How to Choose the Right Industrial Scales? 8 Critical Considerations

Published on July 31st, 2025 at 03:27 am

In modern industrial production, logistics, and commercial trade, industrial scales serve as critical measurement equipment, with their performance directly impacting production efficiency, product quality, and operational costs. According to industry research, the global industrial scale market is expanding at an annual rate of over 5%, driven by the growing demand for precise measurement across various sectors. However, with the wide range of industrial scale products available on the market, selecting the most suitable equipment for one’s needs has become a challenge for many businesses. This article will delve into the core factors to consider when choosing industrial scales from multiple dimensions, providing comprehensive guidance for corporate decision-making.

I. Clarify the Type of Industrial Scale and Its Applicable Scenarios

In modern industrial production, logistics, and commercial trade, industrial scales serve as critical measurement equipment, with their performance directly impacting production efficiency, product quality, and operational costs. According to industry research, the global industrial scale market is expanding at an annual rate of over 5%, driven by the growing demand for precise measurement across various sectors. However, with the wide range of industrial scale products available on the market, selecting the most suitable equipment for one’s needs has become a challenge for many businesses. This article will delve into the core factors to consider when choosing industrial scales from multiple dimensions, providing comprehensive guidance for corporate decision-making.

• Platform Scales: As the most versatile industrial scales, platform scales feature a large weighing surface and flexible load capacity (typically ranging from hundreds of kilograms to several tons). They are widely used in scenarios such as warehouse cargo weighing and in-process measurement on production lines. Their advantage lies in accommodating irregularly shaped goods and offering easy operation.

（Electronic Platform Scale PS Series）

• Floor Scales: Designed for heavy-duty goods, floor scales can handle loads of tens to hundreds of tons, primarily used for weighing large vehicles like trucks and containers. They often adopt a modular design, allowing in-ground installation, and are paired with ramps to enable quick loading and unloading of vehicles.

（Single Layer Floor Scale PS Series）

• Forklift Scales:Seamlessly integrated with pallet handling systems in logistics and warehousing, pallet scales allow weighing directly on standard pallets, reducing the need for secondary handling of goods. For high-frequency weighing scenarios such as e-commerce warehouses and distribution centers, pallet scales significantly improve operational efficiency.

(Electronic Pallet Scale YCS Series)

• Bench Scales: Compact and highly accurate, bench scales are suitable for weighing small components in workshops or sample testing in laboratories. Some models also integrate counting functions, enabling batch part counting based on unit weight.

(Stainless Steel Tube Platform Scale TYG Series)

• Specialized Industrial Scales: These include explosion-proof scales, waterproof scales, and corrosion-resistant scales, designed for specific environments. For example, chemical workshops require explosion-proof scales to prevent static-induced hazards; the food processing industry needs stainless steel waterproof scales to meet hygiene and cleaning standards.

（Ultra-low Platform Scale）

II. Precision and Accuracy: Core Indicators of Measurement

• Resolution: Refers to the smallest weight change a device can detect. For instance, a scale with a resolution of 0.1kg can measure to one decimal place. For high-precision scenarios such as electronic components and precious metals, high-resolution equipment is necessary; however, for bulk cargo weighing, excessively high resolution may cause data fluctuations due to environmental interference.
• Repeatability: The consistency of results when weighing the same object multiple times. High-quality industrial scales should limit repeatability errors to within the minimum division value. This is particularly important in batch production quality control—poor repeatability may lead to misjudgment of qualified products as unqualified, or vice versa.
• Linear Error: The deviation between actual and theoretical weight values across the entire measuring range. For example, a scale with a 1000kg capacity should have evenly distributed errors at points like 200kg, 500kg, and 800kg, avoiding sudden error increases in any interval.
• Calibration Mechanism: Even high-precision industrial scales require regular calibration to maintain performance. Some high-end devices feature automatic calibration, which triggers based on environmental temperature and usage frequency; manual calibration, on the other hand, requires professionals to operate with standard weights. Businesses should choose based on their technical capabilities and establish a calibration schedule (e.g., monthly or quarterly).

III. Load Capacity: Matching Actual Load Requirements

• Maximum Capacity: The maximum weight a device can handle, which must exceed the daily maximum load. For example, if daily weighing involves 5-ton goods, a scale with an 8-10 ton capacity should be chosen to avoid accelerated aging of components due to long-term full-load operation.
• Minimum Weighing Capacity: The smallest weight a device can accurately measure. If frequent weighing of light items is required, ensure the minimum capacity is significantly lower than common light loads. For example, a floor scale with a 10-ton capacity and a minimum weighing capacity of 10kg cannot accurately weigh 5kg goods.
• Overload Protection: High-quality industrial scales are equipped with mechanical or electronic overload protection. When the weight exceeds 120%-150% of the maximum capacity, they automatically cut off the signal output from load cells to prevent equipment damage. This function is particularly important in logistics and other scenarios where sudden overloads may occur.

IV. Material and Durability: Withstanding Industrial Environment Challenges

Scale Body Materials and Applicable Industries

Applicable Industries:

• General warehouses (for storing dry packaged goods such as cartons and woven bags)
• Construction material storage (weighing non-corrosive materials like steel and cement bags)
• Logistics transfer stations (weighing goods during loading/unloading in non-humid environments)
• Metal processing workshops (weighing semi-finished components in dry environments).
  Note that long-term exposure to high humidity or mild corrosive gases may cause carbon steel to rust, requiring regular maintenance.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel, with its excellent corrosion resistance and easy cleanability, is a core choice in mid-to-high-end industrial scenarios, with 304 grades being the most widely used:

• 304 Stainless Steel: Contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, resistant to daily moisture and weak acids/alkalis (eg：cleaning agents in food processing).

Applicable Industries:

1. Food processing (meat, baking, beverage production, etc., requiring frequent cleaning and disinfection)
2. Pharmaceutical packaging (weighing raw materials in capsule and tablet production workshops, meeting hygiene standards)
3. Cosmetics manufacturing (measuring paste and liquid raw materials to avoid metal contamination)
4. Electronic assembly (weighing components in dry, dust-free environments to prevent corrosion from fingerprint residue)

Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum alloy is known for its lightweight properties (density is only 1/3 of steel) and good mechanical strength. Anodizing treatment on its surface can improve corrosion resistance, but it may be damaged by long-term contact with saltwater or strong acids.

Applicable Industries:

• Portable weighing equipment (e.g., handheld bench scales for on-site weighing in logistics and express services)
• Aerospace component production (high-precision weighing of lightweight materials, requiring the equipment itself to be lightweight)
• Automobile assembly lines (mobile weighing scenarios in workshops, such as temporary sampling of components)
• Agricultural lightweight weighing (weighing small agricultural supplies and seeds in plastic greenhouses).

Impact of Structural Design on Durability

• Sealing Technology: Choose industrial scales with an integrated sealing design to prevent dust and liquid from entering internal circuits through wiring ports or button gaps (eg：IP65-rated sealing can withstand high-pressure water gun flushing).
• Load-Bearing Structure: Frames made of thickened steel or integrally formed technology can improve impact resistance, suitable for scenarios with frequent loading/unloading of heavy objects (e.g., weighing during logistics forklift operations).
• Selection of Vulnerable Parts: Prioritize well-known brands for core components such as sensors and connecting wires to reduce failures caused by component aging (eg：stainless steel sensors have a 30% longer service life than ordinary alloy sensors).

V. Functions and Intelligence: Enhancing Operational Efficiency

• Tare/Zero Setting: Can deduct container weight to directly display net weight of goods, one of the most commonly used functions.Unit
• Conversion: Supports switching between units such as kilograms, pounds, and tons, suitable for enterprises with import/export businesses.
• Data Storage: Can record the latest dozens to hundreds of weighing data for easy traceability and query.

Advanced Functions:

• Communication Interfaces: RS232/RS485 for connecting to computers or PLCs to realize real-time data transmission; Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are suitable for wireless networking, such as synchronous weighing data in smart warehouses.
• Printing Function: Integrated with a micro-printer, it can instantly print weighing tickets containing information such as time, weight, and operator, facilitating process traceability.
• Counting/Batching: Counting scales calculate quantities based on unit weight, suitable for inventory checking in parts warehouses; batching scales can preset formula ratios and automatically prompt for material addition, improving production precision.
• Intelligent Integration: Some high-end industrial scales can connect to MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), linking weighing data with production planning, quality inspection, and other links to achieve full-process automated management.

VI. Operating Environment: Adapting to Special Conditions

• Temperature: Extreme high or low temperatures can affect sensor precision. Ordinary industrial scales have an operating temperature range of -10℃~40℃. For cold storage (-20℃ or lower) or steel workshops (50℃ or higher), choose low-temperature/high-temperature specialized models.
• Humidity and Dust: Humid environments easily cause short circuits, while excessive dust may block mechanical components. In addition to selecting high-seal-rated equipment, auxiliary devices such as protective covers and dehumidifiers can be used.
• Vibration and Impact: Mechanical vibrations in workshops and frequent impacts from goods can affect weighing stability. Choose industrial scales with shock-absorbing devices or reduce external interference by installing shock-absorbing pads.
• Electromagnetic Interference: Nearby large motors, welders, and other equipment may generate electromagnetic signals that interfere with scale readings. In such cases, select products with EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) certification.

VII. Regulatory Compliance and Certification: Baseline for Industry Access

• Metrological Certification: Industrial scales used for trade settlement (eg：floor scales) must pass national mandatory verification and obtain a Certificate of Pattern Approval (CPA); otherwise, their measurement results have no legal effect.
• Industry Standards:

1. Food Industry: Must comply with FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) or GB 4806 (China’s food contact material standards) to ensure non-toxic and easy-to-clean materials.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry: Must adhere to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), requiring equipment surfaces to be smooth and free of dead corners to avoid microbial growth.
3. Explosive Environments: In chemical, oil, and gas industries with flammable and explosive gases, industrial scales must obtain ATEX (EU) or IECEx (international) certification to ensure safety.
4. International Certification: For exported products, understand certification requirements in target markets, such as NTEP certification in North America and CE certification in Europe, to avoid customs clearance issues due to non-compliance.

VIII. Total Cost and After-Sales Service: Guarantee for Long-Term Use

• Procurement Cost: Prices of industrial scales vary significantly by brand and configuration. Low-cost equipment may compromise on materials and precision, leading to higher long-term costs due to frequent failures and high energy consumption.
• Maintenance Cost: Includes calibration fees, replacement of vulnerable parts (e.g., sensors, displays), and maintenance labor. Choosing brands with high market share ensures sufficient accessory supply and lower maintenance costs.
• After-Sales Service: High-quality brands offer installation, operation training, and regular inspections. Confirm the service provider’s response speed (e.g., on-site visits within 24 hours) and warranty period (usually 1-3 years) to avoid production delays due to unaddressed equipment failures.

Conclusion: A Tailored Selection Strategy