect communities and ensure efficient transportation.

However, this unprecedented demand for road infrastructure has put tremendous pressure on asphalt producers, who play a vital role in meeting the requirements for this expansive expansion.

weight indicator

The Asphalt Production Process

Asphalt, a durable and versatile material, is the backbone of modern road construction. It is made from a mixture of aggregates, binder, and filler materials. The primary aggregates used are crushed stone, gravel, and sand, while the binder is usually a petroleum-derived product. Asphalt production involves heating these ingredients to high temperatures to create a homogenous mixture, which is then laid on roads and compacted to form a smooth and sturdy surface.

The Importance of Asphalt Producers

Asphalt producers are the unsung heroes behind the seamless network of roads that underpin the Raleigh-Durham area’s growth. Their role in the development of the region cannot be overstated, as they are responsible for providing the essential building blocks for the transportation infrastructure that connects communities, facilitates commerce, and enhances overall quality of life.

Challenges Faced by Asphalt Producers

The increasing demand for new roads and road maintenance in the Raleigh-Durham area has brought both opportunities and challenges for asphalt producers. Meeting this high demand requires enhanced production capabilities, efficient logistics, and compliance with environmental regulations.

  1. Enhanced Production Capabilities: Asphalt producers have had to expand their production facilities and acquire state-of-the-art equipment to cope with the rising demand. Modern asphalt plants are designed to efficiently mix, heat, and store large quantities of asphalt, ensuring a continuous supply to meet the requirements of ongoing construction projects.

  2. Efficient Logistics: The supply chain management for asphalt production is crucial to ensuring a steady flow of raw materials and finished products. Producers must strategize to optimize transportation routes and minimize delays, guaranteeing that construction projects remain on schedule.

  3. Environmental Compliance: As the demand for asphalt rises, so does the need to address environmental concerns related to its production. Asphalt plants are subject to environmental regulations that govern emissions and the responsible use of natural resources. Producers are embracing eco-friendly practices, such as using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and warm-mix asphalt technologies to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

how does a load cell work

The Role of Scales in Asphalt Production

Scales play a vital role in the overall asphalt production process, ensuring accuracy and precision in the mixing of raw materials. Asphalt producers use scales at various stages of production:

  1. Aggregate Measurement: The precise measurement of aggregates is critical, as the right proportions directly influence the quality and durability of the final asphalt mix. Advanced weighing systems and load cells help ensure that the correct amount of aggregates is used for each batch, resulting in consistent and reliable asphalt.

  2. Binder and Filler Measurement: Similarly, the accurate measurement of binders and fillers is crucial to achieving the desired asphalt properties. Scales equipped with modern technology facilitate the controlled addition of these components, ensuring uniformity and adherence to specified standards.

  3. Quality Control: Scales also play a pivotal role in quality control during the production process. Producers regularly sample asphalt mixes and use scales to verify whether the mixture adheres to predetermined specifications. This meticulous quality control ensures that the final product meets the required standards for safety and performance.

The Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina is experiencing a remarkable period of growth and development, necessitating an extensive network of roads to accommodate the rising population. Asphalt producers are at the heart of this endeavor, working tirelessly to meet the demands of road construction. 

As the roadways continue to expand, the importance of scales in the asphalt production process becomes increasingly evident. These precision instruments play a crucial role in ensuring the consistency, quality, and safety of the asphalt mix used to pave the path of progress in the Raleigh-Durham area. With continued innovation and dedication from asphalt producers, the region’s transportation infrastructure will remain robust and responsive to the needs of its ever-growing population.

The Peril of Monopoly: The Dangers of Choosing an Industrial Scale Provider who Basically Only Recommends One Scale Brand

In the world of industry and commerce, precision measurement and weighing accuracy are paramount, making industrial scales and laboratory balances an indispensable tool in many industries. When it comes to selecting a reliable provider for your weighing needs, many local businesses seek convenience by opting for a one-stop-shop that sells scales and offers calibration and service support. And, often folks search for old and familiar scale brand they may have heard of years ago.

However, one mistake that some customers make involves choosing a scale supplier who essentially is only offering one brand of scale 99% of the time. This cozy relationship with a sole brand may appear convenient on the surface, but it comes with a range of potential pitfalls that businesses should be wary of. Do the terms Protected Territories, Limited Competition, and High Prices sound familiar? 

This article explores the perils of such an arrangement and underscores the importance of keeping an open mind when it comes to selecting a local industrial scale provider in your area.

1. Limited Product Options:

Relying on an industrial scale provider who predominantly offers one brand of scales leaves your business with limited options. Each industry has unique requirements, and no single scale brand can cater to the diverse needs of every enterprise. By restricting yourself to just one brand of scales, you risk overlooking better-suited alternatives that might provide more accurate readings, advanced features, or even more cost-effectiveness. Opting to work with a local scale company with a wide array of scale options ensures you can find the perfect match for your business requirements.

2. Bias and Unreliable Recommendations:

The inherent conflict of interest in exclusively recommending one scale brand raises questions about the objectivity and credibility of the provider’s suggestions. Is the recommendation driven by the best interest of the client, or is it motivated by financial gains or meeting sales quotas from promoting a particular brand? A biased recommendation might lead to investing in scales that are not truly suitable for your operations, leading to suboptimal performance, increased maintenance costs, or even safety hazards.

3. Lack of Customization and Product Flexibility:

Industrial operations vary widely, and a one-size-fits-all approach to scales simply won’t suffice. By relying on a local scale provider who predominantly deals with one brand, you may face limitations in customizing the scales to match your specific requirements. Customization could involve factors such as scale capacity, platform size, and specialized features, which are critical to ensuring optimal performance and efficient workflow.

There could be situations where your number one scale brand might be a good choice for the scale platform but the scale controller might be a different brand. Is the scale company willing to use another brand?

4. Inadequate Support and Service:

Calibration and regular maintenance are vital to the accurate functioning of industrial scales. Choosing a local scale sales and service provider that primarily deals with one scale brand may limit your access to reliable service and support. They may lack the expertise to handle other scale brands effectively, resulting in subpar calibration or repairs. In contrast, a diversified local scale provider (like Central Carolina Scale) is more likely to have a skilled team capable of servicing a wide range of scale models efficiently.

5. Competitive Pricing:

Monopoly situations can also sometimes lead to inflated pricing. With limited options and no direct competition, the scale provider may not have any incentives to offer competitive prices. As a result, your business might end up paying more for a scale that could be obtained at a better price elsewhere.

high quality scales and weighing equipment

Final Thoughts:

Choosing an industrial scale provider is a crucial decision that directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of your operations. While the convenience of an all-in-one provider might be tempting, the dangers of opting for one who predominantly deals with a single brand of scales cannot be ignored. The limited product options, protected territories limiting competition, biased recommendations, and inadequate support could all hamper your business’s growth and success.

Instead, we recommend working with a scale company like ours. At Central Carolina Scale, we have good working relationships with many different scale manufacturers. If a customer approaches us and asks for a product or solution for their weighing, we are going to base our product recommendations off things like past success, proven products, overall value, etc… We typically provide multiple reputable choices to customers to consider.

In our experience, rarely is one scale manufacturer the best choice for everything. Some manufacturer really good truck scales. Some manufacturer easy to use digital weight indicators. In fact, we often provide scale systems to customers that have one brand of scale platform and a different brand of digital weight indicator. Most of the time we do that because we’re trying to provide the customer with the best overall scale equipment for their needs.

How Much Does a Waterproof Scale Cost?

Today we’re going to discuss how much a wash down scale costs. Wait, is it waterproof or wash down? First, a little disclaimer. Some customers like to call these scales “waterproof” which is why we use it in our title. However, that term is not quite accurate. The scales we sell are called “wash down safe” and typically have an IP rating usually somewhere between IP66 and IP69K.

cw-90x check weigh scale for commercial fishing

Stainless Steel Washdown Scales

Basically a washdown scale is designed to be water resistant and easily cleaned after use. The components of a washdown scale are typically constructed of stainless steel. In choosing a new washdown scale for your business, the quality of the components often plays a huge role in the cost.

Stainless Steel Scale Platform Costs

For example, in a standard bench scale, one way to lower the cost would be to use a stainless steel cover and a painted steel scale base. Another way to lower the cost is to use an aluminum load cell instead of stainless steel cell or a hermetically sealed load cell. If you’re in a food processing setting, you should probably be using a stainless steel scale system designed to handle the rigors of daily cleaning. The scale base or platform is available in various sizes and capacities. Continue reading

How to Choose the Right Industrial Floor Scale for Your Business

Industrial floor scales are an essential tool for many businesses that require accurate and reliable weight measurements. These heavy duty scales are designed to withstand the  demands of industrial environments and are commonly used in manufacturing, shipping and receiving, and warehouse operations.

However, with a variety of options available in the market, choosing the right industrial floor scale for your business can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll discuss some key factors to consider when choosing an industrial floor scale to ensure that you make the right choice for your business needs.

Pallet Scale with Ramp

Capacity and Accuracy

One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing an industrial floor scale is its maximum capacity and accuracy. The capacity of a platform scale refers to the maximum weight it can measure, while accuracy refers to how precise the measurements are. It is important to choose a warehouse scale with a capacity that meets your specific needs. If you are weighing heavy equipment or pallets, you will need a scale with a higher capacity. In addition, the scale’s accuracy should be sufficient for your application. Some common floor scale capacities include: 2500 x 0.5 lb, 5000 x 1 lb, 10,000 x 2 lb, & 20,000 x 5 lb

Platform Sizes and Material

Another crucial factor to consider is the platform size and platform material of the scale deck. The platform size should be large enough to accommodate the items you will be weighing, and the material should be ideal for the application. Common platform materials for industrial floor scales include painted steel or stainless steel. For standard industrial weighing, most customers choose painted steel. However, for food processing or washdown applications, stainless steel is often utilized. Popular platform sizes include: 3×3, 4×4, 5×5, and 5×7.

Environment and Hazards

When choosing an industrial floor scale, you need to consider the environment and hazards that your scale will be exposed to. If your business operates in a hazardous environment, such as a chemical plant or refinery, you will need to choose a scale that is suitable for use in such environments. The scale should be made from materials that can withstand the hazards, and it should be equipped with safety features, such as explosion-proof components and anti-skid platforms, to prevent accidents.

send scale weight to computer

Connectivity and Data Management

In today’s digital age, many industrial scales come equipped with advanced connectivity features and data management capabilities. These features can help you to streamline your business operations and improve productivity. For instance, scales with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity can send data or store data on a usb drive allowing you to track and analyze weight measurements. Label printers can also be configured to print things like time and date along with weight data.

Overall Value

Finally, when choosing an industrial floor scale, you need to consider your budget and how you plan to use the scale. As we have discussed before here in our learning center and on our YouTube channel, floor scales are available in light industrial design or industrial design.  The difference is often not noticeable to the eye. But, a deeper look at the specs will often show the key differences.

platform scale

While it may be tempting to choose a low-cost scale from China, it may not be the best long-term investment for your business. Cheaper scales usually have less durability, and they may need to be repaired or replaced more frequently, leading to additional costs in the long run. On the other hand, investing in a high-quality industrial floor scale may have a higher initial cost, but it can provide a better ROI in the long run by providing more accurate and reliable weight measurements and lasting much longer.

Choosing the right industrial floor scale for your business requires careful consideration of your specific needs and requirements. You may be fine purchasing one of our lower cost floor scales. On the other hand, in your particular industry, you may be best served by purchasing one of our toughest floor scales available.

One of the first steps we recommend is contacting your trusted scale provider to discuss your needs and what you are looking to accomplish. You can reach our sales department by calling (919) 776-7737 or clicking the RFQ button on our website.  By taking into account all the things we have mentioned above, you can make an informed decision that will help you improve your business operations, increase efficiency, and achieve your business goals.

What Makes a Weighing Scale Better Quality than Another?

We get this question all the time and it’s a fair question. What makes one weighing scale better quality than another? Sure, it can be worded a little differently like why is one scale priced so much higher than the other, even though they look identical?  The answers can vary from scale type to scale type.

Why Does One Scale Cost So Much More Than Another?  

So why does one scale cost so much more than another?  Here are a few reasons.

  • The country the scale was manufactured in
  • The quality of the components inside the scale
  • The construction of the scale itself
  • A lithium ion battery vs. a lead acid battery
  • IP68 enclosure vs. IP65 enclosure
  • Stainless Steel enclosure vs. painted steel or plastic enclosure
  • The warranty of the item
  • The reputation of the scale manufacturer 

Probably no better example exists on this subject than floor scales. We have floor scales that we offer that basically look very similar to one another that are essentially $2000 different on price. How do you explain that difference?  Well, let’s try to do just that below.

industrial floor scaleOur industrial floor scale is a 4×4 with 5000 LB capacity. NTEP approved. Stainless Weight Indicator with battery.  It weighs approximately 300 pounds.

light industrial floor scale

Our light industrial floor scale is a 4×4 with 5000 LB capacity. NTEP approved. Stainless Weight Indicator with battery.  It weighs approximately 220 pounds.  

Essentially, that eighty pound difference in the physical weight of the scale platform is one big reason there’s approximately $2000 difference in price.

So, is the more expensive scale worth it?  The answer is…. it depends on your weighing application.

If you are a metal recycler for example, then you likely want good quality scales that are built tough and can handle the daily abuse that weighing equipment is going to take in that environment. The last thing you want in that environment is a scale platform that can’t handle the thousands of pounds of weight. So in this example, yes the additional cost is likely worth it when you average out the years of service the scale will provide.

However, if you’re a shipping warehouse that weighs a few 800 pound pallets everyday, then you probably don’t need the more expensive scale. 

Ultimately, this is where discussing your particular weighing needs with your scale sales person is a smart thing. Give us a call or fill out the RFQ form on our website.  

Better Quality Weighing Equipment or Low Priced Scales? 

Really, there are numerous factors that can determine the overall quality of a weighing scale. Some of the most important factors include:

  1. Accuracy: A high-quality weighing scale should be able to accurately measure the weight of an object. This is often determined by the scale’s sensitivity and resolution. We recommend choosing NTEP approved weighing equipment for reputable scale manufacturers for the best results.

  2. Repeatability: A good weighing scale should be able to consistently produce the same weight reading for the same object. Often with lower quality items, this can become a problem.

  3. Construction: A good scale is designed to last for years of service. This is where you need to discuss your weighing needs with your sales person and determine if industrial or light industrial weighing equipment makes sense for you. 

  4. Resolution: The resolution of a scale refers to the smallest weight that the scale can measure. A scale with high resolution will be able to measure small weights more accurately than a scale with low resolution. This often comes into play with counting scales and lab balances.

  5. Stability: A high-quality scale should be stable and not drift or fluctuate over time. Once again better quality items tend to be more stable and consistent.

  6. Durability: A scale that is built to last will be of higher quality than one that is prone to breaking or malfunctioning. We recommend choosing reputable scale brands with a good reputation in the scale industry vs. cheap imported scales.

  7. Ease of use: A scale that is easy to use, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface, will be better than one that is difficult to operate. Scales that are easy to use is a good thing. Don’t just think about you or the one employee who is using the scale. Also think about the person who has to fill in and learn how to use the scale.

  8. Customer support: A scale manufacturer that provides good customer support and stands behind their product is likely to offer higher quality products. We have several reputable scale manufacturers who offer quality weighing equipment that we’ve sold and serviced for many years.

Ultimately what it really comes down to in our opinion is communication between the buyer or procurement manager and the scale salesperson. That seems simple. But in today’s point and click and add to shopping cart world that we live in, it’s really important to be on the same page. When you ask the question what makes one weighing scale better quality than another, you need to discuss this subject with your scale sales person, who can assist you with appropriate product choices that will best fit what you’re trying to do.  

Weight Transmitters for Process Control & PLC Connections

What is a Weight Transmitter and what exactly does a Weight Transmitter do?

Weight transmitters or signal conditioning transmitters are specifically designed to be DIN rail mountable and seamlessly integrate weight data into PLC systems. Some of these transmitters are built with the ability to accept four independent scales or four load cell inputs. The often include (1) RS-485, (1) RS-232 communications, Analog Output 0 to 20mA, 4 to 20mA (Maximum 350 ohm) and 0 to 5VDC, 0 to 10VDC (Minimum 10,000 ohm)

What does a Weight Transmitter do in a PLC?

A weight transmitter can be the ideal solution for PLC systems which require weight data from a scale. These signal transmitters offer industry leading process control without the additional costs or shelf space of a standard digital weight indicator. These multi-function transmitters have a small design while offering the same signal-conditioning functions as many popular digital weight readouts. 

weight transmitters

Utilized as an independent or dependent four-channel digital junction box, the load cell transmitter allows for the direct reading and diagnosis of each individual connected load cell or summed as a whole. The ability to be DIN rail-mounted within a cabinet or control panel, permits a straightforward implementation into new and existing systems. Integration is also made simple with a wide range of available fieldbus communications, as well as optional Bluetooth®  Wi-Fi and radio interfaces for external management. Continue reading

Truck Scale Basics & Terminology You Need to Know

We’re going to try & help you understand all the truck scale terminology that you need to know. Especially if you’re new to truck scales.

So let’s say your business has decided to purchase a truck scale in order to determine accurate and reliable vehicle weight for your application. That’s great! Understanding fundamental truck scale basics and how a truck scale works will help you know which questions to ask your local scale distributor to ensure you purchase the truck scale style that fits your needs with the options and accessories that can enhance your application.

 

Whether monitoring a vehicle’s weight for safety guidelines or to complete business transactions, you should know what the info determined by a truck scale means to your business.

For example:

Gross weight is the total weight of the vehicle and loaded product.
Tare weight is the weight of only the vehicle.
Net weight is the weight of only the loaded product.

how accurate are truck scales

Today, most scales at solid waste facilities or recycling centers are installed with above ground or concrete pit foundations. Depending on state or regional requirements, scales can also be installed in a shallow pit, as opposed to the deep pit required by older mechanical scales. A pit installation requires less space than an above ground scale since longer approaches are generally required for above ground configurations. However, pit-styles require sump pumps and drains, and are generally more vulnerable to corrosion due to potential standing water.

The truck scale’s driving surface is called the weighbridge. Weighbridges are composed of steel or concrete decks, and are typically manufactured in modular designs that are connected together during installation.

weight indicator

The indicator, also called a controller, or terminal, can display basic weight functions, as well as serve as the command center for a weighing system with truck in & out programs to control the entire truck scale system, including any remote displays and ticket printers.

Load cells are vital to truck scale performance. There are various types of load cells, but they all basically have the same function—to accurately measure weight on the scale. How do load cells work, you may be asking?  All load cells take an analog measurement, and then that signal is converted to a digital output either at the load cell, junction box, or in the scale indicator. Load cells are typically constructed of steel and are integrated within the weighbridge, usually at the corners of each module.

A junction box properly manages multiple load cells. By matching the signal of each load cell and summing them into a signal that’s sent to the indicator, junction boxes equalize the system for accurate and reliable weight readouts.

Handwriting a ticket for each weighment is time consuming and tedious, and also leaves room for human error. Ticketing kiosks, scale data management software, and/or ticket printers eliminate those problems. Most states also require ticket printers and Remote Displays.

We’re going to wrap up our entry on truck scale basics and terminology.  I hope we made all this truck scale jargon a little easier to understand for those of you in the market for a truck scale. If you need some truck scale buying advice or scale recommendations, we are just a phone call or email away.  

Cheap Floor Scales vs. Industrial Floor Scales

It may be tempting to save a few dollars by purchasing an inexpensive floor scale imported from overseas. After all, the capacity and size may appear to be the same as the more expensive brand and the pictures of the products look virtually identical! So, what is it that really separates the Expensive Floor Scale and makes it better than the Less Expensive Floor Scale?

Imported Floor Scales Worth the Hassle?

This is something we’ve discussed before actually. We’ve seen just about every possible brand of platform scale over the years.  Some of the scales shipped over from China are decent. Some aren’t as good.  Some of the weight indicators are not very user friendly or reliable.

cheap floor scale

When it comes to floor scales, we generally rank them in different levels of floor scale quality.  For example, top of the line would be the B-Tek Clydesdale or Rice Lake Roughdeck.  Second level might be the Pennsylvania 6600 or Digi Summit 3000. Third level might be a Brecknell floor scale.  Lowest level would be brands & models that we won’t mention…

Do I Need Legal for Trade?

First thing that you want to determine is NTEP legal for trade status. You will need to determine if your floor scale needs to be legal for trade. Some cheap floor scales you find on the internet are not legal for trade. It’s almost always a good idea to buy a legal for trade floor scale. In our opinion, it’s a good idea to purchase a platform scale that is capable of earning a Certificate of Conformance (CoC#).  

Quality Scale Components Make a Difference

Next, compare the electronic components that make up the scale There are typically four load cells in each floor scale, one in each corner. Some lower-quality floor scales use load cells that you cannot replace just one of the cells. When checking for causes of scale weight error, if one goes bad, all four need to be replaced!  Some manufacturers also use cheap load cells that are sourced overseas and have little if any documentation. It is important to use quality components to ensure longevity and accurate weighing. Some of the load cell brands we recommend include Revere Transducers and Rice Lake Weighing Systems among others.

Next, is the Junction Box with Summing Board. Does the scale you are considering have a junction box with summing board inside? The purpose of the junction box is so you can adjust the output of the loadcells so the scale weighs the same regardless of where the load is placed on the scale platform. If a loadcell needs to be replaced the junction box allows you to easily remove the bad cell and replace it with the new one and wire it back into the scale without having to unwire and re-solder all the cells back together. Some cheap platform scales just tie the wires together and eliminate the junction box in their design. We do not recommend this and it makes replacing a load cell and/or troubleshooting difficult.

Heavy Duty Steel Platforms Can Last for Many Years

Maybe equally as important as the scale components is the build of the scale itself — The steel weighbridge. Pay attention to the shipping weight of the scale. The heavier the scale typically means the better build quality.

platform scale

Thicker deck plate and substructure is an important key to giving the load cells the structure they need to perform properly. If the floor scale is flexing and bending, the scale will not last and it will cause inconsistent weights. Thin, short welds are also a sign of mass-produced low-quality scales. These welds could break over time and cause inconsistent weights and/or significant down-time.

Weight Displays are an Important Part of the Scale System

The last item, and possibly most important to consider, is the indicator that comes with the floor scale. Is an indicator included in the price? If it is, there are a few questions to ask. Is the indicator calibrated to the scale base? Does the indicator include a user manual that is easy to read and understand? Do you need a certificate of calibration with certified weights for your ISO program? Do you need a full numeric keypad to enter a tare weight? Do you want to tie your scale into a computer or printer?

These are all common issues people come across when purchasing a cheap floor scale online. And, many times this leads them to spending significantly more money with their local service company to get their scale up to the actual functionality they need.

In our experience, customers usually experience a better overall scale buying experience by contacting an experienced scale sales person first. Price and budget can certainly be an important component.  But, scale construction, quality components and more can also be considered as well. By working together with a scale company, you get the type of industrial floor scale that you actually need. You also get any custom features that you may require.

As always, Central Carolina Scale would like you to make the most informed decision possible to help your business. We are here to help you with any questions you may have to help guide your decision.

Stock Replacement Scale Parts to Minimize Unplanned Downtime

Our local scale calibration and repair customers throughout the central sections of North Carolina are very important to us. We typically stock 90%+ of the standard replacement scale parts that they may need.

However, if you have certain types of scales that aren’t as common or if you have a large number of scales or load cells at your facility… then it can be a smart strategy to keep some spare parts on hand to minimize any downtime. Call us today (919) 776-7737 to determine what replacement scale parts and hardware you need.

​If your business relies heavily on your scale(s), then it’s imperative to stock some spare parts to minimize unplanned downtime. Downtime can be a real problem. Especially for certain businesses and at certain times.

Our suggestion is to contact our scale repair & service department and discuss your scales and down time and identify any spare parts that are really important or any spare parts that are difficult to obtain.

Unfortunately, customers often don’t think about downtime and potential failures until it’s too late. This year, we’ve seen some scales that were down for weeks while they wait for replacement parts to arrive from the manufacturer.  This is why we encourage you to contact us to determine what items you need to stock.

Supply Chain Issues & Longer Lead Times!

You’ve likely experienced this in your business and we certainly have as well.  Between rising prices and labor shortages and continued medical issues, it’s greatly affected the manufacturing and logistics industries. We have seen parts that used to be a 2 day lead time, turn into a 2 month lead time. This is why it’s important to contact us today and discuss what item(s) you need to stock so you can experience the least amount of down time as possible. 

These are real concerns that in the past we haven’t had to think much about. However, with certain lead times at record levels… it just makes good sense to plan.

How much money could you potentially lose if your scale is shut down for a couple weeks?  What about a couple of months?  When you think about it in those terms, if can sometimes lessen the burden of spending a few thousand dollars to keep some spare scale parts on your shelf. 

 

Which Spare Replacement Scale Parts should I Keep on my Shelf to Minimize Unplanned Downtime?

The truth is that spare parts can be expensive to keep on your shelf.  We see this every year when we analyze our inventory and determine what items sold and what items collected dust.

And, as mentioned earlier, we stock A LOT of replacement scale parts like load cells, weight indicators, main boards, etc… But, the truth is that we can’t possibly stock every single spare part that every single customer of ours might need.  That’s why it’s important to discuss this with our service department and determine what item(s) we feel you should stock. 

This will cost you some money but we would argue it’s still not as expensive as a few weeks of unplanned downtime with a broken down truck scale. It goes without saying, but this suggestion regarding spare parts also needs to factor in how important a particular scale is to your business. 

For example, if you are a metal recycler, one broken floor scale might be easier to manage since you likely have several other floor scales you could use.  However, if you have a broken down truck scale and that’s the only truck scale you own, that item would be much harder to do with out.  In our opinion, if you want to reduce potential down time… you might want to stock the following items:

scale controller

Replacement Weight Indicator

Digital Weight Indicators are items that often break or get damaged on job sites. Sometimes the damage is through lightning, while other times it’s from being knocked off a desk and dropped to the floor or perhaps being run over or hit. Other times “nobody knows what happened“…..  In any of these scenarios, the weight indicator is a very important component to a scale system. Without a functioning scale controller, your employees can’t see the actual weight on the scale platform.

To take it one step further… some companies use very sophisticated weight controllers that are programmed for various tasks like truck in/out or truck storage, batching, etc… Those scale indicators need to function and if they fail, there needs to be a replacement available ASAP.  For applications like this, it can be a good idea to stock a spare indicator with the custom software installed.  

Replacement Scale Boards 

Boards are one of the most essential components to a scale. These boards connect all of the components required to power the scale.  It’s smart to have the main board, display board, analog output board, summing board(s), remote display main board, etc….  This will vary depending on the customer and which scale(s) you have. 

replacement load cells

Replacement / Spare Load Cells

We have to include load cells on this list since they are so prevalent in most weighing systems. However, in a lot of cases, we do have stock for most standard strain gauge load cells. This is a great example where we recommend contacting us and discussing what we have in stock and what we recommend that you stock.  For example, of the past several years there have been multiple new digital truck scales available which take a digital load cell, cables, and digital weight indicator. Similar challenges exist with hydraulic truck scale replacement parts as well.

Bottom line:

if you have a scale or multiple scales that are very important to your business process, then you need to contact us and discuss recommended spare parts and what we stock versus what we suggest that you stock.

A little forward thinking can minimize the unplanned downtime and it could mean the difference between a few hours of downtime or multiple weeks without a scale.

And these spare parts discussions (they can be phone calls or emails) probably need to happen every year since things change.  Items become obsolete, new products get purchased, etc…