Scales For The Metal Industry

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The varied nature of the metal industry means many different types of scales are commonly used; three of the most common types are crane scales, heavy duty floor scales and parts counting scales.

Crane Scales

The crane scale is a tremendously versatile scale, and is frequently utilized in a variety of industries. It is especially important to the metal business due to its practicality and portability. One of the most useful features of the crane scale is its ability to weigh as it lifts, saving time and effort. Many of the crane scales on the market currently have a digital display right on the face of the scale, so once the metal is weighed, the amount is immediately visible. Some are even outfitted with a USB port so the data can be quickly transferred to a computer via a thumb drive. Crane scales are typically able to weigh at quite a high capacity, from 2,500 pounds to 10,000 pounds or more. Many will also have a system for warning the operator of the scale when overload is a risk. Crane scales operate by connecting to a crane or overhead lift, are almost always run on batteries, and are actually quite small ...
... and relatively lightweight. This makes them a great option when portability is crucial.

Heavy Duty Floor Scales

Heavy duty floor scales can also be referred to as platform scales (however, usually platform scales are used for smaller weights). This relative of the bathroom scale works by precisely weighing any object that is placed on its surface. Heavy duty floor scales are ideal for their high level of durability in the harsh industrial environment, and because extremely heavy objects are easily weighed on them. Capacities for this type of scale can be up to 30,000 pounds, but most commonly floor scales are used to weigh pallets or loads between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds. When used by the metal industry, these scales are generally made of strong welded steel, stainless steel, or aluminum if portability is necessary.

Floor scales operate by using a load cell in each of the four corners of the scale. This allows for a high level of accuracy and ease of use, as the object being weighed can be placed anywhere on the scale and its location will not affect the measurements. Due to the large amount of weight that will be placed on and off the scale, the lowest platform height possible is preferred, as well as a ramp with a low slope. Like crane scales, modern floor scale models come with a digital display, and often have tare buttons, data storage, and calibration capabilities.

Parts Counting Scales

Another type of important scale is the parts counting scale. This very useful type of scale is able to count a large amount of small identical parts, such as rivets or screws, by dividing the total weight of all the items by the weight of one, minus the weight of any container. This type of scale is a vital time saver, and a essential investment for most in the metal industry.