Scales
The TOP mistakes that most Precision Scale Buyers Make
As you may know, there are many special applications that require the use of a precision digital scale – such as paint mixing and counting small parts. Unfortunately – the biggest mistake that most precision scale buyers make is they simply do NOT know which digital scale features they need for their application.
In order to make your precision scale selection FAST & Successful, we have provided you with the following “Precision Scale Checklist”. Simply use this check list to determine which scale features you need for your special application.
- Design
- Weighing Units (g, ozt, ct, grains, dwt, oz)
- Capacity vs. Accuracy
- Size & Portability
- TARE Feature
- Calibration
- AC/DC – Battery and/or 110V
- Manufacturers’ Warranty
- \Price
TARE FEATURE
Most digital precision scales have a valuable feature called TARE. This feature simply removes the weight of any item placed on the platform. You can use this feature to increase the size of the platform and/or place items in a container, and then obtain the exact weight of the items in the container.
Platform Example: If you need to weigh an item that will not stay on your precision scale’s platform, you may be able to increase the platform size by placing a flat item – such as a plastic plate – that is larger than the platform and pushing the TARE button. This will remove the weight of the plate and you will now have a larger weighing platform.
Container Example: Place your container (i.e. bowl, cup, etc.) on the scale’s platform that will hold the item(s), and then push the TARE button. Your scale’s display will reset to 0 by subtracting the weight of the container. Then simply place the item(s) in the container and your scale will display the actual weight of the item(s) in the container.
In addition – if you need to weight more items in the same container, you can simply keep pressing the Tare button to reset the scale’s display to zero and then add the next item.
WEIGHING UNITS (g, ozt, ct, grains, dwt, oz)
Most precision scales offer the following weighing units: Grams, Ounces, Troy Ounces, and Pennyweight.
In addition, some precision scales also offer the weighing units of Carats (used for stones & gems) and Grains (used for gunpowder). In addition, if you are looking to weigh in MILLIGRAMS, you will find most scale only display in grams and 0.001g = 1mg or 0.01g = 10mg.
Before you select your precision scale, make sure that it has the weighing units you need for your special application. In addition, make sure it meets your capacity and accuracy needs.
CAPACITY vs. ACCURACY
Before you purchase any scale, you will need to answer the following two (2) questions:
What is the maximum amount that you will ever need to weigh (i.e. 10g, 200dwt, 250ct, etc.)?
What is the minimum increment (i.e. smallest amount) you will measure (i.e. 1g or 0.01g, 0.05ct, etc.)?
Once you have determined this information, you will simply need to select a precision scale that meets your capacity and accuracy requirements.
SIZE & PORTABILITY
One of the higher priorities you should note is the scale’s dimensions. In fact, a question you will need to ask yourself…
Will you be carrying your precision scale to different locations or will it stay at one location?
Of course, if you need to bring your scale with you to various locations, then you should select a scale that is compact & portable (i.e. pocket scale or mini scale). However, if you are placing your scale on a bench/table, then you may want to select a different sized precision scale.
In addition – your precision scale’s platform size will be directly related to its portability and should also be based on the size of the items to be weighed. However, as you will read in the next section – you may be able to increase the size your precision scale’s platform by using the Tare Feature.
BATTERY and/or 110V POWER
The majority of precision scales are powered by battery(s) – only a few are 110V Power – some units offer both options. Of course, the battery powered scales will be more portable.
In addition, since precision digital scales only use a small amount of power and most units have auto shut off, the batteries will keep going and going and going.
CALIBRATION
In addition, most precision scales offer a calibration feature that will enable you to keep your scale running at peak performance and accuracy.
If the precision scale you select offers an optional calibration weight, we highly recommend that you purchase this accessory to keep your precision scale accurate.
DESIGN
Precision scales are available in a variety of designs (i.e. styles and colors). However, for most applications, you should consider style and color a LOWER priority.
PRICE
Use your checklist to determine what scale features are most important to YOU. The price of your precision scale will be directly related to the features you select.
Now that you have completed your “Precision Scale Checklist”, you will be able to avoid making any mistakes when selecting the BEST digital precision scale for your special application!
Article courtesy http://www.digitalscalenews.com
A choice of accurate, sensitive and fast displaying digital indicators are provided with simple interfacing to ticket printers or for the more sophisticated data processing to computers with software packages tailor-made to suit individual customer requirements. All designs include standard output allowing easy connection to further down line data capture equipment. We have successfully interfaced our instruments to main frames, card readers, CCT.V cameras, transponders and other peripheral equipment assisting with added data processing, control /or security.
MANUFACTURERS’ WARRANTY
You will discover most manufacturers offer at least a one (1) year warranty. In addition, you will find some who offers 2-5 year warranties.
SPECIAL NOTICE: We highly recommend you AVOID any scale manufacturer that offers a so-called “lifetime warranty”. We have discovered that most of these companies require a substantial fee for processing your warranty claims.
As you know, common sense says… “If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is”.
In addition, you should always use extreme care while operating or transporting your scale. Dropping your precision scale will most likely render it useless or cause enough damage to affect its accuracy. This type of damage will also void most manufacturers’ warranties.
