The impact of Weighing Accuracy on Quality Control in the Manufacturing Industry

Precision is paramount in the manufacturing industry. Every component, every material and every step must be followed to a tee to produce exceptional quality goods. That’s why weighing accuracy plays such a vital role in quality control in Calgary. Here’s how precision weighing using quality industrial scales in Calgary is essential in manufacturing:

Consistency in production processes. If the weight measurements of raw materials are inconsistent, they can ripple through the entire production chain, leading to product quality and performance variations. With precise weighing using dependable industrial scales, manufacturers can maintain consistency, ensuring each batch and product meets predetermined specifications.
Compliance and regulatory standards. Manufacturers must follow many rules and regulations. Companies must ensure their products meet specific standards set by the government and industry regulators. Accurate weighing using reliable industrial scales helps Calgary companies comply with these rules. Certified scales are checked regularly to ensure businesses follow the law and avoid possible fines and penalties.
Product safety. Accurate weighing is vital to product safety. Incorrect measurements in pharmaceutical or food manufacturing can make people sick. By getting the measurements right, companies can ensure their products are safe for customers to use, building trust and brand loyalty.
Efficiency, waste reduction and cost savings. When things are weighed accurately, nothing is wasted. Companies use the exact amount of materials, which means they’re not throwing anything away or spending money on unnecessary materials. Accurate weighing produces less waste and saves companies money.

Scales used in manufacturing

Here are five common types of scales used in the manufacturing industry:

Bench scales are versatile scales typically used for weighing smaller items or components. They’re often placed on workbenches or countertops for easy access.
Floor scales are heavy-duty scales commonly used in logistics, warehousing and manufacturing for weighing pallets, drums and other oversized items.
Counting scales accurately count large quantities of identical parts or items. They work by weighing a sample of the items and then calculating the total amount based on the weight of the sample and the known weight of each item.
Crane scales weigh heavy loads suspended from a crane or hoist. They’re commonly used for lifting and weighing large machinery, equipment or raw materials.
Platform scales are large, sturdy scales with a flat surface for weighing heavy or oversized items and bulk materials like grains, liquids or chemicals.

When scales are used in business operations, they must be certified as “legal for trade” to show that they meet Measurement Canada’s requirements for professional weighing equipment.

Industrial scale services and calibration in Calgary, Alberta

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. is Measurement Canada accredited, so we can inspect and certify specified legal-for-trade scales. We offer certified scale calibration and certification services to clients in Calgary and throughout Alberta. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

What Trucks Have To Stop At Weigh Stations In Alberta?

If the truck you’re taking on an Alberta highway isn’t a private passenger vehicle, it’s subject to regulations for commercial vehicles. That means you’ll need to know its weight, especially if you’re carrying a load. To help keep you in compliance on Alberta’s highways, here’s a guide to truck weighing and inspection within the province.

Inspection Stations in Alberta

In Alberta, your vehicle may be inspected for weight but also for dimensions like height, length and width, plus axle spacing. The goal is to ensure your vehicle doesn’t pose a threat to yourself or others on the road.

There are two types of inspection stations in the province, both with weigh scales:

VIS, or vehicle inspection stations, with scales operated by attendants
MIS, or mobile inspection stations, with scales but no attendants on hand

Want to know where the scales are? The province posts a list of all inspection station locations on its website.

When to Stop For Weighing or Inspection

According to Alberta law, if your commercial vehicle weighs over 4,500 kilograms, you must report to an inspection station when the highway lights are flashing. You can avoid needless delays by keeping your truck compliant. The province publishes detailed guidelines on acceptable weights and dimensions for all vehicle types.

How To Proceed Through A Weigh Station

Weigh stations typically have two lanes, one with a scale and one without, plus a lightboard providing instructions like “STOP,” “BACK UP” and “PARK.” If your vehicle is loaded, proceed slowly across the scale lane. If your truck is empty, take the lane beside the scale lane and bypass the scales. In either case, watch the light board and follow directions as they appear.

If the board says “PARK,” you must park your vehicle in the parking lot and bring all vehicle and driver documents into the inspection building.

Compliance Makes Good Business Sense

Inspection and weighing can be a breeze when your trucks are within regulatory limits. You spare yourself penalty fees and costly downtime. By investing in reliable truck scales and keeping them maintained and calibrated, you’re investing in your company’s bottom line.

As accredited scale inspectors, Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. is authorized under the Weights and Measures Act by Measurement Canada to assess trade devices for compliance and issue a sticker of government certification. We can keep your truck scales compliant to help your trucks breeze through highway inspections.

Truck Scale Sales, Rentals, Calibration And Certification In Alberta

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. is your trusted partner in Alberta for consistent, reliable weighing of loads of all sizes. Ask us about your options for truck scale installation, or consider a portable truck scale for reliable weighing on the move. We also offer a rental service to meet your short-term needs. Contact us today and ask how we can help keep your trucks safe and compliant.

The Different Types Of Vehicle Scales

Vehicle scales are used by regulatory authorities to ensure vehicle weights on highways and bridges fall within safe limits. Businesses use them to ensure compliance and to measure load quantities. Here’s a guide to vehicle scales commonly used in commercial and industrial operations.

Truck Scales

When you need to weigh trucks and other heavy vehicles, you need a truck scale, sometimes called a vehicle scale. They consist of a weighbridge, foundation, load cells, junction boxes and indicators, plus other accessories if required. You may choose a flat-top design or add side rails to guard against vehicles rolling off the edge.

Truck scale platforms are typically either durable concrete (BIC) or easy-to-clean steel (BIS). Consider your environment and weighing needs to determine the most appropriate materials for all your truck scale components. A scale expert can examine your facility and processes to recommend the ideal solution.

Portable Truck Scales

A portable truck scale is your solution if you require moveable weighing capabilities. It’s easy to set up and provides accurate weighing wherever — and whenever — you need it. This scale is ideal if you have a large worksite but don’t want to invest in multiple weighing machines. It’s also useful if you need an agile weighing system that you can adapt to your business’s changing needs.

Heavy-Duty Vehicle Scales

When you have a specialized industrial operation with extra-heavy loads or oversized vehicles, you need a heavy-duty vehicle scale. It’s built to prevent the weighbridge from bending under high-concentration loads or at least minimize the amount of bending. These scales are individually designed to target your specific needs, accounting for the weight, size and type of vehicle to be weighed, plus the concentrated load capacity (CLC).

Heavy-duty vehicle scales are typically used by industrial operations requiring vehicles for off-road, forestry or mining applications.

Railcar Scales

If you need to weigh loads travelling by train, you need a railroad track scale, also called a railcar scale. These scales are installed directly on the track, and the railcar drives onto it for weighing. Some models can weigh while the train continues moving. Railcar scales can be installed permanently or temporarily mounted on the rails for limited use.

When you need to weigh both truck and railcar weights, invest in a combination truck and rail scale.

Accredited Provider Of Vehicle Scales In Alberta

For delivery and installation of your new vehicle scale, plus ongoing maintenance and calibration, trust Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. for service and expertise that’s certified for reliability. We’re authorized by Measurement Canada to certify weighing devices, and our weigh scale technicians can repair any make or model of scale on the market. Contact us today for advice on the best vehicle scale for your operation.

Can A Pallet Scale Be Repaired?

Your pallet scales take a beating. Also called floor scales, pallet scales operate in harsh conditions. Dust, spills, overloads and dropped pallets are just some of the hazards they endure daily. A scale that stops working means costly downtime, so here are some troubleshooting tips to get your scales back online fast.

Problem: Any Weigh Scale Issue

No matter the issue, a practical first step is to unplug the scale from its power source. Wait about one minute, then plug it back in. This simple step can solve many issues and is a quick and straightforward method to reboot your scale and get it operating again.

Problem: Your Scale Isn’t Reading The Weight

If you’re putting loads on the scale and it’s not providing any readings, check to ensure the scale is level and that the supports are in direct and firm contact with the floor.

Additionally, look for objects under the weighing platform. Ensure the scale isn’t pushed against a wall or an object that may prevent the scale platform from moving. Another possible problem may be that the power cable is cut or crimped.

Call a scale repair company for a professional diagnosis if you’ve completed all these checks and your scale still doesn’t work.

Problem: Your Scale Readings Fluctuate

If your scale’s measurements jump back and forth while an object is on the scale, ensure the scale isn’t on a vibrating surface or in a windy area. Moreover, ensure a consistent, clean power source is powering the scale. Another cause of trouble may be two-way radios or any other radio frequency interference that can affect the scale’s electronics. Finally, check the cables for missing pins.

Fluctuating measurements can also indicate a malfunctioning load cell. Try unplugging the load cells one at a time to see if one of the cells is the culprit.

Problem: Areas Of The Platform Provide Different Readings

Scales should give the same readings wherever you place a load on the platform. If you’re noticing discrepancies, ensure you haven’t screwed one of the feet so tightly that it prevents the load sensor from moving. Again, check that all the scale feet are firmly on the floor.

Benefits Of Preventative Maintenance

Have a professional regularly visit your business and tune up your scales. A technician will clean and calibrate your scale to ensure it provides the most accurate measurements possible. They’ll identify and fix minor issues before they become costly.

Scale Repair Services In Alberta

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. offers timely and dependable scale repair services to commercial and industrial customers. Our highly trained technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also offer scale maintenance to prevent breakdowns. Contact us today in Calgary, and we’ll visit you wherever you are in southern Alberta, from Sylvan Lake to Oyen or Hanna to Banff.

Best Scales For The Recycling And Solid Waste Management Industry

Scales are integral in the waste management and recycling industry. They track the amount of waste collected and monitor the inputs and outputs during material recovery and disposal. There are many types of industrial scales to choose from. Here are some of the scales that can benefit waste management companies.

Floor Scales

Floor scales are used to weigh waste as it moves in and out of a processing facility. Floor scales can sit on level flooring or be installed in a pit where the scale platform is even with the surrounding floor. You can place waste directly on top of the scale or use a forklift to place a pallet on the weighing platform.

Forklift Scales

Forklift scales increase efficiency because you can weigh loads and transport them at the same time. Not only do they measure weight, but they can also provide essential data such as storage location and the origin of the waste products. Using a simple barcode scanner, forklift operators can capture all this data and send it wirelessly to your computer network in real-time.

Truck Scales

Truck scales are essential to capture weight data as trucks carrying waste enter and exit the waste management facility. There are several types of truck scales:

A permanent weighbridge for trucks to drive over
A portable truck scale that can be easily moved to the most convenient location
An onboard truck scale that measures the truck’s load during transport

Truck scales can help track incoming loads and prevent overloading your trucks, which causes excessive wear and tear on your fleet. They can also safeguard against overweight penalties.

Rail Scales

Rail scales are useful for weighing significantly heavy loads, allowing you to weigh loads of more than 154,000 kilograms. You can configure a rail scale for static or in-motion weighing. Rail scales take the form of modular decks, spaced to match the distance between the train’s wheels. They can also be combined with truck scales to increase versatility.

Do Your Research

Waste management facilities are dirty and harsh environments for scales and other electronic equipment. Ensure that the scale you choose is impervious to water and easy to clean and maintain. Consult a scale technician to explore your options and help you find the best scale for your operation.

Floor And Forklift Scale System Installation And Maintenance In Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we specialize in industrial floor and forklift scale system installation and maintenance services for Alberta customers. Our scales and calibration work are certified by Measurement Canada as legal for trade. Contact us today to learn more about our scales and services.

Is your hopper scale system accurate?

Hopper scales weigh commodities stored in large containers. Like any industrial scale, hopper scales must repeatedly deliver precise and accurate readings. How do you know if your hopper weigh scale gives accurate results? Here’s some information on calibrating hopper scales.

Testing scale accuracy

Most industrial scales come with calibrating tools. However, in-house methods aren’t accurate enough to calibrate legal-for-trade scales. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to check your scales regularly. Here are some common ways to test your scale’s accuracy.

Calibration weights. Calibration weights are the most accurate way to check your scale. They eliminate variables because they have an unchanging mass. Remember always to use weights specified by the manufacturer. Place the weight on the load cell and take a reading: if the scale’s measurement doesn’t match the mass of the calibration weight, your scale isn’t accurate.

Comparison with another scale. If calibration weights aren’t available, use another scale for comparison — but only if you’re 100 per cent certain the other scale is calibrated correctly. Weigh an object on the calibrated scale and then weigh the same object on the scale that requires testing. If the measurements don’t match, you know your scale isn’t accurate.

Material substitute. To give you reliable results, calibration weights must be at least 12.5 per cent of the scale’s capacity. If your weights aren’t sufficient to take an accurate reading, you can use a material substitute. For instance, you may have only 2,000 kilograms of calibration weights for a 45,000-kilogram container. You can take an initial calibration using the weights, then fill the hopper with another 2,000 kilograms of material. The reading should come up to 4,000 kilograms. You can continue the process until you have the minimum 12.5 per cent required weight.

Calibration simulator. A simulator is the least accurate calibration method and should never be used in a legal-for-trade application. Besides being a complex process involving multiple calculations, a simulator doesn’t account for environmental factors.

To ensure your hopper scale is accurate, you need it professionally tested and calibrated regularly. The federal government has strict rules about scales used for buying and selling goods. Therefore, call a scale inspector accredited by Measurement Canada if you require legal-for-trade scale calibration, as this is the only way to adhere to federal regulations.

Hopper scale system installation, maintenance and repairs in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we can calibrate any industrial scale, including hopper, truck and floor scales. We’re accredited by Measurement Canada to declare scales legal for trade, and our work is accredited, too. Contact us today to book a weigh scale service call with an experienced technician.