Tags – Signs Industrial Scales Need Replacing
Accurate and reliable industrial weighing scales are essential for many businesses to ensure safe and successful operations.
But as is the case with most technology, after a while, scales can become less reliable and begin to not display readings properly, or provide inaccurate ones.
And this is especially true if they have not been properly handled, maintained, or stored, or regularly serviced and calibrated.
To avoid any serious consequences from poor readings, here are 5 tell tale signs your industrial weighing scales may need replacing.
1. Inconsistent Readings
Inconsistent readings are the first obvious sign it’s time to replace your industrial weighing scales.
When objects with an average weight basis begin to show a significant change in weight, it’s probably safe to say, your scale has an issue.
To check this out, take an object and place it onto the load cell a few times. You should expect to see the same reading each time.
However, if this is not the case, your scales have a mechanical problem, which may require a quick calibration – so check this first before making any assumptions.
However, if the issue does not resolve after resetting the calibration mechanism, you’ll need to replace the scales.
2. Inaccurate Readings Between Scales
Inaccurate readings between scales mean when you take the same object and weigh it on a different scale that is known to be accurate and well calibrated.
Usually, this problem lies with the load cells of the inaccurate scale. Like the previous point, you should calibrate the scale first (this should be done every few months as good practice).
But if the reading is still off, it could be that one of the cells has been shock loaded and therefore causes some damage; i.e. an object may have been dropped from a significant height.
Furthermore, this could happen as a result of the scales being overloaded, meaning the load cells have bent beyond their capacity and therefore resulting in inaccurate readings.
3. Display Readability
When the scale display reader becomes difficult to see, it’s probably time to replace your scales.
Consequently, this occurs when sections of the display are burned out, or there could be a problem with the power source.
However, if you’re unable to change the batteries or power source cable, it could be a sign of a bigger malfunction or that the scales have broken.
Moreover, if there aren’t any objects on the scale, make sure the display shows a reading of zero. If this isn’t the case, it may signal your scales need calibrating or even replaced.
4. Unstable Readings
When a scale is functioning properly, once an item is on the load cell, after a brief moment of assessment by the scales, a final weight should be displayed as your reading.
By unstable readings, we mean when the reading doesn’t hold steady when the object is placed on the scale.
Sometimes, this is referred to as “drifting”, which means the numbers are moving up or down and do not hold still when the object is on the scale.
Typically, the scale will signal an electronic malfunction in the digital indicator.
One of the biggest culprits for this is when during certain times of the year there is low humidity, which causes static buildup on load cells.
As the humidity changes, the static charge in the air does too. And the weight controller is looking for changes in input voltage, which static can affect and therefore cause the reading to drift.
5. Rust or Corrosive Damage
This is a mechanical issue that is seen in moisture or other corrosive-intense environments.
When a scale’s parts or load cells come into contact with different chemicals or water, it can cause the components to degrade and malfunction.
In addition, if the scales are moved to and from extreme temperatures, it can affect the internal mechanisms which can result in inaccurate measures too.
As such, if you notice any signs of rust or degradation, it may be time to replace your scales.
The Bottom Line
Deciding if it’s time to replace your industrial weighing scale can be a challenge, but if you’re constantly provided with unstable, unclear, and inaccurate readings, that’s a strong indication for doing so. The same applies if your scales look visibly damaged.
If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, you’ll want to replace your scales so you can have peace of mind you’re not going against any regulations required if your business is dependent on recording weight, i.e. freight
The good news is, the above signs can take some time before they appear. And so, if you notice any problems, no matter how small they seem, it’s best to contact a repair service right away before it becomes worse and makes your scales inoperative.
Want to know more? Get in touch today.
Take a look at our Vehicle Weight Checker solutions in the meantime.
You may also like: