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.

Commercial and industrial scales: 6 things to consider before buying

Considerations when purchasing new industrial/commercial scale equipment

Buying commercial and industrial weighing scales online can be difficult, particularly if you haven’t thought through what you need.  It’s all too easy to go for the cheapest option, but then be disappointed that scales don’t perform in the way that you want them to. 

Here are some points to think about:

1. How, when and where will your scales be used?  It’s really important to consider environment, frequency of use and the degree of mobility that you need, before deciding on whether scales should be stainless steel, floor or wall mounted, suspended, and/or approved for use in certain atmospheres, ie: flammable, potentially explosive, etc.


2. What is your upper required capacity? A scale is typically rated to a specific weight.  Is that sufficient?  Consider not just the capacity that you need today, but tomorrow also.


3. Scales are rarely used in isolation as they are often linked to computers, printers, software etc, so data can be shared, analysed, stored etc.  Scales may also need to link to other lines/processes involving a weight element.  Think through the design of your weighing system so that you gain most benefits.


4. Consider your budget carefully – lower cost weighing scales can sometimes mean higher repairs and replacement costs in the future. 


5. Choose a supplier that can best support your needs and ongoing equipment as malfunctions, repairs and regular calibration will inevitably occur/be necessary over time.


6. Think about any special software you might need to support any specific weighing processes and if this is available through your supplier.  

Always work with an established business

Working with an established business like Abacus Weighing Services of Littleborough, can often be the preferred option as you can tap into their knowledge, industry experience and service infrastructure, built up over time.  This might save you money in the long term.

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