Each type of scale varies in the amount of weight it can handle, meaning that businesses and individuals select particular scales to meet their specific needs. For example, a veterinary office may need a variety of animal scales, which will be made to different standards than scales created to count pieces of paper.

When deciding what kind of digital scale to purchase, be sure to take into account the features you will need. Consider how much weight you usually need to weigh, and what other features will help you get the best possible results. For example, some digital indicators might come with backlighting, in order to make displays more readable, especially in the dark. Some labs might need platform scales with a transparent casing around them in order to protect the objects they are weighing, or protect the surrounding environment from dangerous fumes. Some people might want scales that have talking features; these can be helpful for a number of reasons, including helping the visually impaired get the correct measurement. Many find it helpful to have scales that can calculate measurements in both metric and English scales. Some might also want their displays to come with protective shields. Calibration modes and TARE features are also useful in ensuring the scale’s accuracy. For smaller scales, mounting devices will be useful in order to put your scale on the wall. In addition, some might want their digital scales to come with rechargeable batteries in addition to standard power adapters. Utility digital scales used in medical and warehouse facilities might also come with ramps, seats, and other adjustments for particularly large or oddly-shaped objects.

So what scales are the best? There is truly a staggering amount of competition in the sale of industrial grade scales. In order to do a proper review of similar scales, we really had to narrow our scope down to the basics – Accuracy, and Durability. After comparing hundreds of models of scales online, we found that while most are similar to one another, the scales at Arlyn Scales seemed to deliver the best combination of the two most important features. All of their scales met tight standards for accuracy, and they’re all incredibly durable. Their custom scales use aircraft grade aluminum, and their veterinary scales are easily sturdy enough to handle heavy livestock such as cattle and horses. Arlyn also had the best selection of scales, which were suitable for nearly any industry. We had a lot harder time navigating some of the other site that have industrial quality scales for sale. We brought in a couple of the Arlyn Scales for testing, and were very pleased with the performance.

Bench Scales

Bench scales include a platform that is separated from the weight display with a cord 5 feet or more in length. The weighing capacities can range from 6 lb to 2000 lbs. Some models feature a stainless steel platform, while others have a waterproof surface that enables the user to wash them down after each use. The platforms typically have a low-profile height, which makes it easy to load and unload large containers from the scale.

For automatic filling operations, many types of bench scales can be programmed for specific target weights. The scale operator can input the desired weight of the filled container on the scale’s front panel. A filling device such as a valve, solenoid, screw augur, or vibrating system is then activated to begin the filling operation. When the target weight is reached, the scale will switch off the electronic signal to the fill component.

Because bench scales are used to weigh many types of produce in containers of varying sizes at different times, a useful feature is the ability to store a variety of different target weight values and trickle feed or intermediate values for more than one filling task. Many bench scales enable the scale operator to label each set of target weights with their associated product. When he or she moves on to another product, they can use a menu option to search for it by name or product number. When the next filling operation begins, the target weights can then be automatically implemented.

Platform Scales

Another type of scale that is used to weigh produce in commercial applications is a platform scale. These high-capacity scales are characterized by a large heavy-duty weighing plate, typically made of stainless steel. This ensures the scale will be durable and stable during all types of weighing operations. The display of the platform scale is typically mounted on a pole attached to the platform and many displays are enclosed in a rubber gasket for water resistance. Some platform scales, however, have a display similar to that of a bench scale, with the display being at ground level and separated from the weighing plate via a cord.

Many platform scale models have specialized features such as a stand to elevate the display device, piece counting, water resistance or water proofing, and calibration with internal weights.

Most of the features found in bench scales mentioned above are also found in platform scales—programmable target weights for automatic filling operations as well as the ability to store target weight and trickle feed or intermediate values.

Additionally, the ability to transfer the weight data to a computer is found in both bench and platform scales. Many communication methods are used, from the long-standing, industry standard RS-232 to USB or Ethernet. The data can be stored in the computer in database or spreadsheet format. Reports can be created using this data for later analysis, or for entry into inventory control or accounting systems.

A number of different industries need high capacity scales. Medical establishments often use high capacity scales to weigh larger patients. In addition, high capacity scales are often built to accommodate handicapped patients and are equipped with wheelchair ramps, seats, and railings for people to support themselves. Warehouses also use them to weigh the large objects they are storing and shipping. Research laboratories may also use high capacity scales in their research. Veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers often need industrial scales to measure livestock or crop yields.

There are an endless variety of high capacity scales available on the market today, and many have specific functions that make them ideal for one industry or another. After comparing thousands of scales, however, we determined that the best high capacity scales are the versatile hanging high capacity scales. These crane scales can accurately weight up to 10,000lbs, with 0.1% accuracy in a full load. That in itself is fairly impressive, but these scales also feature a useful digital display and calibration, with push button tare and zero settings. They’re also among the most durable scales we’ve ever encountered. They can definitely withstand the heavy loads that they’ll be weighing, without taking a beating from the material.

We were also impressed with their high capacity platform scales. We were able to get quotes for these up to 30,000 lbs, and definitely recommend these as an alternative for anyone who doesn’t use a crane scale in their operations. These scales looked very sturdy, and their load cells are all made out of the highest grade of stainless steel, so I’m pretty confident that they could withstand just about anything. They’d be easy to clean too, which is a nice bonus.

Electronic scales are far more accurate and reliable because of the way they are constructed. Unlike analog scales, which rely on levers and fulcrums in order to measure weights, electronic scales have load cells made from different types of metal that change shape when force is acted upon it. Attached to this metal are strain gauges, which stretch as the metal adjusts its shape. As the gauges stretch, they change their resistance; the change in resistance is converted into an electronic signal and displayed on the scale as a weight reading. Electronic scales have other characteristics which make them easier to use than analog scales. For example, the digital display on an electronic scale makes it easier to read than the gauge on an analog scale. Electronic scales are now used in virtually every industry. They can be as small as a kitchen scale for measuring out food at home or in a restaurant kitchen, or as large as a platform scale for weighing livestock or boxes of goods to be shipped out of state.

The type of metal that the load cells are made from vary between aluminum, nickel plated steel and stainless steel. The most desirable is stainless steel, as it is the most rugged, and is also much less prone to corrosion. This will provide longer useful life for the scale.

Electronic scales come with a number of different features to accommodate different industries. For example, scales used in medical facilities might have wheelchair ramps to weigh handicapped patients, and scales used in labs might contain a special casing to protect the material being weighed. But one of the most universally desired useful features of electronic scales is Ethernet capability. When capable of networking, the scale reads and object’s weight, connects to a local area network (LAN), and sends information to one or more computers, and can be integrated directly into spreadsheets and databases. Ethernet-equipped scales can also connect directly to printers, so that hard copies of the data can be printed. In warehouse settings, weight measurements can be sent around the company so that everyone can get data updates in real time. Ranchers, farmers, and veterinarians might also want this feature in order to track animal weight and have the data automatically uploaded and saved. In shipping and manufacturing, weight information can be immediately printed off on a label, either for identification or mailing.

Ethernet-capable scales are also a more efficient way of tracking weight over time; the scale can send or print each change in weight without requiring a researcher or technician to hover over the sample, freeing them up to perform other tasks. Finally, when data can be sent to a computer, technicians can monitor data off-site by logging into their computer network. This allows managers to track data while traveling, or while working in a different location, resulting in improved efficiency.

Older crane scale designs use hydraulic force to weigh objects. The force applied to a piston or diaphragm transmits it through hydraulic lines to a dial or LED/LCD indicator. More modern designs use load cells, with the must rugged units using all stainless steel construction for the cells.

Crane scales come in many different weight capacities and can measure loads as small as 500 pounds all the way to 30,000 pounds, depending upon the manufacturer and type of scale. The variety of weight capacities enables users to get the right scale for their needs.

A common feature of crane scales is a high-capacity weight hook. The hooks swivels, which offers convenience when weighing large and unwieldy objects. The hook is equipped with a closure to ensure safety and stability for the object being weighed. This closure also ensures the user’s safety because once the object is secure on the hook, he or she can step away to a safe distance when weighing the object (provided the scale has a remote or removable display).

There are a number of different types of crane scale models available, depending on the industry in which it will be used and the weight and measurement needs.

Crane Scales with Integral Display

Crane scales with integral displays display the weight on the scale, usually below the hook. Most displays available today are either LED or LCD, with the numbers typically being around 1” high. The large display is crucial so that the operator can read it at a safe distance away from the object being weighed.

Crane Scales with Remote Display

Crane scales with remote indicators increase the users’ safety. The indicator is separate from the load cell and held by the user. This separation increases the user’s safety since he or she will not have to approach the load to read the weight. The separation also increases the stability of the scale.

Crane Scales with Removable Display

In crane scales with removable displays, the indicator is detached from the load cell and held by the user. Similar to the models with a remote display, the operator can read the weight from a safe distance, which ensures their safety. The scale is also more durable when there is a separation between the hanging load cell and the display.

It is important to know what kind of postage weighing scales exist so you can best decide on the one that would be the best fit for your home, office or working environment. There are postage weighing scales of different types, sizes and budgets. It’s important to figure out what your needs are to find out what works the best for you. Make sure that you take a good look at the types of postage weighing skills that exist out there. For basic postage weighing scales, they come in two different types.

To begin with, there is the original manual postage weighing scales. They are used widely and while they are a bit older, they still offer many user friendly benefits. A manual scale is using the concept of a spring or a balance to weigh or measure postage. You will only be able to get the weight of your mail when using an older manual postage weighing scale. At this point, after you figure out how much a package or letter weighs, you will then need to refer to a chart that tell you how much postage you will need to put on your letter package in order for it to be successfully mailed. While manual scales usually are less expensive, there is a margin of error included in the purchase since you will have to assess the postal charges on your own.

The next option, and more common these days, is the newer version, the digital postage weighing scale. These are also known to many people as electronic postage scales and will electronically measure how much your package weighs and automatically assess the correct postal charge to it. This eliminates the margin of error and removes a step from your postage weighing process because you no longer need to look up the price for the packages specific weight- it will do it for you! This is great for people who are trying to weigh a mass number of packages! While they do cost a bit more, in the end, you will be headache free and enjoying the added benefits of a digital postage weighing scale for years to come.

For any business owner, purchasing a postage weighing scale is the way to go. Assess which scale is the best one for your industry.

Fortunately, scale manufacturers have taken their situation under consideration and developed weighing technology that will accommodate those patients confined to wheelchairs. This is not technology that only a few medical environments need, these are scales that should be present in every medical facility. This will ensure that every patient receives the best care possible. Nothing should hinder a medical professional from providing the essential care that everybody deserves.

Scales that are made to accommodate wheelchairs must be sturdy and able to handle whatever stressors that they are introduced to. An unreliable scale that cannot cope in every environment it is in will become more trouble than it is worth. Any facility investing in a scale of this nature should make sure that they invest in one that is very durable and of high quality.

There are many features that make medical scales a very valuable asset. One of the best qualities that the finest wheelchair scales offer is their ability to transmit data to a central computer. The data does not provide any benefit if it is not utilized in some fashion. Sending the data to the computer will allow doctors and nurses the ability to analyze it and implement a corresponding action.

An acceptable medical wheelchair is portable. A stationary scale is harder to work with efficiently. A portable scale can be maneuvered to best suit the patient being weighed. It should have the ability to be moved from room to room or even just from one end of the room to the other.

It is essential that any wheelchair scale that is purchased has a very low profile. The lower the profile, the easier it will be to roll the wheelchair on it. Also, the lower the scale is, the shorter the loading ramp has to be. This makes it easier on everybody involved. The easier it is, the less stress there is on the patient.

Some medical scales are equipped with an extra safety feature. Edges surround the scale. This will help keep the wheelchair on the scale properly for an accurate measurement. This will also make sure that the patient and wheelchair do not roll off of the edge. If this occurs, there is a chance that the patient and chair may overturn. The edge also makes sure the patient or aide does not overshoot the scale. The edge will stop the wheel chair from going too far.

Proper medical scales are equipped with easy to read digital displays. This will allow the patient to read the numbers easily. This will also help the staff view the numbers quickly.

In the food service industry it is extremely common to have liquid accidents with scales. Waterproof scales were created to handle any amount of water, from a small drop to a deluge, and at any pressure or stream strength. This would ensure that no accidents happened in the kitchen to cause the food industry scale to break or incur costly repairs. Waterproof scales are now also used as rain gauges, and can be used in water and waste water treatment operations.

Another reason waterproof scales are so important involves the process of cleaning the scales.  Many people were cleaning the scales they had purchased with harsh chemicals. The chemicals were sinking into the base of the scale and causing them to not work properly! Obviously cleaning a scale is part of many industrial operation’s daily routines. It is important to purchase a waterproof scale so that no matter which cleaning product you use, it will not cause your scale to break or work improperly.

A third reason that purchasing a waterproof scale is so important involves the use of scales outside. Many scales are used in outdoor environments to weigh or measure grains, produce, or livestock. For these outdoor scales it is especially important to have the scale be of a waterproof variety! Exposure to the elements can be a main cause of scale malfunction if the equipment is not designed to withstand rain, or animal biomaterial.

There are many other industries that could benefit from a waterproof scale in their operations. Waterproof scales are ideal in food and agricultural industries, pharmaceutical industries, chemical factories, food service, retail or any other industry that may need a waterproof scale. No matter which scale you choose to purchase for your home or business, making sure that your scale is waterproof or water resistant will give you the added security that you will need to know that your scale is protected from many accidental problems that could cause it to cease functioning. Help protect your scale by choosing a water resistant scale.

The industrial platform scale should rely on industry proven strain gauge technology.  Also, narrow the search to those that utilize premium stainless steel load cells. The load cells are embedded in the scale’s welded frame. This will help with the scale’s durability, precision and ruggedness. It will also help it with shock and abuse issues.

There are also different lines of scale that offer even greater performance. If you are in need of a scale that offers the ultimate in precision, look for those optimized for ultra precision performance. The increase in cost is usually very reasonable.

There are also several capacities and sizes available when looking at scales. The capacity refers the scale’s weight bearing capabilities, while the size refers to its physical dimensions. The more capacity and size options offered, the more likely it is that you will find the one perfect for you situation.

If you will need a ramp to load your scale, consider opting for one when you purchase the scale so that the two are completely compatible units. Generally, the ramp options range from 20” to 48”. The ramp should be constructed of welded steel so that is can handle the bulkiest loads.

The best possible scale is very user friendly. The market does have them. An industrial scale that has an easy to read digital display will practically be effortless to operate efficiently. Some are equipped with swivel mounts and push-button ability. The easier it is to read the measurements, the easier it is to put the information to use.

The accuracy of industrial scales is not the only feature that has evolved. Today, for optimum performance, decide on a scale that can be fully integrated into your current computer systems. Scales with this ability can send the information they gather straight to you in many different forms. You can choose to outfit your scale with the system that benefits you the most.

For starters, you can choose to send the information over an Ethernet connection. There is also an option for analog output. The memory card option will let the information the scale gathers to be logged. The card with the data logged information can be removed whenever the information needs to be saved to a permanent record or processed.

If you need a set point controller, there are scales that can accommodate this need. Simply use the scale’s user friendly menu and set the scale to act in a preset set manner when the desired weight is met. This will make sure your desired process runs according your plan and that the desired outcome is reached.