Weighing Scales
Weighing scales are essential tools used in everyday life for measuring the weight of products and goods. Weighing scales are available in a variety of forms, from digital to mechanical, and from scales used for weighing small and large objects to those that measure every gram. Putting accuracy and safety measures first, choosing a weighing scale requires selecting the best scale for the job needed.
The most common type of scale is a mechanical scale. These are ideal for measuring smaller items and have been used in offices, retail stores, and households since ancient times. A typical mechanical scale consists of a platform on top of a lever. As weight is applied to the platform, the lever moves and is indicated by rotating a pointer on a chart on the bottom of the scale, which usually indicates weight in grams. The design of mechanical scales makes them ideal for precision measurements and they are highly accurate and reliable.
Digital weighing scales are now the most popular type of scales available. Digital scales are designed to display the weight of the object being weighed on a digital panel. This makes measuring weight easy and fast. In addition, digital scales can also provide additional functions such as calculating tare (the weight of the object being weighed minus the weight of the container or platform it is placed on) and providing data conversion (i.e. from kg to lbs). Many digital scales also include memory settings to track weight over time, perfect for those keen to keep track of their health.
For those weighted items of a larger size, such as animals, goods on pallets, or bulky equipment, a platform scale should be used. Often used in warehouses and shipping and receiving procedures, depending on the size of the platform, they can hold anywhere from 50-10,000 kg and measure in various increments. Some platform scales also include features such as in-built barcode printers, so goods can be weighed, scanned, and printed quickly and easily.
Weighing scales have been around since ancient times, and have evolved to provide accurate and reliable results. Whatever application it needs to be used for, selecting the right type of scale is important. Digital scales are by far the most popular choice as they provide accuracy and convenience while also having features suited to individual requirements. However, mechanical scales are still one of the best when precision measurements are needed in lower weight ranges. Platform scales are primarily useful for weighing large goods in working environments such as warehouses and shipping yards. Choosing the right type of weighing scale makes a significant difference when measuring weight and getting the best results.
