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.

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.

Axle weighing technology in the spotlight

Enhanced mobility

If you work in the industrial weighing industry, you will understand the excitement that many people have shared about the growing development and capabilities of portable axle weighing pads.   Combining versatility with user functionality, scales are suitable for a range of industry environments and applications.

Portable weigh pads have fast become the new industry standard.  In comparison to other static weighing mechanisms, which, to be frank, have proven to be inferior, portable weigh pads provide optimal convenience and efficiency.

Dini Argeo has led the way

Recent developments in portable weighing pads have been the consequence of much research conducted over the years by designers like Dini Argeo, represented in the UK by Abacus Weighing Services. 

They have optimised and finely tuned the portable weighing technology that is now available across the UK, through approved dealers. 

The end result is that businesses are enjoying cost savings, in addition to manpower and time efficiencies. 

Aluminium is a preferred material

Aluminium is many people’s preferred material choice when it comes to portable weigh pads.  Aluminium makes scale systems light and, therefore, extremely portable.  This is a particular advantage in busy automotive workshops and service areas where space is limited and increased mobility enhances working conditions.

One such example of leading weigh pad technology is supplied by Dini Argeo and known as the WWS System.  This can accommodate vehicles up to 60 tonnes.  

The WWS System features a portable weight terminal and is designed with an easy use, backlight LCD interface (so it can be seen).  This allows operators to see and print vehicle weights for payload management. 

Where will the industry go next?

So as Abacus and Dini Argeo continue to break new ground and set new standards across the portable axle weighing industry, they are fast becoming ‘first choice’ as a supply partner.

Why accuracy and precision count in the axle weighing industry

Moving forward and making progress

Truck axle scale technology has been through a complete transformation in recent years. Gone are the heavy, cumbersome arrangements of a decade ago, and in are much more versatile, lighter and moveable systems, pioneered by leading players like Italian weighing specialist, Dini Argeo.

Portable axle weighing pads are now perceived to be ‘best in industry’. Effectively they have become premium-level scale systems, capable of providing ongoing durability, performance and lots of great user features across a number of industries.

Portability is a key benefit

Also known as truck axle scales, the latest axle weighing pads by design are much lighter, more portable and easier to use than ever before. This makes them a perfect solution for vehicle businesses that can’t afford, or don’t have the space for large-scale, permanent weighing equipment.

Some of the most recent models are now capable of weighing anything from single, to multi-axle vehicles, and all of them are light, and easy to manipulate. From modest weights, to multiple tonnes, portable axle weighing technology gives accurate, meaningful and consistent readings across the board.

Light, aluminium design provides added portability

Aluminium is very often used to build portable weigh pads. This is, of course, a very light and durable material, providing a host of user benefits such as increased portability, etc. Many find that this is a great bonus in busy automotive workshops and service areas/receptions where space is limited and at a premium. In this type of environment equipment can be easily moved around and stored compactly, while still being on hand when required.

Part of an approved network of distributors

Abacus Weighing Services is a European Distributor for the Dini Argeo range of axle weighing equipment.

Abacus supplies a range of wireless and analogue platforms, accessories and indicators. These provide a high degree of versatility and functionality for different applications and industries.