There are many types of scales including floor scales, truck scales, lab scales, cattle scales and more. While each has unique features and is used for specific applications, they’re all digital weighing devices that work in fundamentally the same way.

How does a digital scale work?

Digital scales rely on metallic devices called load cells, which are contained in the scale’s housing directly beneath the weighing platform. Load cells convert force (i.e. pressure or compression) into an electric signal that can be measured and converted into a weight reading.

This is possible because the metallic body of a load cell is slightly elastic and bends, under the pressure of the weighed item. When this bending occurs, the electric resistance in the device changes. This alteration in electric resistance is used to determine the weight of the item on the scale.

Because digital scales determine an item’s weight based on the deformation in the load cell, accidental deformation caused by environmental factors such as shocks or temperature changes can result in false readings. For this reason, it’s important to be diligent in maintaining one’s scales and get them calibrated regularly.

How do mechanical scales work?

Though not as popular as digital scales, mechanical scales such as spring scales and balances are used for a variety of applications. They have the advantage of being able to function without battery power or electricity.

The most common type of mechanical scale is a spring scale. This weighing device has a spring fixed at one end and a hook at the other. When an item is suspended on the hook, the weight of the item stretches the spring and subsequently moves the pointer of the dial face.

Balances are also still commonly used. In their traditional form (these weighing devices date back to at least 2000 BC) a mechanical balance consists of a pair of weighing pans suspended on either arm of a horizontal lever, which is attached to a central pole. Standard masses, whose weight is known, are added to the one weighing pan to offset the unknown mass in the opposite weighing pan and level the balance. When the balance is level, the weight of the unknown mass can be calculated with the sum of the standard masses.

Commercial and industrial scales in Alberta

Turn to Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. for state-of-the-art scales in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton and Swift Currant. Contact us to learn more about our products or our scale inspection and calibration services.

There are many types of scales designed for a variety of applications, from pricing products at a meat counter to weighing livestock on a farm. However, all scales generally fall into two categories: commercial and industrial.

What are commercial scales?

Commercial scales are extremely precise and consequently tend to get used in retail transactions. They’re commonly found in grocery stores, jewelry stores, postal offices, and a range of other businesses. Retailers commonly use these scales in front of their customers so that both parties can see the weight and price of the product. They tend to be smaller and more portable than industrial scales.

Common features of commercial scales include printers for producing labels, removable platforms for quick clean-ups, and a bright dual-LED display for easy viewing for both the operator and the customer. Some commercial scales also include software features such as item memory, which eliminates repetitive price entries.

When they’re used to price products, commercial scales must be legal for trade. This means that they have to be certified by a representative of Measurement Canada or by an Authorized Service Provider such as Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd.

Commercial scales are also referred to as price computing scales, retail scales and food scales.

What are industrial scales?

Industrial scales are designed to be used on construction sites and farms, as well as in warehouses, factories and other industrial contexts. They’re resistant to moisture and impact and some are engineered to handle high-capacity and oversized loads. In addition, many industrial scales include advanced software features such as data collection, which provides valuable information for making business decisions.

Industrial scales are, moreover, designed to serve specific industrial applications. For example:

Lift truck and pallet jack scales are designed to integrate with these material handling devices to provide convenient weighing on the fly

Floor scales allow the operator to weigh heavy or large items at floor level

Truck scales are extremely heavy-duty, drive-on scales used to weigh road vehicles and their contents

Other industrial scales include conveyer belt scales, hopper scales, tank scales, crane scales, front end loader scales and livestock scales.

When industrial scales are used for commercial transactions, they need to be legal for trade. Provided they’re periodically calibrated, industrial scales can deliver high levels of precision.

Commercial and industrial scales in Alberta

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. carries a full selection of commercial and industrial scales. Turn to our experienced team if you need a truck scale, crane scale, hanging scale, livestock scale, retail scale or any other type of scale. We also provide inspection and calibration services in Calgary and throughout Alberta. Contact us to learn more.

An IP rating refers to the level of protection that an electrical device provides against solids and liquids. In other words, it tells you how dust-tight and water-resistant a device’s housing is. In this article, we explain how to interpret a scale’s IP rating.

Interpreting an IP rating

An IP rating is made up of two numbers. The first number indicates the level of protection against solids (right down to a fleck of dust) on a scale from 0 to 6. The second number indicates the level of protection against moisture on a scale of 0 to 9 (or 9K).

Protection against solids

The first number in the IP rating corresponds to the following protections:

· 0: no protection

· 1: protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm

· 2: protection against solid objects larger than 12 mm

· 3: protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm

· 4: protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm

· 5: full protection against dust interfering with the operation of equipment

· 6: equipment is dust-tight (no dust can reach the electrical components)

As an example, say the device has a rating of IP40 and therefore level-4 protection against solids. This means that its electrical components are protected against penetration of objects larger than 1 mm (wires, for example). However, dust and small debris could still penetrate the housing and come in contact with the electrical parts.

Protection against liquids

The second number corresponds to the following protections:

· 0: no protection

· 1: protection against vertically dripping water

· 2: protection against vertically dripping water when device is titled 15 degrees

· 3: protection against vertically dripping water when device is tilted 60 degrees

· 4: protection against splashing from any direction

· 5: protection against low-pressure jets

· 6: protection against powerful jets

· 7: protection against water immersion

· 8: protection against extended immersion under high pressure

· 9K: protection against high-pressure, high-temperature jets (such as pressure washers)

What IP rating should I look for in a scale?

Most quality commercial and industrial scales have the highest level of protection against solids (Level 6) and varying levels of protection against liquids. The level of moisture protection a scale requires depends on the environment where it will be used.

IP65 and IP67 scales are common for commercial and industrial applications. IP65-rated scales can be wiped down with a damp cloth and can withstand humid environments. P67-rated scales are splashproof and can be sprayed down for cleaning.

Purchase a precision scale in Alberta

Turn to Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. for a quality commercial or industrial weight scale. We also perform scale inspection and scale certifications in Calgary and throughout Alberta. Contact us to learn more.

Scales used in food manufacturing plants and delis need to be sanitized throughout the day. If they aren’t regularly disinfected, contamination can occur, even if you don’t put items directly on the scale. Packaging or selling contaminated food can cause consumers to get sick, erode the trust of customers and cause you to run afoul of food inspectors. Here are the six steps to take in order to disinfect your food scale.

• Disassemble the scale

Turn off the scale and separate removeable parts such as the weigh pan, drip tray and draft shield panels. However, don’t disassemble any of the main components of the scale, as this can damage the scale and will void the warranty.

 

• Wash removable parts

The weigh pan, drip tray, draft shield panels and any other non-electronic, waterproof removable parts can be washed in a dishwasher or by hand with mild detergent. After, they should be sanitized and rinsed.

• Wipe down the scale

Wipe the base of the scale and all non-removable parts with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Wipe away from the hole at the centre of the scale so that no dirt, debris or moisture comes into contact with the internal parts. Never turn the scale upside down or shake it to remove dirt and debris, as this can damage the device.

• Disinfect the scale

Sanitize the base of the scale using a cloth or paper towel that has been saturated in a disinfecting product. Choose a disinfectant that is non-toxic, capable of eliminating all germs and and won’t damage the scale. Don’t spray the disinfectant directly on the scale, as this could damage the electronic components.

• Sanitize the surrounding surface

Sanitize the surface on which the scale sits and any other nearby surfaces that could have been contaminated by food products or anything else in the environment.

• Reassemble the scale

Put the scale back together, then turn it on and test it to ensure that it’s working.

As a final tip, be sure to have a quality scale that’s designed for weighing food products. In particular, use a scale that’s easy to clean and designed to prevent bacterial growth.

A scale provider in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer a range of scales for use in food processing plants, at deli counters and for various other applications. We can provide retail scales, bench scales and precision scales. We’re also authorized to perform scale certifications. Contact us today to find the right scale or to schedule a scale inspection for your business in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton or Swift Current.

For many industries, a scale is a vital piece of equipment. It’s also easily susceptible to damage and malfunction if used incorrectly. The following tips will help ensure your scale functions optimally for a long time. Here are 10 things not to do with your scale.

Load it unevenly.

If you don’t centre objects on your scale, the readings will likely be inaccurate. This can also damage the load cells over time, which will require repairs and recalibration.

Overload it.

This is the most common cause of a scale malfunction. Whether you’re using a floor scale or an outdoor truck scale, overloading it will almost certainly result in irreparable damage.

Expose it to water.

Unless your scale is designed to be used in humid environments, any exposure to water or moisture could damage the electronic components. Use it carelessly.

Even if the object weighs less than the scale’s maximum capacity, dropping a heavy load on your scale rather than placing it carefully can cause significant damage.

Leave it out in the cold.

Unless your scale is designed to be used in low temperatures, it likely won’t react well to constant exposure to cold weather.Weigh excessively large objects.

If an object is too big for the weighing plate, it won’t be weighed accurately. In addition, the uneven load could damage the load cells.

Weigh awkward objects improperly.

To reduce the risk of inaccurate readings and damage, try to hold unstable objects in place when they’re on the scale.

Skip on maintenance.

Scale maintenance isn’t optional. In fact, failing to have your scale regularly inspected and calibrated can turn a small problem into a serious issue down the line.

Fail to stabilize it.

All scales need to be placed on a level, stable surface to ensure they function properly. Additionally, if a scale is placed on an uneven surface, there’s a higher risk of a heavy load warping the scale or causing other serious damage.

Use an unreliable power source.

Faulty power adapters can cause a scale to give inaccurate readings. This can have serious consequences, especially if you use your scale to weigh products, measure dosages and bill clients.

Scale experts in Alberta

Whether you operate a warehouse or a laboratory, you can count on Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. We provide a full range of services, from sales to repairs. We’re also certified by Measurement Canada to calibrate your scale. We serve customers all over Alberta, including Swift Current and Red Deer. For more information on our services and the models we carry, contact us today.

Whatever the season, regular maintenance of your truck scales is a must. However, Winter weather tend to take the biggest toll on outdoor weighing systems. That’s why it’s crucial to stay on top of maintenance during the winter. Here are some tips for keeping your truck scales in good shape over winter.

Keep your truck scales clean

Ice, snow, water, dirt and debris can find their way into cracks and build up around the load cells. This can compromise the accuracy of the scale and cause components to degrade. Notably, the copper wires in the load cell cables can corrode when exposed to moisture. Moreover, load cells and their suspended components need to be able to move freely in order to work properly. A buildup of dirt, debris, ice or snow will impair their functioning.

Check the foundation

Even the best quality scale won’t function properly on a poor foundation. Cracks or chipped edges on the concrete foundation supporting your scale will end up causing calibration issues. Concrete foundations are particularly vulnerable to cracking in winter due to freezing temperatures, high levels of moisture and the freeze-thaw cycle. So it’s important to check your foundation regularly to spot developing cracks. By detecting and repairing small cracks early, you prevent them from becoming large and affecting the functioning of your scale.

Get your scale professionally inspected

Truck scales should be professionally inspected at least every six months. Winter inspections are especially important, since your truck scale is more vulnerable to problems in this season. Calibration by a professional will ensure that your scale is accurate and, crucially, will reveal potential issues. Moreover, a scale technician will inspect the foundation, weighbridge, load cells, junction boxes, wiring and terminal, all of which are at risk of incurring damage as a result of winter weather.

For greater convenience, be sure to work with a scale technician who is able to inspect, recalibrate and repair your scale, so that these tasks can be performed in the same appointment.

Truck scale installation and inspection services in Alberta.

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta, offers a range of superior quality fixed and portable truck scales. In addition, our Measurement Canada-certified technicians offer inspection, calibration and repair services for a wide array of weighing systems. For a free quote on a truck scale, or to learn more about our products and services, contact us today.n for cracks