In a variety of areas - from household to industrial - scales can come in handy. Types of scales are very different, and they differ not only in size, but also in functional characteristics and capabilities. Modern manufacturers offer the purchase of such devices of various types, sizes, designs and configurations, depending on the features of their operation and purpose.
Mechanical
Depending on the type of weighing mechanism, all scales are divided into mechanical, electromechanical and electronic. The former operate on the basis of the interaction of the linkage system and weights, while the information is displayed by an arrow mechanically connected to the linkage system . In fact, these are traditional and familiar scales. The types of scales of this type attract attention at a low price. But such devices require competent maintenance, since operations on lubrication, cleaning and tuning of such devices cannot be dispensed with.
Electromechanical
The weighing process in such scales is carried out by the interaction of the leverage system with weights, while information about the load is displayed using an electronic device. Such devices are good for ease of reading, but the mechanical parts of the equipment quickly wear out. In addition, the repair of such scales is not an easy one.
Electronic
These are the most modern and easy to use scales. Types of scales of this type have a special weighing mechanism - based on a sensor that provides a signal about the load on the indicator. If you follow the rules of operation, such scales can last a very long time. The main requirement is to comply with the restrictions on weighing, that is, do not exceed the specified weight. Otherwise, the sensor may fail.
Among the advantages of such devices, one can single out the simplicity of weighing, reliability, and the ability to calculate the amount taking into account the price and weight of the goods automatically. Compared with the models described above, electronic ones have better resistance to mechanical factors and platform displacement. But there are also disadvantages that are expressed in the high cost of the sensor and the difficulties of replacing it.
For trade
There are at least 5 types of scales that are used in the field of trade. These include:
- packing;
- commodity (for warehouse);
- for counter trade;
- for self-service stores;
- label printing scales.
A feature of trade scales is their equipment with displays, which can be up to 6 pieces. They are located either on the case, or on a separate remote rack. Such scales are multifunctional, distinguished by a thoughtful design and allow you to carry out calculations as clearly and correctly as possible.
Types of Trading Weights
Any trading scale has a two-sided display so that both the seller and the buyer see the parameters of the goods being weighed. These are perhaps the most numerous scales in the classification. The types of scales for trade are as follows:
- Counter devices calculate the cost of the goods after entering data on the price per kilogram, summarize the cost of several purchases, calculate change.
- For self-service stores, special scales are offered that can label goods and print receipts (they print a label on which information about the product is displayed - its cost per kilogram, the final cost for the quantity of goods weighed, expiration dates).
- Filling scales are widely used in shops, catering establishments, when the packaging of piece goods is carried out. Most models are types of electronic scales that can be used in the industrial field (when packing hardware), pharmacies. Such equipment may have special protection against dust and moisture or two-sided weight indication.
- Commodity scales for a warehouse are the most massive devices capable of weighing goods weighing from 60 kg to 2 tons. They are placed on the floor, and their usable area is associated with a maximum weight limit.
- Label printing scales: widely used in self-service stores. Such devices are equipped with a thermal printer that prints self-adhesive stickers. They indicate all the characteristics of the product that the consumer needs.
Postage
Postal scales differ in accuracy of measurement, since they are associated with determining the weight of a parcel, parcel, or letter. The most functional electronic models that are more expensive. But they have numerous advantages:
- a board that displays the weight of the mail product;
- the ability to automatically select discreteness and limits;
- good level of protective properties;
- built-in self-diagnosis system;
- the ability to connect to a computer.
You can pick up postal scales for both light and small items, as well as for bulky goods.
Industrial
There are various types of scales that are widely used in industry. So, platform devices are specific devices that are used by logistics companies, mail, manufacturing enterprises. All industrial scales are placed on the floor and are bulky designs. They are designed specifically to weigh loads in various industries. Depending on the modifications, they can be mobile, shockproof, moisture and dustproof.
No less popular in the industry are scales such as railcars, cranes, monorails, and automobiles. All of them are distinguished by a massive design and a large platform area, designed to weigh overall goods.
Crane scales
Types, types of industrial equipment pleasing variety. For example, crane scales are measuring devices that allow you to measure the weight of a load in suspension. The use of such equipment is advisable in city ports, metal depots, freight stations and industrial enterprises. Crane scales are distinguished by accuracy of weighing, load-receiving device (bucket, hopper), installation method (mobile, suspended), and the way to achieve equilibrium. By the volume of the measured load, crane models are designed for a weight of 1 to 10 tons.
Such scales are mechanical and electronic. The latest models are more accurate and promising, although many enterprises are still equipped with mechanical equipment.
Automotive
These precision instruments are designed for weighing cars and road trains. It is advisable to use such scales in the ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, food and chemical industries, agriculture and construction. Depending on the weighing method, truck scales measure when the vehicle is fully driven in. Such systems are built without foundations. Some models are designed to weigh the individual axles of the car, after which the indicators are considered together.
Separately, it should be said about portable truck scales. They differ in light weight, low cost and thoughtful dimensions, which makes it possible to install them for weighing on any area.
Pallet
This type of balance is designed for weighing loads on pallets. Such devices are widely used in warehouse and logistics facilities. These innovative designs are compact, but are used to weigh large loads. Most often, models are equipped with an electronic display, which makes managing the scales easier and more convenient. The load receiving device in such scales is a U-shaped platform in which 4 sensors are built. With ease of use, the equipment is very reliable, since it does not have moving parts. As standard, pallet scales have many additional features.
Household options
Different types of scales can be used in everyday life, and they differ in a variety of designs and design solutions. Depending on the type of device, they come with a weighing bowl or with a platform with removable stands. Conventional scales with a bowl are used to weigh bulk, watery products, and the use of additional containers is not required. Devices with a platform are needed to measure goods or objects of different sizes.
The main types of scales that are used in everyday life are either mechanical or electric. Devices that allow us to determine our mass are in great demand. Such devices are designed for weight up to 300 kg. Some modern models may be supplemented by a body fat analyzer. Diagnostic scales deserve special attention .
In medicine
There are types of special scales that are used in the medical field. Such devices are always floor mounted mechanical or electronic. In mechanical structures, the main element of the weighing device is in the form of a measuring spring. Of course, it is not necessary to talk about the high level of accuracy of such weights, therefore, when measuring, the error is necessarily taken into account. Electronic devices for medicine are available in different types:
- simple - that is, with a digital display and mechanical filling;
- high accuracy.
It is clear that the accuracy of measurements in electronic scales will still be much higher. Scales on which newborns are weighed in hospitals and clinics are also considered medical. Such models have compact dimensions, a special platform for the location of the child and a display on which all the information necessary for the doctor is displayed.
For laboratories
Modern types of scales are highly accurate and allow measurements in various fields. So, laboratory devices are widely used not only in medicine, but also in laboratories of various enterprises, banks, jewelry workshops. Their peculiarity is that they can have additional functions.
For example, they perform hydrostatic weighing, that is, determine the density of liquids or solids, perform dynamic weighing (measurement of non-static objects). Calibration in the laboratory balance will be performed by an external weight or in automatic mode. A distinctive feature of such devices is the availability of several units of measurement. Moreover, professional and expensive models have an expanded package of functions. Thus, it is possible to select models of scales for specific goals and functional features.