Whether you’re involved in construction, materials testing, agriculture, or logistics, you need an industrial scale that is robust enough to deliver precise results in the toughest conditions. This blog will guide you through your options, helping you choose the ideal industrial scale for all your weighing needs.
Assessing Your Weighing Requirements
Capacity and Readability
The ideal industrial scale for your needs will largely depend on the weight of the items you’re weighing and the level of precision required. Keep in mind that a scale’s capacity and readability are inversely related—higher capacity often means less fine precision.
For instance, our IHS 20a Crane Scale, with a maximum capacity of 10,000 kg, has a readability of 2 kg, meaning it measures in 2 kg increments. In contrast, the Equinox Semi-Micro Balance, designed for laboratory use, can handle up to 62 grams with a readability of 0.01 mg.
To determine your capacity needs, consider the heaviest item you regularly weigh and choose a scale with a capacity slightly above that to avoid overloading, which could damage the scale. For example, while the IHS 20a can weigh a cruise ship propeller (10,000 kg), it wouldn’t provide the precision needed for weighing small inventory items like screws. Therefore, you may need multiple scales with different capacities to ensure you have the appropriate precision for various tasks.
Your Working Environment
The environment in which your scale operates is crucial, as it will influence the type and material of the scale you need. For example, in dusty or dirty conditions, a washdown or waterproof scale can simplify maintenance. Accumulated grime can impact weighing accuracy over time, so having a scale that can be easily hosed down for cleaning saves significant time.
If you sell items based on their weight—such as bags of concrete priced per pound—you are legally required to use a trade-approved scale. Trade approval is a certification that ensures your weighing results are accurate, so customers receive the exact amount they pay for, such as 90 kg of concrete instead of 85 kg. This certification also benefits your business by preventing losses from giving away more than what was purchased.
Fortunately, most types of scales—bench, floor, etc.—offer washdown or trade-approved versions. For those needing both features, consider the Gladiator Approved.
Types of Industrial Weighing Scales
Different scales are suited for different purposes. Let’s begin with the lowest capacity scales and progress to higher capacities, exploring the most suitable applications for each type.
Bench Scale
Bench scales are ideal when you need both durability and high precision. They are among the most versatile types of scales, compact enough to fit on a small bench and often equipped with a rechargeable battery for portability. We offer bench scales with capacities ranging from 2 kg to 200 kg, and readabilities from 0.05 g to 0.05 kg, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your needs. For even greater adaptability, our CDT Dual Counting Scales can connect to a higher-capacity base, combining precision for small counts with the durability required for larger ones.
The Aqua ABW-S Stainless Steel Bench Scale is a popular choice for industrial use, featuring an impressive IP68 rating. This scale is fully dust and waterproof, making it easy to clean. For specific applications, the Cruiser series includes the CKT Bench Checkweighing Scale and CCT Bench Counting Scale, designed to handle repetitive weighing tasks and product counting during inventory and stock control.
Floor Scale
Floor scales are designed with larger weighing pans to accommodate bigger and heavier items. While they are generally less portable than bench scales due to their size, many come equipped with features like rechargeable batteries or wheels for easier mobility. Our selection of floor scales ranges in capacity from 35 kg to 600 kg and offers readabilities from 0.01 kg to 0.05 kg, each featuring a durable stainless-steel weighing pan.
Despite their larger size, floor scales are highly specialized based on their indicators. For instance, the BKT and BCT models combine a stainless steel base with the AE 503 and AE 504 indicators for label printing. The Gladiator range includes the IP68-rated AE 403 indicator, now available with a trade-approved option for applications where pricing is based on weight.
Platform Scale
We offer a selection of heavy-duty platform scales designed for weighing large and bulky items. These scales are typically large, rectangular, or square, occupying significant floor space. They can easily handle oversized objects such as boxes, shipping crates, and pallets. Our platform scales come with capacities ranging from 35 kg to 4,500 kg.
Our PT Platforms are highly favored for industrial use due to their rugged durability and affordability. These platforms can be purchased individually or as part of a package with GK indicators. For added convenience, ramps are available for easy loading and unloading. For those who frequently use hand trucks, our PTM Drum Platforms come with built-in ramps to simplify the process.
Typically, a platform scale remains in its designated spot once set up, so ensure you have a clear area allocated for it. If you only occasionally need a platform scale and prefer not to dedicate permanent space for one, consider our AELP Pallet Beams. These beams can be adjusted to fit nearly any size package or pallet and can be easily stored when not in use.
Pallet Truck Scale
If you frequently weigh pallets, especially in shipping and receiving, and aim for maximum efficiency, a pallet truck scale such as our PTSplus or PTT is an excellent choice. The PTSplus comes with an AE 403 indicator designed for dustier environments, while the PTT includes a label printing indicator to help you monitor the weight of each pallet.
These scales enable you to weigh and transport simultaneously. Simply place a pallet on the scale, lift it to get the weight, and then move it to its destination. Our pallet truck scales support capacities of up to 2000 kg and offer readabilities of 0.5 kg. They perform best on smooth floors, as uneven or rugged outdoor surfaces may affect accuracy.
With a clear understanding of the various types of industrial scales and their applications, you can now select the right one with confidence. If you still have questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help.
