In today’s fast-paced industrial world, accurate weighing is crucial for efficient operations and precise measurements. Whether for quality control, shipping, or inventory management, a properly calibrated commercial scale is the backbone of your business.
A reliable scale can save time and money, ensure accurate results, and provide a safe working environment for employees. So keep your scale in check for your business to run smoothly.
We’ll walk you through the essential steps to calibrate your commercial scales, ensuring measurement accuracy and reliable results every time. At Weighing-Net, we understand the importance of precision and are here to help you make the most of your weighing equipment. Here’s your chance to learn the secret to flawless weighing performance — scale calibration.
Understanding Commercial Scale Components
Before diving into scale calibration, it’s essential to familiarize oneself with the primary components of industrial weighing scales:
- Load cells are the heart of any commercial scale, converting force (weight) into an electrical signal that can be measured and displayed.
- Digital indicators — these devices interpret the electrical signal from the load cell and display the weight on a screen.
- The weighing platform is the surface where the item to be weighed is placed.
Types of Calibration Methods
For calibrating industrial scales, three main methods can be used:
- Deadweight calibration
This process involves placing known weights on the scale to verify their accuracy.
- Electronic calibration
It uses an electronic calibration system to simulate weight without physical weights.
- Comparison calibration
As the name suggests, this method compares the scale’s reading with another calibrated reference scale.
How to ensure proper and accurate calibration for industrial scales?
To ensure accurate calibration, follow these preparatory steps: Check the calibration tools and make sure they are in good condition. Ensure the environment is free of any strong vibrations or other external influences. Make sure the sample is properly positioned for the calibration process.
- Select a suitable environment.
First, choose a clean, level, and vibration-free area with consistent temperature and humidity (or other external influences) so nothing interferes with the readings.
- Maintain proper equipment setup
The scale must be leveled, and all load cells should be connected securely to the scale.
- Choose the proper calibration weights
Use certified, traceable weights (such as those conforming to ISO 9001) that cover the scale’s full weighing range. Calibration should be done regularly with the same set of weights. Industrial weighing instruments should be checked against the certified weights on at least an annual basis. Uncertified weights or those not traceable to the national standard should not be used.
Step-by-Step Weighing Scale Calibration Procedure in Industrial Setting
You need to take the following steps to calibrate your commercial scale in order to ensure that it works properly:
Check for visible damage, loose components, or debris on the weighing platform.
Turn on the scale and allow it to stabilise before pressing the “zero” or “tare” button. (How do I use the tare function?)
Place the calibration weights on the platform, starting with the lowest weight and gradually increasing to the maximum capacity.
Compare the scale’s readings with known weight values in order to determine how accurate the scale is. Ideally, the difference should be within the scale’s acceptable tolerance range.
Adjust the scale according to the manufacturer’s instructions if the readings are outside the acceptable tolerance.
For future reference, keeping a record of the date, time, technician, and calibration procedure results is recommended.
10 Factors impacting the accuracy of weighing scale calibration
Several factors can influence the accuracy of calibration for industrial-level scales:
- Environment
The surrounding environment can significantly impact the accuracy of a scale. Variations in temperature, humidity, wind, and even seismic activity can affect the calibration. It’s important to calibrate scales in the same environmental conditions in which they will be used.
- Scale Placement
The location of the scale is also critical. It should be placed on a level and stable surface. Any tilt or instability can lead to inaccurate readings.
- Load Cell Condition
The condition of the load cells used in the scale can affect calibration. If the load cells are damaged, worn out, or not properly maintained, they may not produce accurate readings.
- Calibration Frequency
Over time, scales can drift from their original calibration due to wear and tear. Regular calibration is necessary to ensure that the scales – especially high-precision scales – maintain their accuracy.
- Use of Certified Weights
During calibration, it’s crucial to use certified weights that have been calibrated to a high degree of precision by an accredited body.
- Scale Quality and Design
The design and quality of the scale itself will also have an impact. For example, some scales are more susceptible to shock loading or side loading, which can impact calibration accuracy.
- Operator Skill
The skill of the operator performing the calibration also plays a role. The process should be carried out by a trained and experienced professional who is familiar with the specific scale model and calibration procedure.
- Vibration
Vibrations from nearby machinery or traffic can also impact the accuracy of a scale. Ideally, scales should be located in a place that’s free from excessive vibrations.
- Electrical Interference
Strong electrical or magnetic fields can also interfere with the accuracy of digital scales.
- Mechanical Interferences
This includes things like dirt, dust, rust, or other substances that might get lodged in the mechanical components of the scale, causing it to give inaccurate readings. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help avoid this.
For maintaining the highest level of accuracy, it’s essential to consider all these factors and perform regular calibrations and maintenance checks.
How Often Should You Calibrate?
Determining the ideal calibration frequency for your industrial scales depends on a balance of factors such as usage, environmental conditions, industry requirements, and manufacturer recommendations. Monthly or quarterly calibration may be necessary for heavily used scales or those integral to critical processes. Scales operating in harsh environments, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, or vibrations, may require more frequent checks.
Be sure to consider any specific regulations in your industry, as some sectors like pharmaceuticals, food processing, or aerospace may mandate regular calibration to maintain compliance. Always refer to your scale’s user manual or manufacturer guidelines for their suggested calibration intervals.
Ultimately, it’s essential to establish a calibration schedule that accounts for your unique circumstances and routinely monitor your scale’s performance. Doing so will ensure accurate weighing and optimal performance for your industrial scales.
- Establish a schedule based on factors such as usage frequency, environmental conditions, and industry requirements.
- Be aware of inconsistent readings, sudden accuracy changes, or physical damage that may indicate recalibration.
- Regularly clean the weighing platform and inspect the scale for wear or damage.
Should I Calibrate Commercial Scales Myself?
The decision to calibrate scales in-house or outsource the process to specialists often depends on several factors, such as the type of scales, the complexity of the calibration process, the required precision, and the resources available within your organisation.
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Typically, simple and less critical weighing scales can often be calibrated in-house by trained staff. This may include small laboratory scales, shipping scales, or other general-purpose scales. In-house calibration can save costs and time for these less complex devices. However, proper training and equipment are required to ensure the scales are calibrated correctly.
When Calibration Should Be Done By Specialists?
On the other hand, more complex and high-precision scales are often better calibrated by specialists. This includes scales used in industries like pharmaceuticals, aviation, and manufacturing, where extreme accuracy is essential. Industrial scales, truck and vehicle scales, hanging scales and other large-scale weighing equipment also typically require specialist calibration due to their size and the complexity of the calibration process.
Outsourcing calibration to experts like Gram and their ISOCAL service ensures that the calibration is performed correctly and according to international standards. This not only guarantees the accuracy and reliability of the scales but also provides the necessary documentation for ISO9001 quality system approval and other certifications.
It’s important to note that even if calibration is done in-house, it should be supplemented by periodic checks by an external calibration service to ensure ongoing accuracy and compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Why You Should Calibrate Your Scales Regularly?
Calibrations carried out on a regular basis have several advantages, including the following:
- It ensures your weighing equipment provides consistent and precise measurements, boosting confidence in your weighing results.
- Adherence to ISO 9001 and other regulatory requirements nullifies the risk of non-compliance and penalties.
- A well-maintained and calibrated scale reduces errors, minimises downtime, and enhances overall operational performance.
What is Legal-for-trade calibration?
Legal-for-trade calibration refers to the process of verifying and calibrating weighing devices according to strict regulations and standards to ensure they are accurate and suitable for commercial transactions. In many countries, legal-for-trade scales are required when the weight of a product directly impacts its price, as in the case of selling goods by weight, calculating taxes, or determining tariffs.
Certified technicians or authorised organisations perform legal-for-trade calibrations following guidelines set by national or international regulatory bodies, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States or the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML).
Scales calibrated and certified as legal-for-trade typically undergo a more rigorous testing process than regular calibration, ensuring their accuracy and reliability meet the specific tolerances set by regulatory authorities. Once a scale is deemed legal for trade, it is often marked with an appropriate seal, sticker, or identification number to demonstrate its compliance.
In summary, legal-for-trade calibration ensures that weighing devices used in commercial transactions are accurate, reliable, and adhere to the stringent requirements of the relevant regulatory bodies, fostering fair trade and consumer confidence.
Why certificates are so important in commercial settings?
Understanding the significant benefits of obtaining ISOCAL certification and EC-type approval for your weighing equipment is essential.
Firstly, the ISOCAL certification service, provided by Gram, ensures that your weighing equipment is accurately calibrated and sustains its performance throughout its lifecycle. This certification offers peace of mind and aligns with your ISO9001 quality system approval requirements. Incorporating an automatic calculation feature in the ISOCAL certification software offers highly reliable results, enhancing your confidence ahead of any impending audits.
Secondly, EC-type approval is imperative for legal metrological control. This approval, backed by Gram’s Quality System and the National Measurement and Regulations Office of the UK, affirms that your weighing equipment complies with legal standards across the UK. This double assurance – of both accurate calibration and legal compliance – greatly elevates the credibility and reliability of your weighing processes, bolstering trust among your clients and stakeholders.
Securing Accuracy: The Final Word on Scale Calibration
Mastering the art of proper calibration is an investment in your business’s long-term success. By embracing the calibration process and committing to regular scale maintenance, you guarantee your weighing equipment’s reliability. By achieving this, you will be able to unlock the full potential of your operation.
Weighing-Net’s mission is to empower you with top-of-the-line industrial scales and expert calibration services, creating a seamless weighing experience that drives efficiency, productivity, and growth. So, take the next step in your weighing journey today, and together, let’s tip the scales in your favour!
FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
What types of calibration methods can be used for industrial scales?
Industrial scales can be calibrated using deadweight, electronic, or comparison calibration methods. The choice of method depends on the type of scale, its purpose, and the resources available.
What factors can affect the accuracy of industrial scale calibration?
Several factors can affect calibration accuracy, including the environment, scale placement, load cell condition, calibration frequency, use of certified weights, scale quality and design, operator skill, vibrations, electrical interference, and mechanical interferences.
How often should industrial scales be calibrated?
Calibration frequency depends on factors such as scale usage, environmental conditions, industry requirements, and manufacturer recommendations. Heavily used scales or those operating in harsh environments may require more frequent calibrations.
Should calibration of commercial scales be done in-house or outsourced?
The decision to calibrate scales in-house or outsource depends on several factors, including the type of scales, the complexity of the calibration process, the required precision, and the resources available within the organization.
What is the importance of obtaining ISOCAL certification and EC-type approval for weighing equipment?
ISOCAL certification ensures accurate calibration and performance of weighing equipment, while EC-type approval affirms that the equipment complies with legal standards. Both enhance the credibility and reliability of weighing processes.
