Weighing Platform

Read the FAQs about Weighing Platforms

• What types of industrial scales are there?

  Most industrial scales fall into two main categories: bench scales and floor scales. Additionally, there are forklift scales, pallet scales, and crane scales. At the core of all these scales are one or more load cells, connected to weighing instrumentation.

• What are the capacities of industrial scales?

  Capacities range from 3 kg up to 20 tonnes. Crane scales can reach up to 50 tonnes or more.

• What dimensions and heights are available for weighing platforms?

  Dimensions typically start from 300 x 300 mm for bench scales, up to over 2500 x 2000 mm for floor scales. Platforms are usually square or rectangular. Standard heights range from 50 mm to 200 mm, depending on the design and capacity.

• What construction materials are used for industrial scales?

  Scales are usually built from painted steel or stainless steel. Some painted steel scales may have a stainless steel cover for better environmental protection.

• What are industrial scales used for?

  Uses are extremely varied. They include simple weighing of goods/materials, piece counting, filling, mixing, recipe formulation, weighing and inventory control.

• How accurate are industrial scales?

  This is a complex topic. Scales approved for commercial transactions usually have a minimum approved display interval calculated from the platform capacity divided by 3,000 or 6,000 divisions. For example, a 6,000 kg weighing platform may have an approved display accuracy of 2 kg or 1 kg. Accuracy can be affected by factors such as temperature variations and other conditions.

• Do industrial scales need to be calibrated?

  All industrial scales must be regularly checked for calibration, especially if they are used for critical applications or approved for commercial transactions.

• Can industrial scales be washed?

  This depends on the design of the industrial scales, the construction material and the sealing of the load cells. Scales used in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries should be able to be washed regularly. Fully sealed stainless steel load cells are available for such applications.

• How do counting scales work?

  These scales are used to calculate the quantity of a large number of similar items (pieces) without having to count them individually. A known small quantity of the pieces to be counted is weighed on the scale, which then determines the average weight per item. The large quantity to be counted is then placed on the scale and the quantity is calculated using the known average weight. Accuracy depends on the uniformity of the pieces and the size of the initial sample. For large quantities or heavier items, a dual-scale combination can be used, comprising low and high capacity scales connected together by a single electronic weight-receiving instrument.

• What are hazardous area scales?

  These are scales used in designated areas where explosive materials, gases and dusts may be present. Gas filling scales are a good example. Special certification (ATEX) is required for scales operating in these areas. Bilanciai can supply scales for these applications.

• Are industrial scales portable?

  Most industrial scales can be moved to another location within a factory or warehouse. However, it is very important that after relocation they are carefully levelled in the new position.

• How robust are industrial scales?

  Overloading or shock loading can damage scales. If a scale is to be used in a harsh operating environment, it is good practice to use a scale with a higher working capacity than the maximum value to be weighed.