The Applications of Industrial Platform Scale
The machines used to weigh your fillet steak or to price your pick ‘n’ mix selection are relatively compact and designed to handle smaller loads. However, many other instances exist where a much larger and more robust piece of equipment is required. In such circumstances, an industrial platform scale is likely to be the solution of choice. Understandably, their larger dimensions and additional strength are necessary when dealing with the bulky loads typical of many industries. However, they are also versatile devices, a quality that has led to a wide range of applications for these weighing devices.
For example, beef farmers need to determine the weight of their cattle before taking them to market. The task is only possible on a scale with a sufficiently large platform. The same applies to arable farmers who need to weigh sacks of grain. Many zoos and veterinary practices also employ an industrial platform scale to monitor the health and growth of the various animals in their care. Suppose you are booked on an overseas flight. In that case, an attendant will weigh your luggage on a similar device when you arrive at the checkout counter. On an even larger scale, haulage companies employ the same principle to ensure their vehicles are not overloaded. These outsized weighbridges are also a regular feature on toll roads in many parts of the world.
Read more about the Advantages of Industrial Platform Scales here.
How an Industrial Platform Scale Works
The force produced by an object placed on the device is transmitted to a sensor inside the industrial platform scale. In most cases, the sensor is a strain gauge load cell which generates an electrical current proportionate to the applied force. The precise mechanism by which this step is achieved varies according to the design of the load cell. However, their most significant feature is that they calculate the mass of the load based on the local acceleration due to gravity. This methodology ensures they will display the same result regardless of where the measurement is taken.
The versatility mentioned earlier is possible because the sensors in an industrial platform scale generate a digital signal which can be utilised in alternative ways. For example, the output can be adapted to monitor and transmit operational data to a PC for analysis and producing printed reports. On a more practical note, a checkweight system can help with quality control by identifying deviations from acceptable weight parameters and eliminating outliers from the production line. Counting scales are another variant in which the device employs the stored weight for a single unit to calculate the number of units in a batch.
Teraoka is a leading supplier of weighing equipment. We invite you to download more details of our world-class DIGI range of industrial platform scales.