The Importance of Scale Calibration
Using a scale on a regular basis in your business will cause a lot of wear and tear on your scale. Eventually your scale will start to lose accuracy and will need to be calibrated. It is essential that scales are as accurate as possible. Ultimately the goal should be that even though you’ve had a scale for years, you still want it to operate as if it were new.
Unfortunately, when a scale is used often there are factors that contribute to the scale’s loss of accuracy. That is where scale calibrations come in. This article will break down the importance of scale calibration and will help you to maintain a scale that is as accurate as possible for many years to come.
WHAT IS SCALE CALIBRATION?
Scale calibration is a process used to determine the accuracy of a scale. To ensure that the scale calibration is performed properly, you need to use test weights for the calibration. Using a random item to calibrate the scale is not a good way to attain accuracy and will most likely cause more problems. Test weights are weights that are used in scale calibrations. The reasoning is that Calibration weights are assigned a class which is based on the accuracy or tolerance of the weight. The calibration weights used in this process have been previously measured on an accurate scale device, and are then compared to your own scale under similar circumstances.
WHY DO I need to Calibrate my scale?
The purpose of scale calibration is to ensure that your scale is at the highest level of accuracy possible. Just about every scale will need a calibration at some point in its life. Even the most reliable scales will need to be calibrated. Granted the calibration may not be as frequent, but that all depends on how often the scale is being used, and how often calibration occurs.
In order to maintain accuracy in your scale, professional calibration services should be a part of your maintenance routine. Keeping a high standard for accuracy in your scale systems ensures that you can rely on your scale data and assures your customers that you’ve done your due diligence in keeping accurate weight data. American Scale Company offers scale calibration services for all different scale types.
In addition to maintaining a high standard for accuracy, routine calibration services can also serve as an opportunity for professional scale technicians to identify potential scale problems early and provide any needed repairs. Routine maintenance will save you money over the lifespan of your scale system since calibration and small repairs are generally much less expensive than replacements and the losses you may be accruing from an inaccurate scale.
WHEN should you calibrate your SCALE?
Deciding when you should have your scale calibrated will really depend on a few factors such as; length of use, frequency of use and even the type of environment the scale is in. There are many common scenarios that require the use of scale calibration services. The most vital calibration for your scale system occurs when you install a brand new scale. Before you ever use the scale for commercial or industrial purposes, performing professional calibration on the scale guarantees that you are beginning with accurate measurements.
In general the rule of thumb seems to be to have a scale calibrated twice a year. But to ensure accuracy is consistent, then it is better to have your scale calibrated every quarter. This will help give peace of mind about your scale and whether it is accurate. Also when getting a scale calibrate, the technicians who are performing the calibration will first perform an inspection of the scale. The inspection can help identify other potential issues besides just scale calibration.
Closing Words
Accuracy is paramount when it comes to scales and weighing, an inaccurate scale can really cause you a lot of lost time and money, if not remedied quickly. Remember that in the long run if you have an inaccurate scale then you will lose a lot of potential profits. Consider how important an accurate weight is to your business. If your company can’t afford to have even the slightest inaccuracy in weight, it’s likely that more frequent calibrations will be necessary.
At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale systems related, including products from the top scale manufacturers. Be sure to check out our truck scale articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership. Also, take a look at our“Common Problems With Bench Scales'', to help prolong the lifespan on your scale.