Why your business needs to have access to reliable axle weigh pads

UK road networks have precise weight limitations when it comes to vehicle loading

Businesses involved in the commercial transportation of goods need to be aware of the latest loading/weight restrictions when using UK road networks.

Gross weight limits will depend on the type of vehicle, its size, design, etc so its imperative you are familiar with actual limitations before your vehicle is loaded.

Overloaded vehicles will dearly cost your business as well as creating unnecessary wear and tear on UK roads and highways

So why have these limits been set?
Firstly there is the issue of vehicle and driver safety. 

If your van’s centre of gravity is too high, it will be difficult to drive, particularly when cornering, etc.  

Read more at axle weigh pads

What does ‘legal for trade’ weighing mean, and how might it affect my business?

Many words are used to describe weighing equipment performance, but ‘legal for trade’ is one of the most important things to look out for, if you sell goods by weight

Abacus Weighing Services of Littleborough, the European Distributor and Dini Argeo Calibration specialist and equipment supplier, is very familiar with ‘legal for trade’ requirements, having specified weighing systems for use in different and demanding applications.

“It makes sense that, when selecting a scale to weigh your product or packages, that your equipment has been tested and approved by an independent third party, confirming that it’s fit for purpose and legally compliant,” said Abacus.  

Read more at Dini Argeo Calibration

Why your business might need stainless steel weighing scales

Stainless steel is a popular choice for food prep environments, but that’s just part of the story

Stainless steel scales are incredibly popular and widely used for food and drink weighing across food preparation environments.   But why is this? 

In practical terms, stainless steel is a hardy material that resists rust.  This is particularly evident in moisture-rich environments where there is potential for ongoing contact with water and/or liquids, food and other airborne particles. 

Be sure to check ingress protection (IP rating)

Many industrial factories opt for stainless steel given their IP rating.   It’s important to check the actual IP protection equipment carries before deciding on which industrial scale system is right for your process environment.

IP68 rated scales are wholly waterproof and suitable for use in the most extreme of environments; IP67 scales provide the next level down; IP66 is "dust tight" and provides protection against heavy seas or powerful jets of water; IP65 scales will provide adequate protection against moisture/water etc, if they are wiped down with a damp cloth, but they are not suitable if you intend to fully submerge during wash-down.

Easier to clean than other materials, rising to most industrial tasks and environments

Stainless steel is often the preferred option should there be a need for regular wash-down at the end of a process or routine as its performance and practical abilities will not be affected, or weights changed in any way.

Capable of handling hefty objects and loads

Stainless steel is also an extremely durable material, capable of withstanding heavy loads and high impact.   This means scales are highly suited to lift and weigh hefty and bulky objects and loads.

So durability, ongoing performance, hygiene, water-resistance and load capability all combine to make stainless steel digital industrial scales an exceptionally attractive and viable investment for wide ranging industry use and applications.

The key things to consider when purchasing industrial weighing scales

Start with an open mind

A good place to start when purchasing equipment like Industrial Weighing Scales is to write down a few questions that you need to address.  

 Ask yourself things like: do you need scales to work inside and outside?  Do you work in a hazardous, or potentially explosive location?   Might there be limited storage and/or weighing space?  How often will you need to clean your scales?  Is it a rough industrial environment, or a laboratory location?   What are you weighing?  Food?  Pharmaceuticals?  Vehicles? 

All of these factors will determine the type of scale that you choose and help to lead you in a direction.

For example, if your workplace has been certified as potentially explosive, you will need to look for ATEX Certified scales relevant to your zone classification. 

Or if you regularly need to wash down equipment, ie: for Food Industry use, a stainless steel, non-corrosive scale would be best.

Don’t overlook the upper capacity of products you may need to weigh a few years ahead

Don’t only think about the average weight of product at the present time also consider the upper capacity that you might need in the future.  It’s much more cost effective to buy scales that not only fit your present requirements, but also cater for the years ahead too.

What type of application?

And don’t forget the obvious!  What will the product be regularly used for – and where?  This may dictate whether you go for, say, a static weighing station, or something more mobile like axle weight pads.  The available space you have can greatly influence the design and configuration of weighing platform that you buy.

Things like readability, servicing, calibration, additional software, connectivity (analogue or mobile), etc should also be considered, so that you end up with a weighing solution that not only provides accurate, reliable readings, but fits around your business perfectly! 

Dini Argeo weighing systems: everything you need to know

Quality, consistency and reliability = a trusted brand! 

There are some brands synonymous with quality, consistency and reliability – and Dini Argeo (and Dini Argeo weighing systems) is one of those.

So who is Dini Argeo (DA) and where are they based? 

Dini Argeo is an Italian business that specialises in weighing systems.  They sell equipment in the UK through a network of distributors and sub-distributors, including Abacus Weighing Services.  Over the years they have enjoyed considerable success as an accomplished product designer, technical leader and industry spokesperson.

An investment in infrastructure, products and technology has made the difference
This is a business that has heavily invested in mechanical and electronic technology, and new IT software to maintain their market leading status.    Dini Argeo constantly pushes itself to achieve new performance standards, to introduce new ideas and to enhance existing products, to ensure they continue to lead in the field of industrial weighing systems and mobile weighing solutions.   

Experience counts in the industrial weighing industry

Abacus is clear about the difference between Dini Argeo products and other weighing systems. “We think it comes down to experience and great product design,” said Chris Buck of Abacus.  “With over 100 years of experience behind them, DA has developed some excellent scale equipment and accessories, but particularly mobile and industrial weighing systems, that have surpassed all other industry standards, and that’s a brand that we want to be associated with.” 

In 2016, Dini Argeo was acquired by Rice Lake Weighing Systems. The two brands working together, further increases the range of products and services available to businesses across Europe and around the world.

Products available through Abacus Weighing Services include: weight indicators, load cells, mobile weighing equipment, weighbridges, axle weighing systems, ATEX and industrial scale solutions.

Do I really need ATEX Certified weighing scales?

What to look out for when purchasing ATEX industrial weighing scales

Any manufacturer or supplier of equipment (and that includes importers) must ensure that their products meet essential health and safety requirements and undergo appropriate conformity procedures, before they can be used in a workplace that has been classified as potentially explosive. 

This usually involves testing and certification by a third-party, but manufacturers can also 'self-certify' equipment intended to be used in less hazardous explosive atmospheres.  It’s important to check what classification equipment needs to conform to, before making a final decision about which weighing scales are right for your environment.

Once certified, equipment is marked with the 'EX' symbol and can be promoted as ATEX Certified weighing scales by the manufacturer or distributor.

ATEX Certified weighing scales have been checked and confirmed as fit for purpose, for use in explosive atmospheres 

ATEX Certification confirms that your weighing equipment is fit for its intended purpose, and that adequate information is supplied with it to ensure that it can be used safely and consistently in a potentially explosive environment, as classified.  

In short, it gives you surety that the weight readings you take will be accurate, and that you can use equipment safely and efficiently, if appropriately maintained in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

What if I don’t use ATEX Certified scales?
Your business could be at serious risk in terms of endangering life, and/or creating unnecessary ignition risks by use of equipment that is not fit for purpose.  We strongly recommend, therefore, that you use ATEX Certified weighing scales that are appropriate for use in the appropriate hazardous zone.  

If in doubt, ask your manufacturer for the certificate of conformity so you can check the extent of cover.

Waterproof weighing scales for the Food Industry

Businesses should buy weighing scales that are suitable for their intended purpose/environment

High performance, robust, easy clean weighing equipment is a must-have for the Food Industry.  Scale equipment must support the procedures involved, high standards of hygiene required, and the physical nature of the manufacturing and processing environment generally. 

Here are some of our top tips to consider when purchasing scale equipment for use in a food environment:

1. Hygiene is of obvious importance; many find that stainless steel scales for industrial use, are helpful given they are easy to clean, can be thoroughly washed down, are highly durable, resistant to corrosion and will withstand accidental spillages/contamination, etc.  

2. Look out for equipment that has an IP (ingress protection) rating/approval that is relevant to your business/industry type.  This ensures that it has been tested and will perform in the type of food environment in which you work.

The digits following ‘IP’ define the level of protection you are buying.  If in doubt about what you actually need, ask your equipment supplier for test evidence and certificates, and their relevance to your exact requirements/industry.

3. Carefully consider the design of your scale system.  If you handle/weigh large numbers of outgoing goods for example, a heavier, fixed scale may be more suitable – ie: platform, u-frame, floor, pit-mounted, as space allows. 

On the other hand, you may not need a fixed weighing device, particularly if space is tight or storage facilities minimal; portable scales could be the best option if you want free movement. 

From weighing raw materials, to check weighing goods before they are signed off, good quality scales are a necessity for the Food Industry. 

So make sure you scrutinise waterproofing and IP ingress protection features before you buy any industrial scale equipment for Food Industry use.  This will mean your weighing scales will technically perform over time.

3 benefits often overlooked about axle weighing pads

Simplicity in use and portability are two key user features that businesses prefer

Axle weigh pads couldn’t be simpler to use.  Vehicles are parked on top of the pad, wherever that may be located (indoors or outdoors), a highly sophisticated digital indicator then records the weight and this is stored for sharing, analysis etc.  

But that’s just the start; sure axle weigh pads are extremely flexible, but how else can they benefit your business?

Keeping your loads safe and within the Law

Overloading vehicles can cost!  If you do not ensure that the maximum weight thresholds are obeyed, it can put extreme pressure on tyres, axles, drive shafts, etc.  This can result in significant additional costs and financial penalties, and to your business breaking the Law.

Using a reliable axle weigh pad ensures that your staff can efficiently take readings and check compliance, before anything is finally signed off.

Making all of your weighing operations as efficient as possible

With touch screen weight indicators, portability and easy storage in their favour, axle weigh pads make weighing vehicle loads as efficient and easy as possible for the operator.

Significantly reducing costs

An overloaded vehicle that is not closely monitored can lead to greater (and unnecessary) fuel consumption, not to mention higher maintenance and repair costs, and severe financial penalties should you be carrying a heavier load than is legal. 

Equipping your staff with a simple, accurate weighing device that they can use to check weigh each and every load, will save money in the long-term.

Axle weigh pads are accurate, efficient and easy to operate – making them a viable and cost effective alternative to traditional, fixed axle weighers. Always go for axle weighing specialists for stress free weighing requirements.

Why bother getting your industrial scales calibrated?

Think of it this way, not getting your weighing equipment calibrated in the short term, could cost you a whole lot more down the line

Over time, industrial scales will gradually, but definitely lose their accuracy.  It’s hugely important, therefore, that you regularly (at agreed intervals) get them re-calibrated so that they continue to give precise, reliable readings.

Do weighing scales degrade with time? 

Yes they do.  This might be down to the prevalent environment in which they are used, a consequence of accidental knocks or sudden movement, lack of thorough cleaning to remove debris like dust, the ambient temperature, environmental conditions, inadequate storage  - and many other factors.

Think of calibration as a complete service of equipment that ensures your weighing apparatus stays in full working order

By calibrating your scale equipment, you are safeguarding your manufacturing procedures and processes, ensuring that specifications are exactly adhered to – and that customers continue to be delighted with your products, service and brand.

Regular calibration also ensures that you don’t get hit with unnecessary costs due to having to replace faulty goods, loads etc or, in extreme circumstances, have to repeat production runs that have failed due to an avoidable weighing error.

Make no mistake, you will be breaking the Law if you do not regularly calibrate your equipment

Most importantly, you will be breaking the Law if you postpone or don’t calibrate your weighing equipment, particularly if you buy or sell by a predetermined weight.

So when it comes to saving costs there really is only one way when it comes to calibration – you need to do it, if you are to safeguard your business, customers and future.

Looking for an approved UKAS calibration business?  Abacus Weighing Services can help.  Give us a call.

Commercial and industrial scales: 6 things to consider before buying

Considerations when purchasing new industrial/commercial scale equipment

Buying commercial and industrial weighing scales online can be difficult, particularly if you haven’t thought through what you need.  It’s all too easy to go for the cheapest option, but then be disappointed that scales don’t perform in the way that you want them to. 

Here are some points to think about:

1. How, when and where will your scales be used?  It’s really important to consider environment, frequency of use and the degree of mobility that you need, before deciding on whether scales should be stainless steel, floor or wall mounted, suspended, and/or approved for use in certain atmospheres, ie: flammable, potentially explosive, etc.


2. What is your upper required capacity? A scale is typically rated to a specific weight.  Is that sufficient?  Consider not just the capacity that you need today, but tomorrow also.


3. Scales are rarely used in isolation as they are often linked to computers, printers, software etc, so data can be shared, analysed, stored etc.  Scales may also need to link to other lines/processes involving a weight element.  Think through the design of your weighing system so that you gain most benefits.


4. Consider your budget carefully – lower cost weighing scales can sometimes mean higher repairs and replacement costs in the future. 


5. Choose a supplier that can best support your needs and ongoing equipment as malfunctions, repairs and regular calibration will inevitably occur/be necessary over time.


6. Think about any special software you might need to support any specific weighing processes and if this is available through your supplier.  

Always work with an established business

Working with an established business like Abacus Weighing Services of Littleborough, can often be the preferred option as you can tap into their knowledge, industry experience and service infrastructure, built up over time.  This might save you money in the long term.

Industrial digital weighing scales v analogue – which is best?

Looking for industrial digital weighing scales?

The fact is your business simply can’t do without use of high performance, reliable industrial scale equipment. Your reputation depends on it.

So you’ve decided you want to upgrade your industrial weighing scale equipment, but which is best: digital or analogue?  Whilst you may already have a preference, it’s important that you consider which best fits your business needs. 

What are the key differences?

Both scales have a proven track record; it very often comes down to the environment or situation in which they are going to be used.

Traditional analogue scales, whether floor, hanging or of a platform design, have integral mechanical components that determine weight. Most of the modern analogue scales incorporate advanced mechanisms such as a spring and dial.

Some analogue scales are not confirmed ‘legal for trade’ due to the fact that the degree of accuracy that they can achieve is not exact enough. However, if the scale is regularly calibrated and used in the same location, readings should be reliable. If it is to be frequently used, moved or subjected to different forces of gravity, a digital scale may be a better option.

Digital scales incorporate sophisticated technology

Many feel that digital scales deliver a more accurate, and consistent measurement of weight.  

There are three different types of load cells found in digital scales – hydraulic, pneumatic and strain gauge.

Hydraulic load cells measure the amount of pressure on a liquid, while pneumatic load cells are based on the pressure of the gas. Strain gauge load cells are affected by change changes in electrical resistance, when a force is applied.

At the end of the day, the location, frequency of use, calibration and maintenance routines that you adopt can all affect the accuracy of the readings you take whichever scales you use, so carefully think through what you need, before you buy.

Average weight regulations: getting to grips with the basics

Two systems for weighing/packing your products

The Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006 Act confirms the requirements for weighing pre-packaged goods sold by a pre-determined weight or volume that are packaged without the customer being present.  

There are essentially 2 ways of weighing your pre-packaged products (that is those that are sold/sealed and are between 5 g and 25 g, or 5 ml and 25 litres, the same weight or volume as other products of the same type). 

Minimum system:  you may pack your products so that they contain at least the quantity displayed on the label. Each package can contain more than the label says, but not less. 

Average system: You can pack your products to an average measurement that is printed on the label. ‘The average system’ applies to most goods that are pre-packed in pre-determined quantities, by weight or volume.  This includes a wide range of products, including most foodstuffs and non-foodstuffs, ie: rice, pasta, tea, toiletries, coffee etc. Setting up an average weight system is a better way of measurement.

What responsibilities does it place on a business?

Any business producing pre-packaged goods can opt to introduce an average weight system.  Whichever way you decide to establish accurate weights for your products, you must use industrial weighing scales that are fit for purpose.

Using approved weighing scales provides surety of compliance

Using approved weighing scales, such as those available through Abacus Weighing Services, ensures that you can confirm and be certain that each package that you produce/sell, is wholly compliant with the present Law. 

If you are checking samples, you must ensure that the average weight is no less than that confirmed on the packaging, and that you only have a certain number of packages below the average, in line with agreed limits.  See  https://www.gov.uk/weights-measures-and-packaging-the-law for further details.