Types of Weighing Scales OR Weighing Balances

Weighing scales or balances come in a wide range of shapes and sizes each suited to a specific application. These scales have uses in medical, personal health, kitchens, and countless industries of all sizes and types. Using the right kind of scale can ensure a more accurate and reliable measurement of the objects under consideration.

This is why you need to learn about the major weighing scale types and their applications. This way you will be able to identify the kind of scale that will work the best in your particular case.

Following are the main types of weighing scales or weighing balances that you can choose from:

• Semi-Micro and Analytical Balances
• Precision Scales
• Bench Scales
• Counting Scales
• Medical Scales
• Crane Scales
• Kitchen Scales
• Health and BMI Scales
• Luggage Scales
• Portable Scales

1. Semi-Micro and Analytical Balances

These belong to a highly sophisticated class of weighing scales that can measure values as small as 0.0001 g to 0.00001g (0.01mg). As these scales are used mostly to weigh minimal quantities of very fine samples, they have low capacity. 

The analytical balances are covered with a transparent protective shield which makes sure the sample to be measured is not disturbed by external factors like air or dust particles.

These scales are mostly used in laboratories and research centers where a high degree of accuracy in readings is needed.

2. Precision Scales

Precision balances offer slightly less readability i.e., about 0.1g to 0.001g than analytical balances. However, they are still much more accurate than regular platform scales used in departmental stores and kitchens.

These scales are equipped to handle greater capacities and they give reliable results even in more rigorous conditions. Precision balances find applications in food processing and production, quality testing, and construction just to name a few.

3. Bench Scales

These scales are typically placed on counters, tables, workbenches, or other flat surfaces. These scales are larger which means they can occupy more space and consequently offer higher capacity.

These scales have longer battery lives and a short mobilization time. Bench scales offer a readability of about 0.05 g and they can easily handle weights in the range of 1.5 Kg to 60 kg. These scales are a suitable option for industrial, warehouse, manufacturing, and retail business applications.    

4. Counting Scales

Often used in groceries and supermarkets, these scales can efficiently weigh and count multiple identical items. The displays of these scales show the weight of a single object, the total weight, and the number of pieces placed on the platform. 

Some of these scales also come with features like preset tare, zero-tracking, and parts counting optimization. 

5. Medical Scales

Medical or health scales are used to measure the weights of adults, children, and babies. Some of these scales also allow you to measure your height. Some of these scales also include BMI or Body Fat Percentage measurement features. 

These scales are found in hospitals, clinics, schools, and gyms where they allow individuals to keep track of their fitness and health.    

6. Crane Scales

Cranes scales or hanging scales measure the weights of very heavy objects by hanging them with hooks. These scales are made from metal alloys or polycarbonate materials. These scales have large displays and they can be used to weigh objects as heavy as 10,000 Kg.

The hooks of these scales allow very easy integration into a wide range of machinery. These features make them suitable for heavy-duty weighing in industrial plants and large construction sites.   

7. Kitchen Scales

These scales come in different shapes, sizes, and capacity ranges based on the types of ingredients you need to weigh. These scales can weigh up to 10 Kg however, you can also find kitchen scales that offer greater capacity. 

With these scales, you can measure dry ingredients with much greater precision without risking spillage or creating a mess on your kitchen counter.    

8. Health and BMI Scales

These personal scales are used by individuals looking to improve their overall health and adopt a healthier lifestyle. These scales have greater readability, compact designs, and various advanced features like built-in memory, WIFI, and smartphone connectivity.

These scales can measure things like your body mass index (BMI), water ratio, fat percentage, and lean mass. Health and fitness scales are also found in gyms, schools, and clinics to help professionals better assess their patient’s health and fitness.        

9. Luggage Scales

These lightweight scales come with a strap and a hook. You can measure up to 50 Kg with these scales. Luggage scales allow both passengers as well as traveling companies to ensure the luggage doesn’t exceed the standard limits.

With luggage scales, you can balance your luggage to ensure every piece weighs equally and the luggage doesn’t violate travel restrictions. These scales are used by shipping industries, trains, and businesses to ensure every passenger travels with the right amount of luggage.

10.  Portable Scales   

These scales range from basic weighing scales to more advanced instruments having features like counting or dynamic weighing. These scales can offer readabilities in the range of 0.001g-0.05 kg. 

Portable weighing scales are more compact and lightweight which allows for easier transportation. These scales also come in pocket-sized versions. They are an ideal option for use in classrooms, kitchens, and catering/food services where the need for heavier and sensitive weighing balances is not that much.

Conclusion

Understanding different weighing scale types and their uses is extremely important when you are considering buying a scale for your business or personal use.

Without proper due diligence, you might end up with scales that will not have the capacity to handle your specific needs, and that will also affect the accuracy of the measured readings.

So, pay full attention to the functionalities and applications of different weighing scales and choose one that offers more convenience as well as greater accuracy. Visit Accurate Meezan to buy weighing scales and balances for a wide range of personal, business, and commercial applications.