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.

Stainless scales for tough environments

A robust, reliable material

There are many industries across the UK, where stainless scales are the preferred option. 

In particular, the Food Industry, given the nature of manufacturing and food prep, needs access to accurate, reliable weighing scales that keep on performing and provide protection against contamination with water and liquids.

Resistant to harsh materials

But it’s not just the Food Industry where stainless scales are used.   Many laboratory environments too, where chemicals are present, openly endorse stainless steel as a material that is more resilient to contact with harsh materials.

What is the IP rating system?

When you are looking to purchase any weighing scales from a supplier, whether you are considering stainless steel or aluminium, you need to be aware of the IP rating system as this will confirm the extent of protection your weighing scales provide.

Also known as ‘Ingress Protection’, this rating defines the amount of protection digital scales have, in terms of resisting foreign matters that may have otherwise got inside of the product and caused it to fail.

 Understanding what protection your scales actually have

The first number of the IP rating, relates to the amount of protection a scale has against matters such as dust, and the second parts defines the level of protection against liquids.

The larger the digit, the more protection

To develop that, if the first digit is a 1, then this provides protection against solid matter that is up to 50 mm, whereas if it is rated a 6, it is dust tight.

In relation to the second digit, a rating of 1 provides protection against vertical dripping water, whereas a 9 protects against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs.  

What do you really need?

The nature of the environment where you scales are going to be used will dictate the performance properties and features that you really need.  Make sure you do your research.

Frequently asked questions about industrial weighing equipment

Is readability and accuracy the same thing?

No. Readability is about legibility – the smallest quantity that a reading will display. It’s accuracy that really counts. This is the maximum difference between the applied test weight, and the displayed weight. When you’re short-listing equipment, remember that no device is 100% accurate. Typically, in a stable environment, accuracy is approximately +/- (2 x division size) throughout the weighing range.

Is calibration important?

Very. A valid calibration certificate provides clear evidence that weighing equipment has been checked and has been found to be within agreed tolerances.  During calibration, weighing equipment is compared against calibrated test weights, so the final readings are wholly accurate. A calibration certificate provides documentary evidence of traceability to national standards.  But the most important thing is that it demonstrates that your scales will continue to provide accurate, meaningful and legal measurements.

Some equipment should be calibrated annually, even monthly but that doesn’t mean you should forfeit the need for scales involved in critical processes and operations, to be checked daily.

Do you need to buy legal for trade scales?

If your business is buying or selling by weight, then you do. There are different classes of approval, depending on your industry, so we suggest you check with your supplier which one is relevant for you.  Note that only certain scales can be trade approved.

Stainless v aluminium?

Scales are impacted by the environment they are used in, and that ultimately determines which material is right. Aluminium is light, durable and inexpensive, whereas stainless scales are more suited to environments where they are susceptible to moisture, corrosive or abusive contamination. Stainless scales are tough, robust and can deal with harsh environments.

Can environmental factors interfere with accuracy?

Absolutely. Things like dust, changes in temperature, drafts, even static electricity can alter your readings. That’s why it’s important to carry out maintenance and inspection on your equipment, and to have scales calibrated on a regular basis.

Key buying considerations – industrial weighing equipment

Do a thorough assessment

If you’re in the market for industrial scales, then you need to do your homework. Rushing into a decision without proper consultation with colleagues, a risk assessment and consideration of operational, environmental and legal requirements could prove risky.

Any investment in new systems or equipment, particularly if it could affect your manufacturing capability, product quality or processes, requires careful planning and execution.

Properly assess all practical, physical and cost considerations

Understanding where and how weighing scales are to be used, is crucial. That means knowing where the scales will be located – ie: do you need floor standing, mobile, bench or worktop scales? Some may even be wall mounted. Many mobile weighing solutions such as portable axle-weighing pads come with a special indicator, or handheld devices. Others come with mounting kits.

Don’t overlook specific product features that could prove useful. For example, if weighing scales are to be used in a restricted access area, a surface that is low maintenance and easy to clean, might be preferable.

ATEX-Weighing solutions

If weighing scales are to be used in potentially flammable, explosive or hazardous environments, then they need to be ATEX-approved, to meet current legislation requirements

Some models are better suited to certain environments than others. For example, stainless scales are commonly used in the food and drink industry, given they are hygienic, can be made wash-proof, right through to water-proof and, therefore, perfect for use in damp, humid and even wet working environments. Your proposed supply partner can provide detailed guidance in this respect.

Talking to colleagues, operational staff and quality control personnel will give you a broad appreciation of what you should be looking for – you can then move forward with confidence, knowing that the equipment you have selected is right for you.

General questions to ask of your preferred supplier:

1.      Period of guarantee

2.      Installation support

3.      Calibration requirements and service provision

4.      Future parts availability and maintenance

5.      Test standards (compliance) and precision

6.      What after-scale care is available

7.      Terms of delivery details

8.      Costs and benefits