From quality control in manufacturing to inventory checks in warehouses, bench scales help businesses maintain accuracy and compliance. These scales also improve operational efficiency with their reliable weight measurements. Below, we’ll take a look at bench scales in commercial applications.
What Are Bench Scales?
Bench scales are compact weighing devices typically used on a workbench or table, although there are floor options. Bench scales typically have a maximum capacity of 100 to 1,000 pounds and provide highly accurate weight readings to the nearest decimal point. They come in various sizes and shapes and are ideal for industries that require consistent weight measurements.
Unlike truck scales and other weighing solutions, bench scales tend to be portable and space-efficient. Larger models may come with caster wheels to retain portability.
Key Features
Commercial bench scales need to withstand the rigors of daily usage in a demanding workplace. Key features of these scales include:
- NTEP certification for legal trade use
- High-precision load cells for accurate readings
- Tare functionality for deducting container weights
- LCDs for easy reading in various lighting conditions
- Waterproof and dustproof capabilities for harsh environments
Types of Bench Scales
Bench scales come in various types, each designed for specific applications. Here are some common types of bench scales you’ll find on the market:
- Counting scales: Ideal for inventory management and counting small parts
- Shipping and receiving scales: Used to weigh incoming and outgoing shipments accurately
- Washdown scales: Feature rust-resistant materials suitable for food processing and other wet environments
Industries That Use Bench Scales
Commercial bench scales have broad applications. Here’s a look at how different sectors benefit from incorporating these scales into their work.
Manufacturing and Quality Control
Bench scales provide the accuracy necessary for weighing components, ensuring that every item that rolls off the production line meets weight specifications. An automotive parts manufacturer, for instance, can use bench scales to weigh bolts, guaranteeing that every package dispatched from the warehouse contains the correct amount. This prevents customer dissatisfaction about discrepancies between the received and expected product.
Warehouses and Logistics
Efficient inventory tracking is an operationally challenging task that becomes virtually impossible without reliable weighing tools. Bench scales streamline operation models by accurately weighing incoming and outgoing shipments. As a result, they offer the dual benefits of ensuring accurate stock levels and eliminating errors in weight-based billing.
Food and Beverage Industry
Bench scales also find extensive usability in the food and beverage industry. Here, they are an essential instrument for precise portioning and maintaining quality assurance standards. They ensure the right amount of flour goes into baking each batch of cookies or that each package of coffee beans delivered to the market contains consistent quantities. Bench scales’ exact measurements are invaluable in preserving consistency in taste, portion, and presentation.
R & D and Laboratories
In research and development (R & D) laboratories, where precision is nonnegotiable, bench scales are the trusted tools of scientists and researchers. They help weigh chemicals, materials, or prototypes with exceptional accuracy. The clarity that comes from a well-calibrated bench scale supports the processes of experimentation and innovation.
Maritime Industry
In the maritime industry, bench scales help determine issues related to stability and cargo weight. For example, an overloaded vessel poses a significant risk to its crew and cargo. Bench scales help determine the exact weight of shipments before loading onto seagoing vessels, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Tips for Using Bench Scales
Regardless of your industry, bench scales are only useful if you care for them. The required maintenance isn’t very difficult, but it is necessary if you want the device to perform optimally.
Invest in Quality
When purchasing a bench scale, invest in a quality model from a reputable supplier like Prime USA Scales. While cheap alternatives may initially save you money, they are more likely to break down, necessitating costly repairs, replacements, or recalibration. A high-quality bench scale can last for years with proper care and maintenance.
Understand the Capacity
Always check your model’s maximum capacity to ensure accurate measurements. Overloading the scale can damage the load cell and affect accuracy.
Clean Regularly
Bench scales must be regularly cleaned, especially in the food and beverage industry or in pharmaceuticals, where cleanliness requirements are strict. Use mild, soapy water to clean the scale platform, and avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.
Calibrate Often
Calibration ensures that your scale provides accurate readings every time you use it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for calibration procedures and frequency. Some models have self-calibrating capabilities, while others require professional calibration services.
Train Your Team
If your team doesn’t know how to use your bench scales properly, it could have a negative effect on your bottom line. The wrong products may reach customers, or you might accidentally pay for an undersized shipment. You can avoid the hassle by ensuring that every team member is trained to use the bench scales and knows exactly how they work.
Store Properly
Store your bench scales properly to prevent damage and extend their lifespan. Keep them in a dry, clean area away from extreme temperatures or humidity levels. If you’re using the scale outdoors, invest in a protective cover.
How To Tell if You Need a New Bench Scale
If your bench scale is old, or if you chose a poor-quality model, it may be time to consider a replacement. You may need a new bench scale if your measurements have become inconsistent or inaccurate or the display is difficult to read. If the scale has visible wear and tear or physical damage or if there are recurring issues despite professional repairs and maintenance, those are also signs that it’s time to replace the scale.
When your bench scale starts to fall apart, it’s better to replace or fix it as soon as possible. If the calibration is off, you may not be able to tell, and it could lead to costly mistakes down the line.
They are countless uses for bench scales in commercial applications, and at Prime USA Scales, we offer a range of industrial bench scales catering to various needs. Our scales provide high precision, durability, and connectivity. Contact Prime USA Scales today to find the perfect industrial bench scales for your operations, or browse our catalog to explore a range of reliable options.
