Calibration is the heartbeat of accuracy in any warehouse operation. Whether you’re weighing products, raw materials, or shipments, the weighing scales need to be on point, ensuring that every gram is accounted for. In this article, we delve deep into the why’s and how’s of calibrating weighing scales in warehouses, ensuring your operations run as smoothly as clockwork.
Understand Why Proper Calibration Matters
Before jumping into the how-to steps, it’s important to understand why proper calibration is critical. Uncalibrated scales can provide incorrect weights, leading to inaccurate inventory counts, shipping errors, and regulatory compliance issues. By routinely calibrating, you can trust your weight data is precise and avoid these problems.
Legal Requirements
In many jurisdictions, there are stringent legal requirements that dictate the calibration of weighing scales. Ensuring compliance not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also fosters trust with your customers. If you’re wondering what the legal requirements are, read our guide Everything you need to know about scales: Verification, regulation and calibration
Ensuring Accuracy
Accuracy is the linchpin of warehouse operations. Calibration ensures that your scales are providing precise measurements, ensuring consistency, and helping to avoid costly errors. Read here: How to properly calibrate you commercial scale and maintain accurate weighing.
Types of Weighing Scales for Warehouses
Bench Scales
Bench scales are versatile and commonly used in warehouses for smaller items. They are known for their precision and are easy to calibrate.
Floor Scales
Floor scales are designed for heavier items. They provide robust measurements and are an integral part of warehouse operations.
Platform Scales
Platform scales are an indispensable tool for warehouses that manage heavy, bulky items. Their robust construction allows for the accommodation of large loads, while maintaining precision in weight measurement. Calibration of platform scales should be routinely conducted, especially considering the volume and weight they bear, to uphold accuracy and extend the scale’s service life.
Drive-through Scales
Drive-through scales are designed for efficiency, allowing forklifts and pallet jacks to drive directly onto the scale platform. This design minimises the time spent on weighing and maximises workflow within the warehouse. With such dynamic use, drive-through scales must undergo strict and regular calibration procedures to ensure their readings remain reliable despite the constant traffic.
Pallet Scales
Pallet scales are essential for measuring large shipments and palletized goods. They play a crucial role in inventory management and shipment accuracy. Pallet scales are the bridge between individual package weighing and bulk measurement. Essential for inventory management, these scales need to perform under the pressure of heavy, bulk loads and still maintain accuracy. Similar to floor scales, pallet scales also require regular professional calibration, especially given their role in shipping and receiving, where weight discrepancies can lead to substantial logistical issues.
Gram Bull Forklift Weighing System
The Gram Bull Forklift system represents the cutting-edge in wireless forklift weighing technology. This system prides itself on simplicity and efficiency, boasting an easy installation process that allows warehouse operations to commence weighing tasks with minimal downtime. Once installed, the system is connected via WiFi, with the display support located conveniently within the operator’s cabin, allowing for immediate and continuous access to weight data.
Other must-haves for warehouses Dock Equipment, Conveyors and Storage Equipment.
When to Calibrate
Frequency
The frequency of calibration depends on the type of scale and its usage. High-traffic scales require more frequent calibration, ensuring they stay accurate.
Signs of Inaccuracy
If your scales are showing inconsistent readings, or if they have been bumped or moved, it’s time for a calibration check.
Calibration Procedures
Pre-Calibration
Follow A Cleaning and Levelling Process
Prior to calibration, scales need to be cleaned and levelled properly. Remove debris, dust or dirt from the weighing platform. Use a high-quality spirit level to ensure the scale is completely level. This prevents inaccuracies due to improper scale positioning.
Calibration Process
Choose the Right Calibration Weights
Calibration requires known reference weights that certify the accuracy of your scales. You’ll want traceable calibration weights sized appropriately for your scales. For warehouse scales, larger weights of 100 lb, 500 lb or 1000 lb are typical. These calibration weights should conform to standards set by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).
Load and Unload Calibration Weights
Once cleaned and levelled, the scale can be calibrated. Place calibration weights incrementally on the platform until maximum capacity is reached. Allow the scale to stabilise between adding weights. Then remove weights incrementally again until empty. The scale will adjust its internal calibration to match the certified weights.
Verify Accuracy and Linearity
Spot-check accuracy at different test points within the scale’s weighing range. The weights displayed should match your traceable weights within the device’s stated tolerances. Compare low, mid-range and near-max weights to check linearity. Record calibration data for regulatory and maintenance purposes.
Post-Calibration
After calibration, verify the accuracy of the scale with additional known weights. Document the calibration process, noting any discrepancies and actions taken.
Maintaining Calibration
Regular maintenance, coupled with a strict calibration schedule, will ensure your scales remain accurate and reliable. Look out for any signs of wear and tear, and address issues promptly.
Conclusion
Regularly calibrating your industrial weighing scales is a critical quality control procedure for warehouse operations. Following the proper calibration steps outlined in this guide helps ensure you get precise, accurate weights every time. Investing the small amount of time needed to calibrate ultimately saves much bigger headaches down the road. For additional scale calibration tips or to purchase certified weights, contact our team of experts today.
