Guide to scales for the cannabis industry in Alberta

Since cannabis was legalized in Alberta in 2018, retailers and dispensaries have been opening throughout the province. Weigh scales and precision balances are essential and legally required tools in marijuana production and sales. Here’s what you need to know about scales in Alberta’s cannabis industry.

Types of scales in the cannabis industry

Two common types of scales in the cannabis industry are weigh scales and precision balances. Scales traditionally measure weight, and balances measure mass. However, today’s technology has blurred the lines between the two.

Nevertheless, a precision balance is suited for measuring tiny amounts and is an excellent tool in a laboratory. You can use a balance to get precise readings on samples of cannabis flower, extracts and solvent concentrations.

Commercial scales have higher capacities for weighing large amounts of bulk flower and trim before drying and decarboxylation. Dispensaries and retailers also use price-computing weigh scales to measure products at the point of sale.

Capacity versus readability

When choosing a scale for your cannabis business, consider capacity and readability.

Capacity is the maximum weight the scale can handle at once. You can damage the internal load cells if you exceed the scale’s capacity. Purchase a scale with a higher capacity than the maximum weight you’ll need to measure.
Readability is the smallest change in weight or mass a scale can display. Higher readability means higher accuracy in measuring smaller amounts. A scale with higher capacity typically has lower readability.

Cannabis scale classification

Scales are designated a class number to indicate capacity and readability. The higher the class, the higher the capacity. However, scales with a higher class number have lower readability and are less accurate.

Class I is high-precision weighing for testing cannabis samples in labs.
Class II is also suited for lab and dispensary applications with high readability and low capacity.
Class III is for commercial and industrial applications that require higher capacity.
Class IV is used in highway weigh-stations to ensure transport vehicles travel within legal weight limits.

Legal for trade

Any business selling products to the public by weight must use a scale deemed legal for trade by Measurement Canada. This designation ensures the accuracy and integrity of trade measurement in Canada through inspections and calibrations. If your scale isn’t legal for trade, you risk losing your cannabis licence.

Precision scale sales and service in Calgary

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., you can find a high-quality, dependable precision scale or balance for use in your cannabis business. We’re certified by Measurement Canada to offer legal-for-trade products and services to customers in Calgary and throughout Alberta. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial scales.

5 tips for maintaining an industrial scale

Regular maintenance ensures your industrial weigh scales are accurate and prevents downtime due to repairs, which ultimately saves you money. Here are a few things you can do to take better care of your scales and avoid costly repairs.

1. Check the scale daily

Assign an employee to check the scale regularly and look for dirt and debris buildup, bent or kinked cables and structural defects like cracks or rust. Have the employee report any faults so they can get repaired before your scale stops working completely.

2. Store the scale properly

At the end of the day, ensure your scales are stored safely and securely, away from high-traffic areas with a high risk of collision or accident. Moreover, if your work site is particularly dusty and dirty, cover your scale to keep it clean while you’re not using it.

3. Clean the scale regularly

Factories, warehouses and shipping yards are rife with dust, powders and debris that can get inside the scale and disrupt the electronic mechanisms. Debris accumulation on the scale platform can also cause inaccurate measurements. Ensure someone on the job site is assigned to clean the scale daily, including removing the load plate, if necessary, and cleaning underneath. If there’s a spill, clean the scale before using it again.

To ensure an effective clean without damaging your scale, use only cleaning agents recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Avoid misusing the scale

Misusing your scale can stress out the inner mechanisms and cause your scale to fail. Placing loads on the platform that are heavier than the scale’s capacity will overload the scale and damage the load cells. Moreover, failing to follow the manufacturer’s instructions by placing loads over the platform’s edge or failing to zero the scale before weighing will result in inaccurate measurements.

5. Schedule regular professional maintenance

Regular inspections by an experienced scale technician will ensure trouble-free performance. A certified technician can inspect and calibrate your scale and make any adjustments, catching minor issues before they lead to expensive repairs. Many reputable scale companies offer pre-scheduled maintenance plans, so managers and supervisors don’t have to worry about the last time the scales had a checkup.

Industrial scale maintenance and repair services in Alberta

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. provides industrial scale maintenance and scale repair services to clients throughout Alberta. We also offer a pre-scheduled maintenance plan where we’ll schedule your scale inspections for you. Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our scale technicians.

4 benefits of portable truck scales

Accurate, dependable truck scales are essential for the safety of your drivers and your trucks. If you operate a business in the construction, mining or agricultural sector, inaccurate or inconsistent measurements can equate to profit losses. Every kilogram counts.

Benefits of portable truck scales Most industries use portable truck scales because they have a number of advantages over other types of scales. Here are just four.

Mobility. Portable truck scales can go just about anywhere. They’re easy to transport and install, and you can move them quickly from one location to another. Mobility is a considerable advantage because you can bring the scales to your trucks rather than the other way around. It means you can better ensure your trucks are safely loaded before they go anywhere, preventing potential fines and excessive wear and tear on your fleet.
Ease of use. Today’s portable truck scales are so easy to use, you don’t need special training to operate them. This will save you time and money.
Durability. Portable truck scales are tough and can withstand heavy-duty use in the most hostile environments. Even on uneven terrain, today’s portable truck scales can give you accurate and dependable readings. Many scales come with overload protection features.
Simple design. Most portable truck scales come with detachable ramps, which makes weighing easier. They also don’t take up a lot of storage space due to their compact design and convenient size.

Types of portable truck scales

There are two basic types of portable truck scales: portable axle scales and portable wheel weighers. Portable axle scales are incredibly flexible. They come in different sizes and weight capacities to suit any industry need. They’re low-profile and remarkably accurate. They’re small and lightweight enough that a single person can move them around. They can weigh axles individually or together. Portable wheel weighers, on the other hand, are simple systems consisting of small, lightweight load cells connected to an easy-to-read digital display housed in a portable casing. The advantage of portable wheel weighers is that trucks can pass over the load cells without stopping. Despite its small size, the scale is incredibly accurate and can handle the heaviest trucks.

Portable truck scales in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we have a variety of fixed and portable truck scales for sale and rent. We regularly update our inventory with state-of-the-art industrial scales that meet the diverse needs of our Alberta customers. Our truck scales are made in Western Canada and are legal for trade. We’re certified by Measurement Canada for our scale inspection, installation and repair services. To get a free quote on our industrial portable truck scales, contact us at our Calgary location.

Why scales are crucial for the construction industry

Precision in the construction industry is a must. Safety and profits rely on accurate and dependable weight measurements. Errors or miscalculations can lead to fines, lost income, injuries and more. Here are some of the scales used in the construction industry and their associated benefits.

Crane and hanging scales

Construction companies use a crane and hanging scales to weigh large, bulky loads. These scales can weigh cargo of up to 20,000 kilograms or more. Crane scales onsite save space, time and increase safety. Read more on cranes and hanging scales here.

Front-end loader scales

Today’s front-end loader scales are highly accurate, and they can digitally record the weight and volume of each load as well as the number of buckets used. They can also keep track of multiple materials. These scales are perfect for mixing asphalt, cement or anything else that requires large batches of ingredients.

Belt scales

Used to measure flow rates and amounts of materials while they travel down a conveyor belt, belt scales show you precisely when the belt has transported the desired amount of material. These scales can provide accurate readings when moving sand, gravel, stones, coal and rubble.

Forklift scales

Often used to verify incoming and outgoing materials, forklift and material handling scales are a must on most construction sites. They attach directly to your lift trucks for increased efficiency, allowing you to lift, weigh, move and record a full load in one operation.

Floor scales

Designed to weigh heavy loads, floor scales come in many sizes and various capacities. These industrial scales can be portable or fixed, have a low profile and don’t take much space. Construction companies use floor scales to weigh large loads of materials.

Portable truck scales

Easy to use and move, portable truck scales are valuable instruments on any construction site. You can weigh incoming and outgoing trucks as they pass over the load cells, thereby increasing efficiency on your job site.

Besides industrial scales, the construction industry also uses counting scales, bench scales and precision balances to measure everything from small screws to the tiniest amounts of tint for mixing paint.

Industrial scales in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer legal for trade industrial scales accredited and authorized by Measurement Canada. Our scales are easy to use and are designed to withstand the rigours of industrial environments. We also provide certified scale rental services in Calgary and nearby communities such as Red Deer, Swift Current and more. To learn more about our products and get a free quote, contact us today.

What to know about scales for your brewery

A superior beer requires a perfect combination of barley, hops, malt and yeast. A single miscalculation or mistake can alter the brew’s taste and properties. Therefore, breweries require precise scales to ensure quality and consistency. Here’s what you need to know.

Why breweries need scales

Each type of beer has a unique flavour, colour, international bitterness unit (IBU) and alcohol content (ABV). The tiniest recipe variations can change any one of these attributes. So when a brew is perfected, the precise amount of each ingredient must be logged and adhered to. Breweries measure each ingredient with scales so they can recreate their recipes time and time again. Scales also help breweries determine the quantity of each ingredient to buy, therefore minimizing waste.

How breweries use scales

Breweries use scales at every step of the brewing process to weigh the following:

Supplies as they arrive
Ingredients introduced to the brew
Bottles, cans and kegs as they’re filled
Shipments before they’re delivered

Which kinds of scales breweries need

Production levels determine which scales are required by a brewery, but all require more than one type. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing a scale.

• Microbreweries. Brewers creating small, one-off batches or seasonal recipes need a precision balance to measure hops, yeast, spices and other ingredients. Bench scales and floor scales are required for bottling and filling kegs.

• Industrial breweries. Large, international brewers use platform scales for shipping and to weigh big batches of beer. Hopper and tank scales are employed to measure how much barley and/or wheat is needed. In some cases, truck scales are used for shipping goods and receiving large quantities of supplies.

What to look for in a scale No matter what size the brewery is, a scale’s IP rating can’t be ignored. This measurement determines how dust-tight and liquid-resistant a scale’s housing is. Breweries are messy places with plenty of dust, powders and liquid messes. A scale with a high IP rating (i.e. IP67) means you can spray it down without damaging it, allowing you to more easily keep your brewery clean and hygienic.

Why scale certification is a must The Canadian government requires all businesses that sell products by weight to use scales certified by Measurement Canada. Regular inspections and testing ensure the accuracy and integrity of trade measurement.

Commercial and industrial scales in Calgary At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer a wide selection of industrial scales, including floor scales, forklift scales, checkweighers and more. We also provide customized solutions and scale rental. We distribute certified scales across Alberta, including Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Brooks and Swift Current, SK. To learn more contact us today.

4 benefits of printing weight data

A retail scale can be an invaluable tool for various businesses, and many are equipped to connect to a printer wirelessly. Indeed, printing your weight data has more advantages than using a scale alone. Here are four benefits you should know about.

It improves customer satisfaction

By printing weight data onto labels, you’ll be able to better inform your customers about what they’re buying. Customers can see the weight of an item and know what they’re getting. Customize your labels to include your business’ name, phone number and name of the product.

It reduces errors

Printing data straight from your scale reduces the risk of human errors. Afterall, an employee could easily write down a scale reading incorrectly or re-enter it into a database the wrong way. Even the smallest typo can lead to a faulty accounting inventory and lost profits. In addition, a digital printout is easier to read than a hand-written one, so there’s less chance of measurements being misinterpreted. Plus, you can print out the same label as many times as you need.

It enhances efficiency

Printing directly from your scale eliminates steps in your data recording process, thereby saving time and energy. There’s no need for staff to rewrite or re-enter scale data. Using a label printer, you can attach the information to printed records to provide a clear copy of the weight, product, date and time the measurement took place, and the employee who used the scale.

It facilitates shipment tracking

If your business sends a lot of packages, you can cut down on the time it takes to prepare them for shipping and tracking. Simply print a sticky label straight from your scale with the key details. You can even include the destination name and address. The printed information will make it easier for your courier to deliver your packages to the correct location.

Scale printers in Calgary and Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer high-speed and compact retail printers that are designed to help you get the job done quickly. The Rice Lake Survivor SST3 Washdown Printer features a stainless steel enclosure to seal out moisture and dust. It’s perfect for printing in meat, food, and chemical plants. We also sell scale accessories such as load cells, mounts and software applications. Contact us today to learn more or get a quote.