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Accurate weighing is a leading factor in the shipping and handling industry! The accuracy of the weight can affect the overall quality of the final product which can determine profits for the business.
An optimized operating system is the result of the newest technology that is available today. The technology that is used in weighing scales has made it possible to incorporate highly customizable models in conveyors and other operations of processing.
This guide is to help you understand why it would be helpful for you to integrate weighing equipment in your processing & handling operations, the different types of weighing scales that are available to you, and some key factors that you should consider before making such an investment. Let’s take a look:
Key Reasons for Incorporating Weighing Scales:
- Quality Control: Material that is portioned incorrectly may result in poor quality and/or other production issues. The reputation and profits of the company may be compromised due to such products. Weighing scales are useful tools for ensuring that the final products meet the standards of the consumer as well as safety standards.
- Efficiency: When it comes to design and capacity, scales can be highly customizable. They can be built into conveyors and programmed to produce a wide range of portion sizes. Most scales also have the capability to record the amount of material as it passes through the equipment. These custom features boost the overall operational efficiency because they can function without interfering with the processing operations.
- Reduced Manual Labor: Included in these basic forms of technology are quality control sensors which are placed under belt conveyors. These sensors have the capability to detect and flag off any defective product according to their weights. The defective product can then be mechanically separated to another channel, reducing the need for manual labor in the separation process.
Types of Weighing Scales:
- Simple Scale (bench scale): Once the scale is balanced in accordance to the vessel placed on it, these scales can be used to weigh both solid and liquid samples and products.
- Counting Scale: A counting scale calculates the average weight of the sample and record its values. It can then measure subsequent unknown quantities of that sample using the average weight that was previously stored. It also has the capability of storing and printing the results.
- Check-Weighers: These types of scales are best suited for weighing mobile items on a production line. The product is weighed as per a preset detection limit, ejecting and sorting any non-compliant items based on the set criteria.
- Batch weighing systems: An integrated system which weighs the components of a mixture or “batch” of a product. Batch weighing systems improve the quality of the product as it provides more accurate and precise mixtures. It also reduces product inconsistencies due to possible human error in measuring the components of the batch.
Crucial Factors to Consider Before Choosing Weighing Scales:
- Application – Recognize how the equipment is going to be used. What types of samples and final products is it going to weigh? Do you need it to weigh bulk quantities or small portions? Is there a need to control the conditions within the weighing vessel?
- Precision – This is a blend of various factors such as: a) The ability to weigh consistently with different operatorsb) The minimum mass change readable on a scalec) The discrepancy in accuracy for weight valuesd) The variation between measured and actual weight due to environmental inconsistencies
- Capacity – Consider the quantities you will be weighing frequently, and assure they typically fall mid-way in the range of the weighing equipment’s capacity. This will minimize the stress on the sensitive parts of the scale so you can be assured of highly accurate results.
- Aspects – Most scales can be customized by adding extra features such as; internal calibration software, wireless connectivity, multi-language displays, explosion protection etc.
- Materials Used – In accordance to your needs, you can choose scales made from carbon-steel, galvanized steel, aluminum alloy and aluminum-coated steel. If your processes require cleanliness and strict levels of chemical and environmental protection, then you can choose equipment built from specialized types of stainless steel.
- Operational surroundings – Identify the type of surroundings and environment you will be using the scales in. A few examples of factors that can affect the weighing procedure consist of: humidity, major temperature fluctuations, and electrical or chemical interference. You can ensure that the equipment delivers consistent and accurate results by using protective covers, and integrating frequent calibrations by a licensed scale technician.
- Relevant Regulations– It is advisable that you ensure that your scales and weighing procedures are in compliance with the relevant industry regulations.
- Cost – Your first priority when researching weighing systems should be based on your requirements of the scale. The budget for the scale should be another priority. Keep in mind that an inexpensive scale may not give you the best results for your needs. Your scale provider can help you select the best scale for your business needs and budget.
- Set up – It’s advised that the scale is set up in a permanent location. An initial calibration shall be carried out following the installation of the scale. If the scale has several load cells, a corner load test should be conducted to ensure even weight distribution. A licensed scale service provider can properly set-up and calibrate your scale.
- Maintenance & Calibration – Regular maintenance is vital to assure flawless performance. Depending on the environment in which it is used and the type of usage, periodic calibration should also be carried out regularly.
Choosing the right type of weighing equipment can improve your processing and handling facility as well as optimize profits. Get in touch with Quality Scales Unlimited, to learn more about how you can make the most out of weighing equipment and boost efficiency and profits.