Weighing scales are instruments used to measure the mass or weight of an object. Scales differ in size, capacity, model and price, catering to the customers' needs and budget. It can be analogue or digital. Analogue scales are said to be more accurate and can withstand tough environmental conditions. Digital ones are much modern since they are powered by electricity, and they give fast and accurate measurements up to 0.1 gram. However, most digital scales are fragile and only work well in dry environments.



There are also digital scales not that sensitive and fragile like bathroom scales, clinical or hospital scales as well as baby scales. This is so long as you don't exceed the maximum weight capacity.

In choosing a scale for any industry, be sure to consider the maximum weight capacity, low profile design for easy operation, easy handling features, durability, good protection for internal parts and the safety as well as adjustable parts.

Here are some scales you can choose from:

Balance Scales

It is very typical in a science laboratory setup. It comes in either platform style or top load electronic balances. The platforms are usually made of stainless steel and have a molded protective cover that gives added protection and increases the life of the balance.

These balances have simple operating designs and come in very handy. There are some specifically made for weighing hazardous reagents. Explosion-proof scales are much expensive as compared to simple top load balances.

A balance electronic scale is a combined mechanical and electrical technology, so fragile and can easily be damaged by overload. Though this type gives accurate and precise measurements, it also has high repair costs. Prices of the balances range from $132.00 to $3475.00

Retail Scales

This is commonly used in the food industry. It may come in dial forms, much economical and is easy to clean. Most of these are computing scales that works very accurately. It measures the price per unit, the total price of the product, and may even generate a tag. It often has a sealed calibration to avoid tampering. This type of scale ranges from $199.00 to $1150.00.

Spring Scales

Measurement is done by suspending the object and getting the displacement of the spring. This scale is not as accurate and precise because of two important variable factors, the gravitational force and the temperature. The electrical version of a spring scale is the strain gauge scale. The weight is measured by a length-sensitive and electrically resistant material called the strain gauge.

Since the elasticity of the spring changes with temperature and the force of gravity changes with the place, it is always advised that spring scales be calibrated at the location where it will be used. Demonstration spring scales ideal for classroom demonstrations are sold for as low as $3.34 while those used for commercial purposes can range from $39.00 to $100.00.

Industrial Scales

This is the scale that handles most of the heaviest jobs in the worst environmental conditions. It includes the simplest type, the bench scale, the moderate floor scale and the toughest hydraulic scale or the crane scale. These scales are made of semi steel, stainless steel and cast. These materials make the scale withstand dry, wet, chemical, and even wash down areas.

Bench scales work the same way as a retail scale. It also computes, weighs and counts. Floor scales, on the other hand, are those installed in floors with or without ramps. The material of a floor scale depends on the environment where it will be installed. Floor scales made of stainless steel and are hermetically sealed are well suited for wash down locations like food processing plants and chemical industries. Those intended to be stalled in a dry environment are usually made of mild steel.