A Purchaser’s Guide to Buying a industrial Scale/Balance

Buying a industrial scale for your workplace allows you to make accurate and precise measurements that ensure fair pricing in retail environments and precision in spaces such as labs. Big or small, any type of business can suffer as a result of a poorly performing scale, so procuring the right product first-time is a must.

Whether you’re buying your first set of scales/balances or simply need them for a new project, here are a few things to consider. Remember, it’s often easier to shop with a third-party seller for access to a wide range of product options. 

1. Determine Your Needs

The first step in any purchase process is to determine your requirements. Consider how and where you’ll use the scale, as well as how many units you’ll need. The space where the scale/balance will go will likely determine the size you need. 

Understanding these factors helps you narrow down types and sizes, which makes your online search much easier, especially if you’re using a third-party seller site. Likewise, if you’ve previously used a brand you like, you might decide to either stick to it, or use it as the primary source of your search.

2. Consider Accuracy and Precision

When buying industrial scales, the level of accuracy you need should be a key consideration. Precision refers to how precise the measurements that scale gives. For example 1kg, 1g or 1mg etc.

In certain industries, precision is less important, but the ability to handle heavy weights is the key factor. In environments like laboratories, for example, precision is non-negotiable. 

If your scales have to comply with trade regulations, for example, for retail transactions, factor this into your accuracy and precision assessments.

3. Establish Capacity and Readability

The capacity of a scale is the maximum weight it can measure. Readability refers to the size of the weight increments it can detect, both the number of digits beyond the decimal point and the intervals. 

If you’re in an industry that requires accurately weighing large and heavy items, seek out a high capacity. The level of readability you require will typically be determined by your internal standards and the type of work you do. Researchers, for example, prioritise readability when searching for the right scale. 

4. Consider Industry-Specific Requirements

Certain industries have specialised needs that you might need to factor into your purchasing process. Pharmaceutical industries and labs, for example, must be compliant with certain regulations, so familiarise yourself with the legislation before starting your search. 

Likewise, food and retail businesses often must meet legal-for-trade certifications for fair transactions, so factor this in when looking at the type of scale and/or balance you need. 

5. Take Your Budget into Account

Before beginning your search, you should set aside a budget – discuss it with your procurement team if necessary. Remember, if you’re looking for a large Industrial scale or one with extremely precise readability, or even trade approval or waterproof, you can expect to pay more. 

Mid-range models are often a happy compromise between features and price, so you’re not compromising on quality, but you’re not breaking the bank to pay for it, either. 

6. Identify Other Necessary Features

As well as factors such as size, capacity, and readability, establish any other features you might benefit from when it comes to your scale of choice. For example, some scales allow you to print labels or transfer weights to some sort of digital data sheet. 

Other features include things like a digital or mechanical display, connectivity options like USB, RS232, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, and the choice between battery or AC power supply

When looking at a Industrial scale, the product sheet should be able to give you all the necessary information about key features to make an informed decision. Other decisions, such as a dustproof display or waterproof features, can be made on the basis of the environment your scale/balance will sit in. 

Frequently Asked Questions about buying a Industrial scale

How do I know which scale is right?

The right industrial scale for you will depend on a variety of factors, such as type, industry, accuracy, and price for your budget. Understanding the difference between precision, accuracy, and readability is a good place to start, and establishing which is the most important factor for your needs. 

Accuracy refers to how closely a scale’s measurement matches the actual weight of an object. Readability is the smallest unit a scale can display. Precision refers to the scale’s ability to consistently produce the same measurement for the same object.

The easiest way to find the right scale or balance for you is to consult with an industry expert or explore a third-party website selling industrial weighing scales for access to a wider range of options. 

What is a certified calibrated scale?

In many industries, using a calibrated industrial scale can be a must for safety reasons or auditing compliance. A calibrated scale has been tested and adjusted to meet specific accuracy standards set by regulatory bodies or industry guidelines. It has been calibrated using precise weights by a trained professional like us, to ensure it provides accurate measurements.

Once calibrated, the scale receives a calibration certificate, which typically includes details such as the scale’s model, serial number, calibration date, testing method, and the standards used for calibration. Companies like Scales and Balances offer calibration certificates for purchase, so you can enjoy peace of mind that your equipment is working as it should be. 

While finding the right scale is a business-specific journey, help from the experts can make things easier. Turn to a third-party provider, such as Scales and Balances, that offers a range of scales to suit your needs and budget, whatever they are.