Warehouse Scales

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There are many different types of scales used regularly in warehouses. Most frequently, large platform scales are used, but often you will also see drum scales, bench scales, counting scales, weigh rails and beams. Each of these types of scales has a specific and unique use. However, there are some similarities between the scale types. Warehouse scales tend to be made out of strong, durable materials such as aluminum, steel or stainless steel. It is important that these warehouse workhorses are sturdy, resistant to chemicals that may be present in the warehouse, and easy to clean. Most scales manufactured for warehouse use come with a digital display. Digital displays are more exact, easier to read, and often come with USB functions that allow information to be transferred directly from the scale to a computer.

While warehouse scales have much in common, there are distinct differentiations between types, and even within categories of scale. For example, platform scales can vary greatly from scale to scale depending on a number of factors. The easiest to note is platform size, which can range from somewhat small to quite ...
... large. The profile of most platform scales tends to be very low so that large objects can easily be placed on the scale for weighing. Capacity is another factor. Usually, a platform scale will weigh up to either 500 or 1000 pounds, although other capacities exist.

Other Warehouse Scales

Bench Scales: Bench scales are somewhat similar in function to platform floor scales and are the next most frequently found scales in industrial settings. Their platform size tends to be on the smaller side, so they are typically not used to weigh extra large items. Naturally, they have a lower weight capacity than warehouse platform scales, usually up to about 150 lb.

Counting Scales: Parts counting scales are made to be able to easily determine the weight of an individual small object when many of these identical parts are placed on the scale together. The way counting scales work is rather ingenious. First, a small number of easily counted parts or pieces are placed on the scale and then the total number of these pieces is put into the digital keypad panel on the front of the scale. The scale then divides the total weight of the objects by the number input, giving a very accurate individual weight for each piece. Finally, a large amount of uncounted parts or pieces is placed on the scale. The scale still has the weight of the individual pieces in its memory, and the amount of the total weight is then divided by this number, resulting in the total number of pieces weighed. Because the piece weight must be determined to very high accuracy, ultra precision scales are a good choice for this task.

Drum Scales: In warehouses, chemicals are generally stored inside drums. There are many reasons why these chemicals would need weighed inside these drums, the most common being for shipping purposes or inventory. Since the drums can hold anywhere between 500 and 800 pounds, drum scales need a capacity of at least 1000 pounds.