Choosing the right type of balance or weighing scale is important if your business is to achieve accuracy and efficiency in equal measure. To help narrow down the selection, it serves to answer some key questions...
1. How and where will the balance/scale be used?
Weighing scales are deployed in the education, food, medical and pharmaceutical sectors to name a few, serving different purposes in each. You'll require different scales for a stock check than you would for weighing a baby's milk intake. Defining the task at hand is a good start.
2. How precise do they need to be?
The "division size" or “resolution” is the minimum weight difference that a scale can display as the weight on the weighing device increases. A division size of 100 grams for instance means the weight will be displayed to the nearest 100 grams. This is fine for weighing heavy objects e.g parcels for despatch, but unsuitable for lighter objects such as letters. A scale with a division size small enough to suit your intended use should be a key consideration in balance or scale selection.
3. How much capacity is required?
Consider how much weight the balance will need to accomodate. This will need to be far greater if weighing bulkier items. Overestimating a scale's capacity could harm productivity.
4. What units will you measure in?
Weighing units differ between applications. Knowing whether you require grams, milligrams, kilograms or something else entirely is vital. Ensure your chosen scales include the desired measurement to save disappointment and embarrassment.
5. What size pan do you need?
If you're planning to weigh larger items a bigger pan will be necessary. Those working with lighter products can ordinarily save space by purchasing a smaller scale.
6. Would you benefit from a service package?
Consider signing up for a service package to gain access to accuracy tests, annual calibration, maintenance and spare parts, ensuring your scales are kept in working order.
Trade Approval
"Trade Approved" is a term used to broadly describe a category of weighing scales that have been certified by a governmental body or recognised authority to comply with regulations for buying and selling goods by weight; the same products can also be referred to as Trade Stamped, Verified, Class III or Class II.
Medical scales as used in hospitals, doctors surgeries and pharmacies must be "Class III Approved" when used in relation to medication, treatment or diagnosis. Scales used in the Jewellery trade must be "Class II Approved".
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Need to ask a few questions before deciding on the best weighing solutions for your needs? Leave us a message and one of our sales engineers will be in touch.
With our application experience and expertise, our team of technical engineers will listen to your design and research challenges and provide you with the right instruments and solutions for your application.