Many industrial processes require some kind of weighing component. When it comes to blending, mixing, packaging, and dispensing operations, among others, scales are called on to automate the manufacturing process, which requires the scale to automatically communicate with other parts of the system.
Arlyn Scales provides a wide range of communication options and control methods so that our scales can seamlessly integrate with your automated system. This includes old industry standards like RS-232 as well as more modern methods such as USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
Communication Options
USB
USB is the most popular PC interface and is compatible with almost any computer system or device. It’s a wired connection that will allow you to connect your scale to other equipment or computerized systems.
Ethernet
Ethernet allows you to connect your scale to your local network. A wired internet connection that connects directly to your router, our Remote Indicator software makes it possible for you to monitor control and export data from your scale to other computerized systems.
Wi-Fi
A wireless connection similar to Ethernet, Wi-Fi allows you to connect your scale with devices that can access your network but may not be within the scale’s immediate vicinity.
RS-232
This option allows your scale to communicate directly with printers, programmable logic controllers, and computers. Our RS-232 option is a bi-directional interface that allows your scale to export data as well as receive commands from computers or other equipment, which means that you can have full remote capability with this option. Our scales’ operating software also includes a print frame definition editor that allows customized outputs such as complex printed labels, which is perfect for packaging and shipping operations.
RS-232 Add On
If you’d like to add time (12 or 24 hour), the day of the week, and / or the date to any of your print frames, our Time and Date add on allows you to do just that. You can set the clock through the indicator’s menu. An internal lithium battery will keep time for up to ten years even if power is removed from the scale.
RS-485
Similar to RS-232 and USB in that it’s a wired connection, RS-485 is different in the distance allowed between your scale and other equipment Ð over 4,000 feet! This robust, long distance “multidrop” protocol can connect several scales and a personal computer on a single line to form a network.
The Arlyn Scales Set Point Controller
For automatic filling and basic PLC (programmable logic controller) functions, use our set point controller. Set up to eight target weights and use them to turn on and shut off feeders, mixers, valves, solenoids, motors and other devices.
The most common use for the set point controller is in automated filling and mixing operations. Input formulas through the set up menu to control how the output lines behave based on the weight applied to the platform. You can input numerous formulas into the scale’s memory and recall them later as necessary.
As an example, let’s say you need to fill a drum with 432 pounds of liquid material. A pump will feed the liquid into a drum that has been set on your cylinder scale. When the scale’s indicator reaches the target weight (432 lbs) the pump will shut off.
You could also use it the opposite way. Let’s say you have a drum that needs to be monitored so it never goes empty. You could automate this process by setting a target weight and, when th e scale indicator reaches that number, the controller will send an electrical signal to your alert system, informing an employee that the drum is close to empty.
The set point controller can also be used for more sophisticated operations. Let’s use the same drum with 432 pounds of material in it. When you turn the pump off at the target weight, there is still some residual liquid in the pump, pipes, or elsewhere. To completely empty the supply line, you could set two target weights Ð one at 420 pounds, which will slow the flow down to a trickle, and another at 432 pounds, which will turn the pump off completely, without leaving liquid behind.
Scale Types
Industrial Scales
All of our industrial bench, cylinder, platform and floor scales feature stainless steel load cells for added durability and accuracy. If you work in an environment with corrosive materials, be sure to ask us about our corrosion resistant scales, which include full stainless steel construction and an optional triple epoxy coating for added abrasion and corrosion resistance.
Ultra Precision Scales
Perfect for manufacturing plants that produce paint, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, or chemical products where miniscule amounts of an ingredient can affect the consistency and final outcome of a product. Accurate up to .0001 pound at a 10 pound capacity and .005 pound at a 500 pound capacity, these scales are sensitive enough to measure small amounts of material but hearty enough to withstand tough industrial conditions. They’re an excellent, cost-effective alternative to much more expensive MFR scales.
Explosion Proof Scales
If you manufacture in a classified hazardous location, our ArlynGuard B, C, F, and P explosion proof scales have one or more components that have been tested and approved to be Intrinsically Safe for use in an impressive range of hazardous locations including:
• Intrinsically safe for use in Class I, II, III; Division I; Groups A through G
• Non-incedive for use in Class I; Division II; Groups A through D
• Suitable for use in Class II; Division II; Groups F & G
• Suitable for use in Class III; Division II
Each ArlynGuard scale is equipped with one or more of:
• Model MKE-5-IS(-C) Digital Weight Indicator System
• Load Cell Models 620-300-IS, 620-100-IS, 620-50-IS, 620-25-IS, 620-10-IS, 520-10000L-IS, 520-5000L-IS, 520-5000IS, 520-2500-IS, 520-1250-IS, 320-500-IS and 320-250-IS
which are FM Approved components as per Approval Standard 3600, 3610, 3611 and 3810.
Custom Built Scales
While most of our scales will integrate flawlessly with your existing manufacturing system, there are cases where unique dimensions are called for. As a factory direct manufacturer, we have the ability to custom design and build a scale that will fit into your existing system. We always invite OEM interest and are happy to make our expert design and production services for those who need a weighing component for a proprietary system.
Contact Arlyn Scales
We’re here to guide you through the scale selection process and help automate your manufacturing processes. Contact us today to learn more about your options!
