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.

4 features to look for in a retail scale

Scales are an essential tool for any business selling products by weight. However, there are a variety of retail scales to choose from with different features and functions. And while every commercial business has its own unique needs, there are some basic attributes to look for in a retail scale. Here are four of them.

Scale certification

Most importantly, your retail scale needs to be legal. Measurement Canada, an arm of the federal government, requires all scales used in a retail capacity to be inspected and certified as “legal for trade.” Scale certification protects the customer from paying too much for a product and shields you from financial losses due to measurement errors.

PLU functionality

If you have a business that sells a variety of items at different price points, then a retail scale with a Price Look-Up (PLU) feature is an invaluable tool. PLUs allow you to store products and their respective prices in the scale’s computer. It allows the cashier to weigh and price products with the push of a button, instead of inputting a bunch of numbers. A PLU function will make your business more efficient and improve the customer experience.

Waterproofness

No matter what your business sells, a retail scale that’s waterproof will make your life a whole lot easier. Whether you’re a grocer, run a deli or sell your products at an outdoor farmers market, waterproof scales are easiest to clean and sanitize. A scale with sturdy housing made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) will keep moisture, dust and debris from damaging the internal mechanisms. Look for a model with at least an IP66 rating.

Portability

Depending on what type of business you operate, portability can be a useful option in a retail scale. A rechargeable battery will allow you to move it to different locations in your store or to travel with it to markets, exhibitions and trade shows. In addition, you might find it useful to have a dual LCD screens (so the buyer and seller can both see the display), printing capacity and adjustable feet to ensure the scale is level.

Retail scales in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer a variety of retail scales that will suit any business selling products by weight. We’re accredited by Measurement Canada and all our scales are legal for trade. We are also authorized to perform scale inspections. Our retail scales are available for sale or rent. To learn more or to get a free quote, contact us today.

5 signs your industrial scale may need to be replaced

Industrial scales must be accurate and reliable to ensure safe and successful operations. Unfortunately, they can become less dependable over time — especially if they’re not properly handled, maintained and stored. Here are five signs your industrial scale is no longer providing correct measurements and may be in need of replacement.

Inconsistent readings

If items that generally have the same weight begin to produce significantly different readings, it might be a sign that your scale isn’t functioning properly. Start by verifying that the device is sitting on a level surface. Move it if necessary, and weigh your objects again. If you continue to get inconsistent readings, try measuring an item with an exact weight, such as a five-pound weight. If your scale registers anything other than five pounds, you’ll know it needs to be calibrated or replaced.

Discrepancies between scales

If you get different readings for the same item on different scales, there could be something wrong with one or both of the devices. Calibrate them, or have a professional do so, to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem persists, you may need to replace your scale.

Unstable readings

This refers to when a reading doesn’t hold steady while an object is on the scale. Typically, it signals an electronic malfunction in the digital indicator. Unstable results can also occur alongside changes in humidity, due to the static charge in the air. Static discharges can cause the weight reading to drift.

Display issues

The performance of your scale’s weight display can be impacted by several factors. If the reading becomes difficult to see, check whether there’s an issue with the power source. If your scale runs on batteries, try changing them. Furthermore, when there aren’t any items on the scale, make sure the display shows a reading of zero. If this isn’t the case, it could be a sign that the scale needs to be calibrated or replaced.

Corrosive damage

Many types of scales can sustain damage in moist environments. Additionally, extreme temperatures can affect the internal mechanisms, causing them to malfunction. If you notice signs of rust or degradation, it might be time to replace your scale.

Industrial scales in Calgary

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. installs, maintains, repairs and restores commercial and industrial scales. We offer service throughout much of Alberta, including in Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Brooks, Red Deer and Swift Current. Our certified technicians can inspect and calibrate all makes and models. Plus, all of our repair work is guaranteed. Contact us today for more information or to request a quote.

How to choose a scale for weighing commercial food

Scales can be used to weigh meats, fruits, vegetables and various other types of food in restaurants, warehouses and markets, among other settings. Plus, they come in numerous shapes and sizes to meet a business’ specific needs. So how do you choose the right one? Here are some things to consider when selecting a commercial scale for weighing food.

Weighing capacity

All scales have weight limits, including both maximum and minimum requirements. A high-capacity scale is ideal for measuring large quantities of bulk ingredients, while a low-capacity device works best for smaller portions and expensive ingredients like spices. Before purchasing a scale, be sure to check the weight capacity specifications to ensure you get a product that meets your needs.

Readability

A clear display helps ensure measurement visibility and accuracy. Scales can be either digital or mechanical. Digital scales tend to be more popular, as they display precise readings down to the last gram. However, mechanical scales are portable and don’t require a power source.

Hygiene

It’s essential to maintain good hygiene practices when working with food. Commercial scales must be easy to clean and sturdy enough to withstand repeated handling. Look for a scale that’s resistant to spills and frequent washing. Additionally, choose a stainless steel product that has a removable pan to make cleaning more efficient.

Types of scales

How you intend to use the device should be a major factor when choosing a scale. Common types of commercial food weight scales include:

  • Portion control scales, which are used to serve consistent portions.

  • Receiver scales, which are intended to weigh items in bulk as they arrive. They can be relied on to accurately record the inventory you receive.

  • Hanging scales, which provide a flexible way to measure irregularly shaped produce, meats and dry goods. They’re usually hung from the ceiling, but some can be handheld.

  • Price computing, or legal-for-trade scales, which determine the price of a product based on its weight or by connecting to a point-of-sale system that performs the calculations.

  • Baking scales, or balance scales, use a set of weights to provide precise measurements.

Commercial scales in Alberta

If you’re looking to measure food and other products with precision, Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. can help. We offer a variety of commercial scales, including counting scales, price computing scales and precision scales in Calgary, Red Deer and Swift Current. We’re an approved service provider accredited by Measurement Canada. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.