How to Choose Platform Scales
A Digital Platform Scale
Precision platform scales are widely used in laboratory, industrial, and related applications where a high degree of weighing accuracy is required. In addition to weighing mundane items such as packages a platform scale is used for piece counting, net-total recipe weighing, and percentage determination that shows the deviation from a reference weight.
Platform balances such as the Kern DE series available from Tovatech are available in a variety of models, enabling users to specify the correct scale based on their requirements. These scales have maximum weighing capacities from 6 kilograms to 300 kilograms (approximately 13 to 660 pounds). Other models weigh up to 600 kilograms.
Two key points in specifying digital platform scales:
- Use a correctly sized weighing platform. Objects being weighed should not overhang platform edges and their center of gravity should be centered on the platform. Otherwise weighing accuracy will suffer. Platform size affects the price of the scale.
- Establish weight and resolution parameters. Specify the maximum weight that will be placed on the precision scale and the maximum resolution or readout (what you see on the LCD display) you need. These two points directly impact the price of the scale. For example, a scale pairing a weight capacity of 30 kilograms with a high resolution requirement such as 0.1g is much more costly than a scale with a lower resolution requirement such as 10g.
Other considerations in specifying platform scales
There are many models of platform scales on the market. As with understanding the relationship between weight capacity and resolution, you should evaluate the importance of standard and optional features against your company’s weighing, counting and measuring requirements. Examples include
- Protection against dust and moisture. For example, the DE series’ backlit LCD display has an IP (ingress protection) of 65, meaning that it is totally protected against dust and against low-pressure jets of water from all directions
- Calibration. The scales are calibrated for accuracy using external weights. They can be ordered with a calibration certificate but periodic recalibrations should be conducted as defined by your company’s operations manual
- Metric or non-metric weighing capability
- Flexible positioning of the display device via a ~5-foot cable
- 9-volt or rechargeable battery power for use in areas away from power outlets
- Standard or statistics printers, or connections to a PC for record keeping
- Label printers for packages
- Column- or wall-mounted display
In conclusion, digital platform scales are versatile tools for a wide variety of weighing, counting and measuring operations. The weighing specialists at Tovatech will help you select the scale that matches the accuracy you need with the best price.
——————
How are platform scales used in your operations? What steps do you take in the specifying and buying processes?
