Does a scale have to be recertified when it crosses the border?

A scale doesn’t have to be recertified once it crosses the border between Canada and the United States. This is thanks to the Canada/U.S. Type Evalulation Program. Here’s everything you should know about it.

About scale certification

In both Canada and the United States, scales used to buy and sell goods need to be certified as legal for trade. This certification can be obtained through authorized technicians and is necessary to ensure that trade relying on accurate weights proceeds fairly. In Canada, Measurement Canada is responsible for setting the standards and granting authorization to certify scales. In the United States, this job belongs to the National Conference of Weights and Measures (NCWM).

The Canada/U.S. Type Evaluation Program

Both countries have a type evaluation program for weighing equipment. In Canada, the needed laboratories are located in Ottawa. There, Measurement Canada conducts testing of scales against the Canadian requirement for legal for trade certification. In the United States, this is the job of National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP).

A 1994 agreement between the two countries allows for weighing equipment used in commercial activities to be tested for both sets of standards. This means Canadian laboratories can grant the U.S. NTEP certificate as well as the Canadian legal for trade certification, and vice-versa. In some cases, one country may also recognize the certification from the other country without need for further certification (fuel dispensers are one example).

Why this program matters

The program allows scale manufacturers to get their products tested for both countries in one place, cutting down on costs. Second, it lowers the barrier to entry for each market by allowing certification to take place all in one go. Finally, it helps to harmonize the technical and commercial standards between the two countries.

Equipment covered by the program

Here are the pieces of weighing equipment that are covered by the program:

  • Gasoline and diesel dispensers, speed dispensers and meters

  • Bench and floor scales with a capacity of up to 1000 kg, both electronic and non-electronic

  • Weighing equipment with capacity up to 1000 kg

  • Electronic indicators, unless software-based

  • Mechanical scales with capacity up to 10,000 kg

Scale inspection and certifications in Calgary

If you need to get a scale certified, Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. can help. We also offer repair and maintenance services for your crane or hanging scale, and we carry a huge selection of truck and floor scales too. If you’re in Calgary or anywhere in Alberta, give us a call to learn more.

Inaccurate scale readings: 7 causes and solutions

If you use your scale for commercial purposes, you need to be able to rely on it to provide consistent, accurate readings. Even if you have a quality scale that’s been properly calibrated, there are certain environmental factors that can affect readings. Here are seven potential causes of faulty scale readings that you should be aware of.

Vibrations

The load cells in your scale may be sensitive to vibrations from nearby equipment, resulting in inaccurate scale readings. To remedy this issue, you may need to relocate the scale to a stable surface that doesn’t experience vibrations.

Debris

A buildup of dirt, dust and debris on the scale, in the scale housing or lodged under the scale platform can affect scale readings. It’s important to regularly clean your scales and get the interior compartment of the scale periodically inspected and cleaned by a professional.

Temperature changes

When a scale’s load cell is exposed to large temperature variations, this can lead to inaccurate readings. Ideally, you should store and use indoor scales in climate-controlled environments.

Air currents

Sensitive indoor scales can be affected by even small amounts of air movement. Try to place scales out of the way of air ducts and air conditioning units.

Outdoor scales can be affected by wind, so if you require a precise reading, you may want to do your weighing on a day that isn’t too breezy.

Radio waves

Electromagnetic signals and radio waves can emit high-frequency vibrations that may possibly interfere with your scale’s electronic components. To counter interference issues, you may need to remove the source of interference or simply invest in a new scale. High-quality scales that transfer digital signals quickly aren’t affected by interference. With cheaper scales, however, even your cell phone frequency can affect the readings.

Humidity

Scales and moisture don’t mix well. If your weighing equipment is in a humid environment, this can lead to problems. To remedy the issue, you can relocate the scale, dehumidify the room or invest in a scale with waterproof housing for the load cell.

Uneven surfaces

Even if your scale is perfectly calibrated, it may provide inaccurate or inconsistent readings if it’s resting on a surface that’s less than flush or rounded. Only use your scale on a totally even surface.

Comprehensive scale services in Alberta

If you need a new industrial, commercial or precision scale, count on Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. We carry high-quality products and provide weight scale inspection, calibration and certifications in Calgary and throughout Alberta. Contact us today to learn more about our scale products and services.

4 tips for removing snow from your truck scale

Not only do truck scales have to handle 30,000-pound semi-trucks, they also need to be able to stand up to the elements, including the snow, ice and freezing temperatures characteristic of Canadian winters. Although a quality truck scale is built with these conditions in mind, to perform well, it needs to be properly maintained. In winter, that means keeping the scale free of snow and ice. Here’s how to effectively perform this task.

Remove snow without damaging the platform

Robust as your truck scale is, it’s also a sensitive weighing instrument and needs to be treated with care. Clearing your scale with a snowplow or metal shovel is ill-advised, as you risk scraping the scale platform. Instead, clear your scale with a brush or plastic shovel. After larger snowfalls, opt for a time-saving solution such as a powered rotary brush or snowblower. Snowblowers are ideal, as they can blow the snow away from the sides of the scale. A buildup of snow alongside the scale can be problematic, as the snow can drift underneath it, causing suspension parts to freeze.

Clear ice using steam cleaning equipment

Ice makes scales dangerous to walk on and can cause inaccurate readings or even damage scale components. In particular, it can affect the suspension components and weighbridge joints.

By clearing away snow promptly, you can usually avoid ice buildup on the scale. However, after freezing rain, you’ll need to take steps to de-ice the platform. Using salt or chemicals isn’t recommended, as this can cause steel scale components to rust. The best tool for removing ice on your scale platform is steam cleaning equipment.

Set up barriers alongside the scale

As mentioned, you should avoid letting snow blow under your scale, as this can cause suspension components to freeze and thereby result in inaccurate weight readings. To prevent this, place barriers on either side of the scale. Some scale owners use hay bales for this purpose, but any solid barrier will do.

Invest in quality weighing equipment

It’s important to have a truck scale that can stand up to the elements. If you’re shopping for a new truck scale, be sure to choose a heavy-duty product designed to handle ice, snow and freezing temperatures.

State-of-the-art truck scales in Alberta Turn to Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. for high-quality truck scales and portable truck scales in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Swift Current and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about our scale products and services.

What’s a counting scale and what is it used for?

Many industries use counting scales, which are weighing machines that can also count the objects they weigh. This combination of functions is extremely useful in industries that rely on checkweighing and those that need to stick to very specific part counts. They’re found in warehouses and quality control centres and come in a variety of sizes. Here’s what you should know about them.

How do they work?

To count objects, counting scales use a sample unit weight. This weight is either determined by weighing a single piece or by manually entering it. Then, the scale divides the total weight of the objects placed on it and divides this by the unit weight, providing an accurate count.

This is extremely useful if you have a lot of one thing that you need to count (for instance, when packaging bolts and screws). However, make sure that the pieces you’re weighing are all the same, otherwise the measurements won’t be of much use.

What are their applications?

Counting scales are most often found in quality assurance and retail distribution warehouses. In both cases, lots need to contain the appropriate number of units, and failing to do so could result in getting fined.

This kind of scale is also fairly common in other industries, especially those that rely on having access to parts and materials, such as construction and plumbing. In these cases, being able to simply weigh a box to determine how much hardware you have left is much quicker, and much more reliable, than counting the pieces by hand. Contact our team for more info!

How do I choose the right model?

Counting scales come in many sizes and with a wide range of features. Which model is best for your warehouse will depend on what you want to use it for. If you have lots of small, lighter things, a compact scale with high resolution is likely you best bet. In a warehouse setting, however, a floor scale that can handle higher weights is a better option. The best thing to do is discuss your requirements with an expert.

Scale sales and rentals

Whether you need to get your floor scales calibrated or want a new precision counting scale for your small business, Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. has you covered. We offer a wide range of scales and services in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton and Swift Current. Contact us today to find out more.

Choosing the right pallet for your business

In the material handling industry, pallets are as common as they are varied. While all of them are designed for the same general purpose, they come in a wide variety of configurations. This can make selecting the correct one for your needs less than straight forward. However, doing so is a must. Here’s how to choose the right type of pallet for your business.

Material

Pallets come in a variety of materials, and you’ll need to determine which ones meet your requirements. Here are some of the pros and cons of the most common types.

  • Wood is a strong and durable material that’s easy to handle, repair and recycle. On the other hand, wood has limits, as it’s heavy and prone to moisture damage. Plywood and pressed wood are lighter versions of traditional wood pallets, but they’re only suitable for lighter loads.

  • Plastic pallets are lighter than wood ones but strong. They’re resistant to corrosion and humidity and easy to clean. In general, plastic has a longer lifespan than wood ones. However, plastic pallets are complicated to repair and expensive to replace.

  • Metal pallets are usually made of aluminium. They’re much stronger than wood pallets and ideal for outside storage as they aren’t vulnerable to weather damage. However, they’re quite heavy and difficult to repair.

To determine which type of pallets you need, you should consider how frequently they’ll be handled, the type of materials you store, and other relevant details pertaining to their use.

Configuration

There are two main types of pallet configuration: stringer pallets and block pallets.

Stringer pallets can only be lifted from two of their four sides, but are lighter than block pallets, which can be lifted from all four sides.

Block pallets tend to be more durable, but their weight can be an issue.

Both configurations come in many sub-types and sizes, so whatever your requirements, chances are you’ll be able to find your perfect fit.

Additional advice

The key to choosing the ideal pallet material and configuration for your business is to consider the application, in particular, the size and weight of the cargo, the mode of transport (forklift, pallet jack or other) and your pallet weighing procedures.

For example, if you’ll be using a forklift, see if the manufacturer recommends a specific type and weight of pallet. And if you relocate pallets frequently, consider which will be easiest to transport.

Additionally, if you have a lift truck or pallet jack scale (scales that integrate with your material handling equipment, thereby allowing you to weigh cargo during transport), choose a pallet type that facilitates accurate weighing. Ask a scale expert for recommendations.

Industrial and floor scales in Alberta

Whether you’re in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton or Swift Current, you can rely on Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. for a variety of sales, scale calibration, pre-planned scale maintenance and more. We can also certify your scales as legal-for-trade, so contact us today to make an appointment or to learn more about our services.

3 scales to improve efficiency at your fulfillment centre

If you operate a fulfillment centre, you know it’s important to maximize your efficiency. The faster you can move merchandise, the better your bottom line will be. Fortunately, having the right scales can help in a big way. Here are three scales you should consider for your business.

1. Floor scale

Floor scales are used to weigh items at ground level. They typically sit no more than a few inches off the floor and can be equipped with a ramp for easy loading. This type of scale can help you save on labour if you need to weigh heavy or bulky items. Instead of hoisting them up onto the weighing platform you can roll them on using a dolly or other device.

Floor scales are available in a range of sizes. At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we carry floor scales with platforms as compact as 12” by 12” or as large as 5’ by 5’. Our larger floor scales can handle capacities as great as 10,000 lbs.

2. Pallet truck scale

A pallet truck scale is a manually operated pallet truck (also known as a pallet jack) with an on-board weighing device that provides precise, reliable readings. It allows you to weigh items on the go and therefore streamline your process. Compare this with using a static scale, which entails the extra steps of unloading goods onto a scale, registering the weight and getting them back on the pallet jack.

The pallet truck scales we carry at Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. have an accuracy of ± 0.1%, a capacity of 5,000 lbs. and feature an easy-to-read LED screen and push-button print function.

3. Lift truck scale

Do you use forklifts or lift trucks at your fulfillment centre? A lift truck scale mounts directly onto a forklift, allowing your forklift drivers to weigh items on the fly. Much like pallet scales, lift truck scales allow you to eliminate various steps in your work process. They can even be programmed to wirelessly link up with your warehouse management system (WMS) for easy data collection.

The lift truck scales we carry at Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. mount directly onto any Class II or Class III lift truck, have a capacity of 5,000 lbs and feature an automatic calibration function.

Top-quality industrial and commercial scales in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we have an extensive selection of state-of-the-art scales, including floor scales, pallet jack scales and lift truck scales. We also offer scale rental for those who’d prefer to rent rather than buy their sales. Contact us to learn more about our scale products and services in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Swift Currant and surrounding areas.