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.