Choosing the right scale to meet your needs seems simple enough but very often we find that clients haven’t given careful consideration to what they need and have ended up with the wrong scale for the wrong application and been disappointed. Below are some simple questions to consider before you make a decision.

1.       What is the maximum capacity that you will be weighing? It is normally best to choose a scale which has a capacity of 10-15% more than your actual requirement. For instance if your product normally weighs around 125kg, it would be best to select a scale that has a maximum capacity of 150kg.

2.       What is the required division size? The division size refers to the increments in which the scale weighs, or the accuracy of the scale. Most common scales have a division size of the maximum capacity divided by 3000, for example a 300kg scale would normally have a division size of 100g or 0.1kg (300kg / 3000 = 0.1kg). More accurate scales are available especially for laboratories. Make sure that you select a scale with an appropriate accuracy for your needs.

3.       Where will the scale be used? Most scales are designed to be used for a specific purpose. Take into consideration whether the scale will be used on the floor, on a bench/table, in a laboratory etc. Selecting the right scale for your application will ensure ease of use by your staff and prevent possible damage. It is also important to note of the environment where the scale will be used; for example a stainless steel scale would be recommended for use in corrosive or wet environments and scales with high accuracy levels such as laboratory scales and balances should not be used in areas where there is a lot of wind or vibration.

4.       What size base or pan do you need? It is important that the item being weighed fits properly onto the scale and is stable. Using a scale with the incorrect size base or pan could lead to incorrect weights.

5.       How will the weighing be conducted? For example, If heavy products are being weighed and they are being handled manually, there is a high likelihood of the scale being bumped regularly or the load being dropped on the base. If the correct scale is not selected the scale could easily be damaged.

6.       What item or product is being weighed? Unwrapped food stuffs should only be weighed on scales which have a suitably hygienic pan. Wet goods should only be weighed on stainless steel scales.

For assistance in choosing the best scale to meet your needs please contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff who will happily assist you.