In any given production, packaging or weighing application, various types of scales may be ideal for a particular use. For many applications, bench scales are the ideal option as they offer surprising weighing capacity, which can meet or exceed 1000 pounds for the larger scales while still providing a very small footprint.
As the name implies, these scales are designed to sit up on a counter, bench or on a production line. They have a low profile for easy loading and offloading onto the weighing platform. Different construction options including the choice of stainless steel or carbon steel provide optimal surface conditions for any type of use.
If you are interested in buying new scales or replacing existing bench scales, there are some important features and considerations to keep in mind. Different companies offer different lines of industrial and commercial scales, and comparing the options from different manufacturers can be a good exercise in finding out what is new in scale technology.
Specific Environment
Before choosing any type of scale for a bench or for a larger platform type of weighing operation, always take the time to consider the specific work area where the scale will be used.
In areas where there will be no risk of exposure to water, corrosive materials, liquids or high humidity environments a lower cost carbon steel scale base and appropriately sized load cell will be the most cost-effective option. For those that will be used in dusty or dry environments choose a specially designed load cell for these conditions.
Any scales used in corrosive, high humidity or wet settings, or those that will require washdown compatibility, choose a stainless steel scale with a hermetically sealed load cell for optimal life and operation.
Added Features
Top manufacturers also provide a full package of additional features that make calibrating, operating and maintaining any types of bench scales very simple. This includes specific software and system designs within the scale to eliminate vibrations on the scale. This improves reading accuracy and also protects the scale, particularly the sensitive electronics of the load cell.
Additionally, simple calibration through an electronic process helps to ensure the scales are always accurate. Without the need to constantly be using manual weights calibration is less time consuming and more likely to be completed on the schedule.
Finally, make sure the industrial scales are designed to be fully compatible with your existing software systems and technology. Remote access through an embedded web server makes monitoring, diagnostics and even setting up new parameters simple without having to be right at the scale.
