How to tell if a Pallet Scale needs Calibration

We recommend having your pallet scale checked on a regular basis.  That is a service that we provide all the time. We have state certified scale technicians and our test weights are certified each year at the state lab.  

But let’s say that you are a new company or perhaps you are one of those rare companies that chooses to not have your scales checked on a regular basis.  How can you tell if your floor scale needs to be calibrated or not?  Wondering what a pallet scale is?  Click the link to find out more specifics about the popular style platform scale.

does my pallet scale need to be calibrated?

There are some obvious examples such as your scale displaying error codes or it’s just not working at all.  But often times the scale will work and display weights, the question is… are those weights accurate?

It’s always a good idea to have some type of check weight available at your location to verify your scale weight.  This usually is not a real certified weight. It could be a large container or some type of item that generally weighs the same all the time.  Having an item like this handy can help you to see if your scales are accurate and within tolerance, need to be calibrated, or if something has gone wrong and need troubleshooting, repaired, and then calibrated.

What if Your Pallet Scale Needs to be Calibrated?

If your scale is inaccurate, then it’s time to call your scale company and have them check the scale with certified test weights.  The scale tech can then adjust the scale and calibrate it if needed.  If you have other scales at your facility, it might be wise to have all of them checked on the same trip for efficiency.  You can call our service department at (919) 776-7737 or you can fill out the RFQ form on our website or email us as well.  

Top Choices for Weighing Heavy Dense Coils of Steel in Industrial Environment

It’s one thing to be in the market for an industrial floor scale… It’s actually quite a bit different to be in the market for an industrial platform scale designed to weigh large coils of steel. Below we offer two different brands of scales to consider. Both scales are manufactured by very good suppliers, Rice Lake and B-Tek. Let’s take a look at each below.

The Rice Lake Weighing Systems RoughDeck CS coil floor scale is a reinforced version of the standard Roughdeck model which we have mentioned numerous times over the years. These scales are uniquely suited to meet the demanding process of weighing dense coils of steel. The world’s toughest weighing jobs demand a scale like no other. Rice Lake’s RoughDeck CS was born for the unique task of weighing dense industrial materials to Legal for Trade accuracy. For steel coils, castings, cable spools or more, see why RoughDeck CS is the first and only scale investment you’ll ever make.

• Off the shelf, or made to order
• Custom sizes and capacities
• Rail and track versions custom built to your specifications
• Above ground or pit mounting
• Specialty coil cradles and fixtures

Steel handling is the ultimate test for industrial equipment. The RoughDeck CS’s tightly spaced steel I-beams, half-inch thick top plate, and the patented G-force™ self-checking mounting system make it the most solidly constructed scale on the market.

And when it comes to extreme conditions, the RoughDeck CS takes a punch and comes back for more, delivering accurate results, day after day. Rice Lake’s RoughDeck CS is Legal for Trade in capacities up to 100,000 pounds. Choose a standard platform size or we can design a RoughDeck CS to your custom specifications.

b-tek steel coil weighing scale

Another choice to consider when weighing steel coils is the B-Tek manufactured platform scale. The High Impact Coil Scale offers a rugged structural steel weighbridge and the reliability of double-ended shear beam load cells to provide legal for trade accuracy in extreme industrial applications. Industrial weighing operations require heavy-duty, reliable scales that function 24 hours continuously.

B-TEK offers a complete line of High Impact scales to satisfy these demanding applications. The High Impact series scales can be utilized in a number of applications, including: coil, pipe, and steel processing. Also, The High Impact scale can be used for coil transfer car weighing and coil processing lines.

So as you can see, both the above choices would make an outstanding choice for your steel weighing needs. If you need additional information or a quote, please contact the Central Carolina Scale sales department by phone at (919) 776-7737 or you can complete the Request a Quote form on our website.

Select Avery Weigh-Tronix Floor Scales now come with a 5 Year Warranty!

Avery Weigh-Tronix is pleased to announce the addition of a 5-year warranty across its family of floor scale products. Another strong statement for the reliability and robust performance of these Weigh Bar® enabled products. You can rely on these industrial floor scales for all your warehouse weighing needs. Please see the summary of model numbers that are included in this new policy.

prodec floor scale

Models with 5-year Warranty

DS & DSFS
DSL & DSLS
FCQH
MaxDec™
LP/LPFS
DW/DWS

 

Models that are exempt and retain their 2-year warranty

Pancake Cargo Scale
DRS Cargo Scale
SCS Cargo Scale
PFS and PT800

Effective June 1, 2018, any qualifying floor scale order or shipment will be registered under the new warranty policy. Thank you for your business and continued support. You can obtain a quote for these products by calling our Central Carolina Scale customer service line at (919) 776-7737 or clicking the Request for Quote button on our website.

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Digital Scales

Food safety is extremely important to all of us. In today’s ultra competitive and fast paced world, it’s imperative that we have laws in place to ensure that the food we eat is as safe as possible.

We hope the article below helps you better understand information about the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Ultimately we think this information will highlight the ability of Rice Lake’s washdown products to meet your requirements of commercial processing industries. The FSMA info below not only informs producers about how to meet compliance laws, but demonstrates how Rice Lake scales can help prevent food contamination by the integrity of their construction and design.

For all producers, from the farm to the table, purchasing equipment that meets Sanitary Design Principles (SDP) is considered a mandatory preventative measure by the FDA. Our product offerings that are microbiologically cleanable, hermetically sealed and compatible with hostile environments can greatly assist you in adhering to these strict guidelines.

On January 4, 2011, President Obama signed the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) into law. The FSMA brought a much-needed focus of food safety laws into the food processing industry as well as to consumers, and the general public as a whole.

The signing of the FSMA was arguably the largest reform to food safety in the previous 70 years. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the FSMA “aims to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it.” The key focus being prevention versus reaction in regards to food safety, from all aspects and stages of food—from the farm to the table.

The FSMA was spurred into action from an increase in foodborne illnesses in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report almost 1 in 6 Americans fall ill to food borne diseases each year. Foodborne illness became an issue of public health in the early 2000s, enabling the FDA to set higher preventative standards for food safety and elicit enforcement agencies to hold companies to these standards and contain any potential problems before they become a widespread risk of foodborne illness. To do this, the FDA under the FSMA can order companies to recall when needed.

The primary role of the FSMA is prevention. As noted by the FDA, “for the first time, FDA will have a legislative mandate to require comprehensive, science-based preventative controls across the food supply.” This legislative power ensures all U.S. companies that contribute to the food supply, no matter their size, are subject to the authority of the FDA and their preventative and responding agency.

Under the Prevention section of the FSMA, controls are given to the FDA for the following:

• Mandatory preventive controls for food facilities
• Mandatory produce safety standards
• Authority to prevent intentional contamination

These measures need to be qualified by scientific justifications by the FDA and are enforced by legislation. Under the mandatory preventative controls for food facilities is the addition of a preventative control plan that includes the following:

1 ) Evaluating the hazards that could affect food safety
2 ) Specifying what preventive steps, or controls, will be put in place to significantly minimize or prevent the hazards
3 ) Specifying how the facility will monitor these controls to ensure they are working
4 ) Maintaining routine records of the monitoring
5 ) Specifying what actions the facility will take to correct problems that arise.

Purchasing and using equipment that meets the Sanitary Design Principles (SDP) falls under these mandatory preventative measures as a control to prevent or minimize the possibility of foodborne contamination and disease. Continue reading

Rice Lake Roughdeck Floor Scales Are Built in America & Designed For Industrial Environments

Roughdeck floor scales manufactured by Rice Lake Weighing Systems in Wisconsin are simply the strongest and most accurate floor scales available. These Made in USA heavy-duty scales are built tough from start to finish and lives up to its name with a superior structural design which has proven so durable that each Roughdeck carries a full five-year warranty on the deck structure.

Roughdeck floor scale design separates itself from other floor scales by minimizing deck deflection and other forces that could damage load cells. This provides greater accuracy and repeatability with every weighment. These floor scales can also be made in any custom size, shape, or capacity to meet unique needs. Rice Lake uses an intense cleaning process to remove all foreign materials and residue before painting to ensure proper paint bonding. Thick coats of paint are applied adding to each scales industry leading durability.

Stainless steel decks are abrasive blasted for a clean finish suitable for corrosive, chemical or washed down environments. Included with all models the rugged stainless steel Toughseal junction boxes are specifically designed to protect sensitive circuitry. Adjustable stainless steel Surefoot support feet decrease extraneous forces on the load cells resulting in superior accuracy and repeatability.

All Roughdeck models have threaded holes in the deck. This allows for the installation of eyebolts for use when lifting the scale with chains or using a spreader bar during installation or when servicing. All assembled Roughdeck scales are delivered with the junction box corner trimmed which equalizes load cell output. Standard or customized; the Roughdeck series is available in low profile, stationary, and portable versions and offers component interchangeability and alternative construction materials to meet specific industrial requirements.

From basic shipping and receiving, to highly corrosive or washed down environments. Rice Lake has a Roughdeck to meet any need. From weighing pallets, steel coils, truck axles, and even people or animals – Rice Lake floor scales carry the durable reputation and strength of the Roughdeck name. Durability and performance to last a lifetime.

If you are looking for a reliable weighing solution that is built tough and designed to last, please give us a call at (919) 776-7737 or fill out the request a quote form on our website.

Warehouse & Distribution Scales Can Help You Grow Your Business

Warehouses and distribution centers rely on efficient and reliable data to ensure peak performance. Digital Scales and weighing systems can help ensure billing is accurate by monitoring cargo weights, tracking data and ensuring vehicles are filled to the optimum safe capacity. With the assistance of Avery Weigh-Tronix we have compiled a list of various types of scales and how they can benefit your business.

Our Avery Weigh-Tronix products simplify compliance with health and safety regulations, while maintaining efficiency throughout your organization to control costs and safeguard profitability. Regardless of the application, correct weighing practices—including selecting the appropriate scale system—can increase revenue exponentially. Integrating weighing into warehouse operations improves shipping and billing accuracy and enhances overall work flow productivity. Take a look below at just a few of the weighing solutions available that can help your business.

Legal-for-trade weighing
A scale system capable of legal-for-trade weighing can prove to be an invaluable asset in the logistics industry, as revenue is commonly based upon the weight of commodities purchased by or shipped for customers. Legal-for-trade accuracy is required for business transactions where goods are bought or sold by weight. Avery Weigh-Tronix provides a wide range of legal and non-legal scales, but the benefits of a legal-for-trade system extend beyond legality into a scale system that provides reliable, repeatable weighing of goods ensuring customer satisfaction, precise billing and accurate inventory records.

Vehicle Scales
Properly managing inventory and billing in warehouse and distribution center environments depends upon documenting and weighing both inbound and outbound freight. With the high cost of fuel, bulk carriers have to balance the need for optimal loading with concerns about safety. Truck scales and axle weighing systems from Avery Weigh-Tronix will help ensure that trucks are loaded to the ideal weight and conform to stringent legal maximum-weight regulations. Accurate weighing helps companies avoid costly fines as well as premature vehicle wear due to excessive loading.

Unattended Terminals
For increased efficiency, truck scale controls may be integrated into a standalone console that facilitates unattended weighing operations. The terminals enable drivers to complete weighing transactions 24/7, without leaving their cab. The result is that your truck scale can run smoothly without a dedicated operator. This results in reduced operating costs, extended hours of availability and improved health and safety by allowing the driver to stay within their vehicle.

Forklift Scales
A forklift scale allows drivers to lift and weigh bundled materials on the truck. This expedites operations by enabling forklift drivers to take commodities directly to storage upon delivery, while tracking the weight, origin and storage location during transport. This process results in real-time data acquisition, which can be used for billing and inventory management.  The ability to transport and weigh materials in one simple step results in tremendous time savings and a speedy return on investment. Forklift scales are also a compact weighing solution, making them suitable for the busy warehousing environment. In-cab instruments such as bar code scanners allow forklift operators to instantly capture all necessary freight data available, then transmit this information with weight data wirelessly via Bluetooth® or radio to supervisory computer systems. Continue reading

Stretch Wrap Machine With Scale

If you’re shipping pallets loaded with smaller boxes then the chances are you’re using some type of shrink wrap or stretch wrap to keep the smaller boxes on the pallet. Some smaller companies use a stretch wrap roll and manually walk around the pallet themselves. However, many larger companies or organizations that ship out quite a few pallets typically use a stretch wrap machine to accomplish this task.

One issue that can take place during this process is obtaining a pallet weight. Often the pallet has to be wrapped with stretch wrap and then moved over to the floor scale to obtain a weight. Now you can imagine if this happens multiple times each day, the lost time and inefficiency can really add up.

strech wrap machine scale

A great solution for this is to add one of our large floor scales to your stretch wrap area. As you can see from the picture, the stretch wrapper sits on top of the platform scale and makes securing the pallet and obtaining a pallet weight a simple process. Custom floor scales for under stretch wrappers are available from Central Carolina Scale. Custom sizes no problem; standard pricing and scale is typically delivered within 4 weeks. Give us a call at 919-776-7737. Low profile and high capacity are standard features along with easy zero reset (on the Pennsylvania 7500/7600 indicators) for the dead load easily preserves full capacity and calibration.

So You’re Looking For A Stretch Wrap Machine With Scale?

Probably not a month goes by that we don’t get a call or email from someone looking for a stretch wrap machine with scale built in. At one time we did try to offer a few really nice large scale solutions to our warehouse customers but in many cases it can be more cost effective to just use one of our platform scales instead.

In the past, we have seen some customers purchase a Pennsylvania Scale 4′ x 8′ floor scale with 10,000 lb capacity and utilize it for stretch wrapping. We’ve also seen customers buy floor scales in a variety of sizes from 48″ x 48″ or 60″ x 60″ and place some type of turntable on top. Then, they manually wrap the pallet as the turntable spins around. Of course, the entire time the floor scale is underneath and digital weight indicator displays the weight. We have a great selection of floor scales from names like Avery Weigh-Tronix, Brecknell, B-Tek, Cardinal, Digi, and Rice Lake Weighing Systems.

The point of this write up is to mention that there are options available for stretch wrapping your pallets while obtaining an accurate weight reading, if you’re not looking to spend $5,000 or $10,000 for a sophisticated stretch wrap machine with built in scale.

Can I Buy An American Made Floor Scale?

Over the past few months on this site we have taken a look at how realistic is it to purchase certain types of scales and related equipment that is actually made in the USA. We looked at Made In The USA scale indicators and Built in America Load Cells. Today I wanted to find out if you can still buy a Made In the USA floor scale?

Absolutely! Now I do want to write a small disclaimer before I get started. The information presented below is provided to the best of my knowledge and at the time of this writing is true. As all of you know, the pressures of a shaky economy and increased competition can always force scale manufacturers to change their process. But to my knowledge what I’m writing below is accurate regarding these decks being made in the United States. So with that being said, let’s answer the simple question. Can I still get a floor scale that was actually built in America? Yes you can.

Anytime you think of floor scales built in America the first choice has to be the Pennsylvania Scale 6600 series. The Pennsylvania floor scale is built in either Lancaster PA or at the corporate facility in Terre Haute, IN. These scales are well built and feature an outstanding warranty. As an added bonus, the indicators from Pennsylvania are also made in the USA. Continue reading

AWTX Launches Redesigned Stainless Steel ProDec Scale

Based on feedback from end-users and distributors, Avery Weigh-Tronix is pleased to announce the availability of a redesigned ProDec (DSLS) floor scale.

ss prodec floor scaleThe complete stainless steel structure of the ProDec now incorporates hermetically sealed, stainless steel Weigh Bars as standard. Ideal for the hygienic requirements of the Food and Chemical processing industries, the hermetically sealed Weigh Bars are designed with high accuracy and reliability and are NTEP approved.

The DSLS now includes a side access to the stainless junction box to further reduce the chance of food, debris and other matter from getting trapped in the creases of the junction box compartment. The redesigned ProDec is available in standard sizes ranging from 36 x 36 inches to 84 x 60 inches and capacities from 2,000 to 10,000 pounds.