The Industrial Platform Scale and Why Calibration is Important
Despite the plethora of fast food joints and restaurants, many families still enjoy home cooking. They will likely include some means to weigh their ingredients among their kitchen utensils. However, while measuring the contents of most recipes may not demand exceptional accuracy, there are many other situations in which it is essential or even crucial. In such cases, a floor or bench-mounted industrial platform scale is often the solution of choice. Nevertheless, while their capabilities are impressive, they require regular cleaning and must be calibrated at intervals to ensure consistent performance.
It is not unreasonable to ask why calibration is necessary. After all, this must have been done by the manufacturer. Think of the process as similar to a roadworthy test. Its purpose is to detect and rectify any defects caused by wear and tear. However, rather than only testing when planning a change of ownership, it must be undertaken more frequently, especially when an industrial platform scale is in constant use.
Weighing your Options
Weighing devices vary widely in design and purpose. Scientific balances are generally capable of measuring fractions of a gram. By contrast, a large weighbridge used to weigh fully-laden trucks might only need to be accurate within plus or minus 50 kg. The devices used in industry, often known as floor scales, fall between the two. Heavy duty models should generally be accurate to within one-hundredth of one per cent. Electrical surges, changes in ambient temperature, and intensive usage can all lead to reduced precision. Consequently, an industrial platform scale periodically needs re-calibration.
Naturally, precision weighing equipment is calibrated in the factory before it is sold. It will usually be accompanied by a certificate verifying its performance. However, the mere act of relocating the device could alter its performance. Thus, the only way to be sure that it performs as promised is to test it on site against an object with a precisely known mass before starting to use it. For the reasons stated earlier, it is advisable to repeat the test procedure at regular intervals to ensure your industrial platform scale continues to operate within acceptable limits.
Precision weighing is an essential component of a quality control programme. It can alert operators to filling errors leading to consumers being over or under-supplied and possibly incurring penalties under the weights and measures act. Calibration takes only a few minutes but can ensure long-term peace of mind. The procedures may vary between models but usually require no more than the touch of a button.
Teraoaka is a leader in precision weighing technology, and the sole supplier of DIGI industrial platform scales to Southern Africa. You can download the comprehensive DIGI brochure here.