Floor scales for business come in all shapes and sizes and a huge range of capacities and they can be installed in many different settings. Choosing the right scales, given all the choices available, is not always the easiest task. A number of obvious (and some less obvious) factors need to be taken into account. Here’s a brief look at the important factors.
Load and space
Capacity is probably the single most important factor when it comes to choosing the right scales and many firms mistakenly choose a capacity that reflects the general weight limits that they would normally need to measure. Floor scales, as with any scales, should usually be purchased at a capacity between 20 and 50 per cent of the anticipated weights required. This gives room for maneuver, but importantly also avoids overloading the scales on a regular basis and causing damage (or destroying the scales!)
Location and size
Size and the intended location are another factor; larger scales will need plenty of room and, in the case of floor scales, adequate space for workers to operate safely will be required around the scales themselves. In some industries, scales will be located in external areas and weatherproof models will be a consideration.
Detailed readings
Sometimes confused with accuracy (which is fairly important in itself) is readability. This is the detailed readout available on the scale; in the case of some heavier industries, readability to within a pound is all that is required while in other industries (food packing or processing), as little as a single gram may be the margin required.
Technical disadvantages
Most modern weighing systems can be linked up to computer systems to produce a range of reports and to automate processes. While this may be essential in some industries, it’s worth considering how technical you need to get. The more complex the kit, the more potential problems it can develop and, for small firms, ongoing maintenance and/or costs related to software and servicing may be unnecessary expenses. While modern systems have many advantages it will depend on your budget and your needs as to whether you choose a fully computer integrated arrangement.
As an investment, the real value of floor scales will be determined not by the initial cost but by the functionality and reliability of the product. Well chosen, well made floor scales will prove to be a good long term investment and, as with any business investment, quality will make all the difference in the longer term.
Hardy Process Solutions is headquartered in San Diego, California and the firm is renowned for its innovative technology. Servicing a range of industries from the food and chemical industry to the mining and metal industry, Hardy Process Solutions has been providing solutions for process control for over 90 years and is the best place to purchase floor scales.
