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.

Dini Argeo UK distributors – what sort of business do they work with?

Most established European brands have extensive distribution networks

 

Using indirect channels to distribute a proven technology or equipment is commonplace across the UK and in Europe. That includes the use of approved or recognised distributors and sub-distributors.

Who is Dini Argeo?

Dini Argeo is one such European business, based in Italy.  They specialise in the manufacturing and distribution of weighing and process control systems.   A couple of years ago, they were acquired by 

Rice Lake Weighing Systems to broaden their offering.

They sell what many regard as the best industrial scale and measuring equipment available, through an approved European network of businesses.  Abacus Weighing Services of Littleborough, near Manchester, is one such company.

What is an approved Dini Argeo distributor then?

An approved Dini Argeo European Distributor is a business that has the necessary experience, product insight and technical service infrastructure, to deliver an excellent brand experience.

Dini Argeo distributors have also been through a rigorous testing programme with regard to the design, sale and support of equipment, and all legalities that are involved, ie: ATEX certification, legal for trade status, use for specific industry applications, in specialist environments, maintenance, repair support etc.

  In some cases, as with Abacus, a lead distributor might be commissioned to appoint sub-distributors, who are also qualified to promote and sell the Dini Argeo range of scales and weighing apparatus, under the supervision of the lead distributor.

“We have multiple distributors across Europe,” said Dini Argeo, “We rigorously vet, assess and monitor the performance of our approved representatives, to ensure that our customers can expect the very best service from us, even though it’s delivered by one of our trusted partners, and not direct.  Abacus Weighing Services is a business that we have worked with for many, many years and has huge experience of our products.”

Abacus Weighing Services is the European distributor for the Dini Argeo range of industrial weighing equipment.  Combining experience with first-class customer services and product solutions, Abacus is a business that people trust and recommend.  Tel: 0161 799 7131

Understanding weighing scale terminology

Making sense of technical jargon

Every industry has its fair share of technical jargon.  If you’re looking to purchase industrial weighing equipment, here are a few simple definitions that could be helpful.

Terms that are commonly used:

Load cells – this is a machine that takes a physical load and converts it into a digital signal that eventually provides a reliable and accurate numerical figure.

Axle-weigh pads – these are portable, lightweight to manage and used to measure the load applied by each of a vehicle’s individual axis.   Any deviance in weight can cause damage to the vehicle, its load and be dangerous for both driver and other road users/pedestrians. 

 

Calibration – a regular check performed on equipment to ensure the ongoing accuracy of output data, against agreed/legal tolerances.  Carried out by a UKAS Accredited business

Checkweigher – a type of specialist weighing scale that verifies the accuracy of measurements taken 

 

Weighbridge – robust platform used to weigh large industrial/commercial vehicles 

 

Balances – weighing scales often used in medical and laboratory environments

The difference between net and gross weight?

Some customers also get confused about net/gross weight measurements.  Just to clarify, the net weight is the gross weight, minus the weight of a vehicle, packaging and other objects.  The gross weight is the total weight of a vehicle (or object) and its entire contents.

There are several hundred technical terms that you will come across in the weighing scales industry. We recommend that you work with an established supplier that can guide you through the purchasing process.    That’s why many businesses prefer to work with us - an experienced Dini Argeo distributor.

Why choose Dini Argeo UK industrial scales?

Recognised brand partners are always preferable

Working with a recognised brand partner rather than the cheapest supplier, should be at the top of your priority list when it comes to selecting an industrial weighing solution for your business.  

But why is ‘the brand’ so important?

Working with a reputable brand that can demonstrate a global benchmark for quality and precision, is imperative given the importance and necessity to obtain accurate and reliable weight readings across different and demanding industries.

A failure to do so, or to overlook the recording of your measurements, can result in significant financial, operational and productivity issues, impacting on your business, and disappointing your customers.   It may also mean that you are breaking the Law, or at least not complying with relevant industry legislation. 

Why Dini Argeo?

Dini Argeo is an Italian industrial weighing supplier and designer with over 100 years of experience in weighing, batching and industrial automation processes. That means they have the qualifications and experience to advise users on which weighing solutions are right for their business.

With state of the art technology at their fingertips, boosted by a detailed appreciation of mechanical, electronic and IT knowledge, weighing equipment consistently achieves the highest levels of precision.

Approved distributor network, providing accessibility and support across the UK

Dini Argeo equipment is available in the UK through a select distributor network.  This ensures businesses have access to a complete bespoke design, supply and support infrastructure, as required.

Preferring to work with chosen partners, distributors and other brand leaders active in different industries, Dini Argeo is arguably one of the UK’s principle and most trusted brand leaders currently operating in this field.

Abacus Weighing Services is a European Distributor for Dini Argeo, and has approved and trained a number of sub-distributors to sell and promote this leading range. 

Weighing accurately with high performance pallet truck scales

Pallet truck scales? Pallet beams?  Platform solutions?  Choosing weighing scales that fit your requirements

Choosing the right pallet scale solution will depend entirely on how to you intend to use it.  You need to consider things like frequency of use, the typical loadings it will need to handle, where it will be located, and generally what type of environment, ie: dusty, potentially volatile etc, you work in.

In our experience, you should always choose a scale that supports your daily activities best - so that means sitting down and thinking through all of the possible scenarios that may be encountered.  This is sometimes best done with colleagues, or those that are likely to use the equipment on a regular basis. 

Involve as many people as possible, so that you don’t personally overlook any important features that could be useful.

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Crane v floor scales – which one is the best fit for your environment?

Understanding crane scale technology

Crane scales weigh objects that are above the ground.  The crane is typically attached between a hook and the load that is being lifted.

Many think that crane scales are a very practical way of accurately weighing heavy duty, large or awkward loads that cannot be easily placed, or loaded on to a floor or platform scale.

Correct location of the load and use in a controlled environment, will contribute to the degree of weighing accuracy that you secure; it will also affect operator safety, as improperly mounting a crane scale could potentially cause life-changing injuries.

Take care when loading your crane scale

Each time you load your crane scale, you need to be sure that your mounting method is sufficient to support the scale, along with the item being weighed.

In general terms, your overhead structure should be able to support a load which is equal to twice the weight of the scale’s maximum capacity.  But remember to not overload the scale in excess of 20% of the scale’s rated maximum capacity or it could lead to issues.

You should also protect your scales from extreme temperature variations and high humidity; likewise it should be free from environments where dirt, dust and corrosive liquids are present. 

Don’t forget to check the relevant product certification before purchasing to ensure what level of protection your crane scales actually have.  This will avoid disappointment later.

Should I buy floor scales?

When could you possibly need a floor scale?  This might be the case if the items you are planning to lift cannot be done manually.

Most equipment, such as Dini Argeo Weighing Scales by Abacus Weighing Services, is supplied with an on/off ramp, allowing efficient loading and unloading.   That makes them particularly suited to busy industrial environments like warehouses and factories.

Floor scales are available in stainless steel, corrosion-resistant and intrinsically safe options, so ask your supplier for details.