While technology has evolved significantly in the weighing industry over the years, a lot has stayed the same. One of the most important functions of any scale, regardless of industry, is accuracy. The primary way that scales remain accurate is through a process called calibration. A scale that is not properly calibrated can yield inaccurate measurements, which are essentially meaningless in any type of commercial application.
At Arlyn Scales, we’ve been a leader in the scale industry for more than 30 years. In this time, we’ve leveraged the power of technology to design and produce some of the most accurate, rugged and user-friendly scales on the market. While the calibration process is extremely complicated for many scales, often requiring scale owners to take their scales out of service for calibration, Arlyn Scales has worked to make our scales as easy to calibrate as possible. In fact, many of our scales require little if any calibration, which if necessary at all, can typically be done out in the field. In this article, we’re going to explore more about the importance of calibration and show you how easy it is to calibrate one of our scales.
Calibration is Key for Proper Scale Usage
As mentioned above, regardless of the type of scale that you purchase, it must be properly calculated to provide accurate measurements, regardless of industry. With a scale purchased from Arlyn Scales, you’ll have a measuring instrument that is calibrated in a state of the art factory and is instantly ready to provide years of service. Scales that are manufactured in our facility feature a self-calibration feature that is built-in to each model and help to account for any variations in temperature, as well as the degradation of certain components over time. Because our scale calibration process can be done in the field, it allows our customers to keep their scales in service, which typically translates into less time lost and ultimately more profits for the company.
How do I Know if my Scale Needs to be Calibrated?
The first thing that needs to be determined is whether your scale actually needs to be calibrated. The last thing that you want to do is recalibrate a scale that doesn’t need calibration, which can result in weight reading errors. To check whether you need to calibrate your scale or not, it’s important to take note of the following tips related to scale calibration:
- Calibrate scales on a regular schedule – Best practices related to scale calibration suggest that scale owners should calibrate their scales at set intervals, usually no more than once or twice per year. Contact your scale manufacturer to come up with a calibration scale based on how you plan to use your scale.
- Scale is moved – One instance where scale calibration may be needed, is if you physically move the scale itself. Any time that a scale is moved, most scale manufacturers will suggest that the unit be recalibrated.
- Weight readings fluctuating – There may be times that you place an item on the scale platform and the weight reading fluctuates, and never settles. If this happens, make sure the scale is not on a vibrating surface, or that it is being exposed to air currents. Air vibrations can significantly affect smaller capacity scales, such as magnetic force restoration scales. Also, check to make sure that the scale is plugged into a clean power line. Certain devices such as electric motors and computers can create interference. RF interference from cell phones or walkie-talkies can also affect the accuracy of weight readings.
How to Calibrate one of our Industrial Scales
If you encounter any of the above issues, yet the suggestions listed don’t resolve them, it may be time to perform a scale calibration. Below we’ve listed how to calibrate one of our industrial scales.
- Scale placement – Make sure that the scale is placed in an area with a stable temperature. The area should also be vibration free, with no detectable air current.
- Calibration mode – To access the calibration mode, access the Set Up Next select Platform Setups and then Span Calibration. You will then be prompted to enter a test weight value.
- Test weight value – When calibrating a scale using a test weight, you’ll want to choose a weight that is well within the scale’s capacity range. At Arlyn Scales, we recommend a weight of around 50% of the scale’s capacity. Refrain from using weights that are less than 10% of the scale’s capacity, as these could produce an inaccurate calibration. Input the test weight value using the scale keypad.
- Make sure scale platform is clear – Ensure that the scale platform has been cleared of any objects. Also, check to be sure that nothing is rubbing against the scale platform, the legs are solidly touching the floor, and the level legs are not screwed in so tightly that they’re inhibiting the load sensor. Press
- Press the Calibrate button on the scale indicator
- Place test weight on the scale platform – You’ll now be prompted to place a test weight item on the scale platform. Make sure that you place the item on the center of the scale platform. Wait for a few seconds for the scale to stabilize. Press You may see some numbers being shown in the upper left-hand corner of the indicator, which is normal. Once the scale has finished calibrating, the indicator will return to the Platform menu.
Still Have Questions About the Calibration Process?
At Arlyn Scales, we’ve done our best to make the calibration process extremely easy for our customers. However, we understand that you may still need a bit of guidance related to scale calibration. Our experienced staff would be more than happy to talk through the ways in which you use your scale to determine how and when to calibrate your unit. To speak with one of our scale experts about the details of calibrating your scale, feel free to reach out to our team today toll-free at 800-645-4301 or contact us through our online contact form.
