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.