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.