Weighing Scales

Weighing scales are versatile devices designed to measure the weight of single or multiple objects. They are commonly used for weighing smaller items, such as jewelry and food. Most scales feature a plate or bowl platform where the item to be weighed is placed. Analogue scales, or mechanical scales, use a spring mechanism to read the weight of the item. Digital scales use the force of the weight to generate an electric signal and provide an accurate weight reading.

Digital scales are particularly suited for applications requiring high precision. Weighing machines offer readings in various units, including grams (g), kilograms (kg), pounds (lbs), and stones (st). Some models provide multiple unit options, making it crucial to select a device that meets your specific needs. You can find more information in our weighing scales guide.

An Overview of Weighing Scale Types

The classification of a weighing scale is determined by its measurement principle, physical form factor, and its intended industrial or laboratory application.

Balance Scales

A balance scale operates on a lever principle, physically comparing an unknown mass against known calibration weights, and is primarily used in educational or foundational laboratory settings where direct mass comparison is required.

Electronic and Digital Scales

These terms define the operating principle where a load cell transducer converts the force of mass into a minute electrical signal. This signal is then amplified, corrected for environmental factors, processed by a microprocessor, and shown on a numerical output.

Industrial Scales

This is a broad classification for any scale engineered for durability in manufacturing or logistics environments. Features often include robust overload protection to prevent damage from dropped loads and heavy-gauge, non-slip checker plate or stainless steel construction.

Bench Scales

These are compact, self-contained scales designed for general-purpose tasks. Common applications include manual checkweighing on food production lines, parts counting for inventory kits, and formulation in chemical mixing stations.

Counting Scales

A specialised scale that calculates the quantity of identical items in a batch by dividing the total weight by a pre-set average piece weight. High-end models feature internal databases for storing multiple piece weights.

Hanging Scales

These instruments are designed for suspended weighing and include everything from portable, lower-capacity models for general workshop use to heavy-duty, certified crane scales for critical lifts.

Crane Scales

A heavy-duty type of hanging scale, engineered to be integrated with a hoist or crane to weigh extremely heavy loads during the lifting process. They are essential for verifying shipping container weights and measuring molten metal ladles.

Pocket Scales

Compact and portable electronic scales designed for high-precision weighing of small items, ideal for field testing, sample analysis, or weighing precious materials where mobility and accuracy are key.

Bathroom Scales

Known as personal scales, they also serve professional roles in clinical or occupational health settings but are built to a lower standard of precision and durability than industrial models and are not suitable for commercial use.

Calibrated Options for Weighing Scale

To meet stringent industry and regulatory requirements, weight measurement scales can be acquired with different levels of calibration. These options ensure that the equipment provides the necessary accuracy and documented proof of performance right from the point of purchase and throughout its operational lifecycle.

Traceability and Certification

Calibration must be traceable through an unbroken chain of documentation to national or international mass standards, with certificates providing auditable proof for quality systems and legal-for-trade applications.

Calibration Frequency

The required interval for calibration is dictated by the criticality of the measurement, the harshness of the environment (e.g., temperature fluctuations, vibration), usage frequency, and internal quality policies like ISO 9001.

Industrial Applications of Scales

Scales are integral across industries, providing essential data for process control, asset management, and regulatory compliance.

Manufacturing and Production

Used for the precise batching and formulation of ingredients and for statistical process control (SPC). In-line checkweighers automatically verify product weights, rejecting out-of-tolerance items to ensure consistent quality.

Logistics and Warehousing

Essential for calculating shipping costs based on actual or dimensional weight, verifying freight manifests against actual weights, and ensuring trucks comply with vehicle axle and gross weight limits.

Agriculture and Farming

Used to weigh livestock for health monitoring and sale, manage precise feed distribution to optimize growth, measure crop yields for performance tracking, and transact bulk produce by weight.

Waste Management and Recycling

High-capacity weighbridges and floor scales are used to weigh incoming materials for billing, providing the foundational data needed for regulatory reporting to environmental agencies and for tracking recycling rates.

How to Choose the Right Weight Measuring Scale

Selecting the correct scale requires evaluating key technical specifications to match the application's demands.

• Capacity and Readability: Match the scale's maximum capacity to the heaviest load and ensure the readability (division) meets the required precision.
• Accuracy and Legality for Trade: Determine if the application requires a certified "trade-approved" model for commercial transactions. This is legally distinct from a scale's factory-stated accuracy.
• Platform Size and Construction: Ensure the platform accommodates the item's footprint and is constructed from a suitable material (e.g., stainless steel) for the environment.
• Ingress Protection (IP) Rating: Select an IP rating that provides adequate protection against dust and liquid ingress. An IP67 rating, for example, ensures protection against temporary immersion in water.
• Operating Environment: Consider ambient conditions and whether a specialised model (e.g., Ex-rated for hazardous areas) is necessary.
• Connectivity and Integration: Evaluate the need for data interfaces like RS-232, Ethernet, or industrial protocols like Modbus for integration with PLCs and control systems.

The Leading Supplier and Distributor of Weighing Scales in Australia

As Australia's trusted partner for industrial weighing scales, RS is your premier source for precision measurement solutions. We offer an extensive inventory from globally recognised manufacturers, including RS PRO, Ohaus, and Kern. Our comprehensive portfolio covers numerous configurations and capacities — from high-precision analytical balances and compact bench scales to robust platform and counting scales — all at competitive price points to meet your project's budget.

To support your quality control and calibration processes, we also supply essential accessories such as certified calibration weights and data loggers. Order your bench scales, industrial floor scales, precision balances, and other weighing instruments online today for delivery across Australia. For complete details regarding our ordering process, nationwide delivery services, and any associated fees, please consult our dedicated delivery page.