Modern scales: types of scales. What types of scales are there by design and type? What are scales? Types of scales, device and purpose

In the most different areas- from household to industrial - scales can come in handy. There are many different types of scales, and they differ not only in size, but also functional characteristics and opportunities. Modern manufacturers offer the purchase of such devices different types, size, design and configuration, depending on the characteristics of their operation and purpose.

Mechanical

Depending on the type of weighing mechanism, all scales are divided into electronic and electronic. The former operate on the basis of interaction and weights, with information displayed by an arrow mechanically connected to a system of levers. In fact, these are traditional and familiar scales to everyone. Types of scales of this type attract attention with a low price. But such devices require proper maintenance, since lubrication, cleaning and adjustment of such devices cannot be done without operations.

Electromechanical

The weighing process in such scales is carried out by the interaction of a system of levers with loads, while information about the load is displayed using an electronic device. Such devices are good for easy reading, but the mechanical parts of the equipment wear out quickly. In addition, repairing such scales is not easy.

Electronic

These are the most modern and easiest to use scales. These types of scales have a special weighing mechanism - based on a sensor that sends a signal about the load to the indicator. If you follow the operating rules, such scales can last a very long time. The main requirement is to comply with the weighing restrictions, that is, not to exceed the specified weight. Otherwise, the sensor may be damaged.

Among the advantages of such devices are ease of weighing, reliability and the ability to calculate the amount automatically, taking into account the price and weight of the goods. Compared to the models described above, electronic ones have better resistance to mechanical factors and platform displacement. But there are also disadvantages, which are expressed in the high cost of the sensor and the difficulty of replacing it.

For trade

There are at least 5 types of scales that are used in trade. These include:

• packaging;
• commodity (for warehouse);
• for counter trade;
• for self-service stores;
• scales with printed labels.

The peculiarity of commercial scales is that they are equipped with displays, of which there can be up to 6 pieces. They are located either on the body or on a separate remote stand. Such scales are multifunctional, have a well-thought-out design and allow you to make calculations as clearly and competently as possible.

Types of trade scales

Any trade scales They have a two-sided display so that both the seller and the buyer can see the parameters of the goods being weighed. These are perhaps the most numerous scales according to the classification. The types of scales for trade are as follows:

• Counter-counter devices calculate the cost of goods after data on the price per kilogram is entered, sum up the cost of several purchases, and calculate change.

• For self-service stores, special scales are offered that can mark goods and print receipts (they print a label on which information about the product is displayed - its cost per kilogram, the final cost for the quantity of weighed goods, expiration dates).
• Packaging scales are widely used in stores and catering establishments when packaging individual products. Most models are types of electronic scales that can be used in the industrial sector (for packaging hardware) and pharmacies. Such equipment may have special protection from dust and moisture or double-sided weight indication.
• Commodity scales for warehouses are the most massive devices, capable of weighing goods weighing from 60 kg to 2 tons. They are placed on the floor, and their usable area is related to the maximum weighing limit.
• Scales with label printing function: widely used in self-service stores. Such devices are equipped with a thermal printer that prints self-adhesive stickers. They indicate all the characteristics of the product that the consumer needs.

Postal

Postal scales are distinguished by their measurement accuracy, as they are associated with determining the weight of a parcel, parcel or letter. The most functional are electronic models, which are more expensive. But they have numerous advantages:

• a board displaying the weight of the postal product;
• opportunity automatic selection discreteness and limits;
• good level of protective properties;
• built-in self-diagnosis system;
• ability to connect to a computer.

You can choose postal scales for both light and small items and large items.

Industrial

Exist different kinds scales, which are widely used in industry. Thus, platform devices are specific devices that are used by logistics companies, postal services, and manufacturing enterprises. All industrial scales are placed on the floor and are bulky structures. They are designed specifically to weigh loads in a variety of industries. Depending on modifications, they can be mobile, shock-resistant, moisture- and dust-proof.

No less popular in industry are such scales as carriage, crane, monorail, and automobile scales. All of them are distinguished by their massive construction and large area platform designed for weighing large goods.

Crane scales

The types and types of industrial equipment are pleasingly diverse. For example, crane scales are measuring devices that allow you to measure the weight of a suspended load. The use of such equipment is advisable in city ports, metal depots, freight stations and industrial enterprises. Crane scales are distinguished by weighing accuracy, load receiving device (bucket, hopper), installation method (mobile, suspended), and method of achieving balance. In terms of the volume of measured cargo, crane models are designed for weights from 1 to 10 tons.

Such scales can be mechanical or electronic. More accurate and future-proof latest models, although many enterprises are still equipped with mechanical equipment.

Automotive

These precision instruments designed for weighing cars and road trains. It is advisable to use such scales in ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, food and chemical industries, agriculture and construction. Depending on the weighing method, truck scales measure when the vehicle is fully driven. Such systems are built without foundations. Some models are designed to weigh individual vehicle axles, after which the indicators are calculated together.

It is worth mentioning separately about portable vehicle scales. They are lightweight, low cost and thoughtful dimensions, which makes it possible to install them for weighing in any area.

Pallet

This type of scale is designed for weighing cargo placed on pallets. Such devices are widely used in warehouses and logistics premises. These innovative designs are compact, but are used to weigh large loads. Most often, models are equipped with an electronic display, which makes operating the scales easier and more convenient. The load receiving device in such scales is a U-shaped platform with 4 sensors built into it. While easy to operate, the equipment is very reliable since it has no moving parts. IN standard version Pallet scales have numerous additional functions.

Household options

Different types of scales can be used in everyday life, and they differ in various designs and design solutions. Depending on the type of device, they are available with a weighing bowl or with a platform with removable stands. Conventional scales with a bowl are used for weighing bulk, watery products, and the use of additional containers is not required. Instruments with a platform are needed to measure loads or objects of different sizes.

The main types of scales that are used in everyday life are either mechanical or electrical. Devices that allow us to determine our mass are in particular demand. Such devices are designed to weigh up to 300 kg. Some modern models can be supplemented with a body fat analyzer. Deserves special attention

In medicine

There are types of special scales that are used in the medical field. Such devices are always floor-standing mechanical or electronic. In mechanical structures, the main element of the weighing device is in the form of a measuring spring. Of course, there is no need to talk about a high level of accuracy of such scales, so when measuring, the error must be taken into account. Electronic devices for medicine are produced in different types:

• simple - that is, with a digital display and mechanical filling;
• increased accuracy.

It is clear that in electronic scales it will still be much higher. The scales used to weigh newborns in hospitals and clinics are also considered medical. Such models are compact in size, special platform for the position of the child and a display on which all the information necessary for the doctor is displayed.

For laboratories

Modern types of scales are highly accurate and allow measurements in various fields. Thus, laboratory devices are widely used not only in medicine, but also in laboratories of various enterprises, banks, and jewelry workshops. Their peculiarity is that they can have additional functions.

For example, they perform, that is, determine the density of liquids or solids, and carry out dynamic weighing (measurement of non-static objects). Calibration in laboratory scales is performed using an external weight or automatic mode. Distinctive feature Such devices have several units of measurement. Moreover, professional and expensive models have an expanded package of functions. Thus, it is possible to select scale models for specific purposes and functional features.

Libra was created during antiquity. Ancient models determined the weight of an object with an accuracy of 50 milligrams.

Modern samples require a test pressure of no more than 0.01 grams. This indicator indicates the error allowed when weighing. Scales that do not provide such precise parameters are not allowed to operate.

Features of jewelry scales

The legislation imposes obligations on craftsmen to use devices whose error is no more than 0.01 grams.

However, the law does not spell out the concept “ jewelry scales " Their role can be played by any technique that provides the required measurement accuracy.

If buy jewelry scales, giving an error of 1 gram, they can also be used in work. However, the specialization of such technology is narrow. It is allowed to weigh only metals.

When weighing semi-finished products weighing up to a kilogram, models with a test pressure of no more than 0.01 grams are required.

Jewelry scales 0.01 are also required when calming a mass of stones. However, in this case the error is calculated not in grams, but in .

If weighing between 1,000 and 4,000 carats, a deviation of 0.04 carats is acceptable. When placing stones over 5,000 carats on the bowl, you should set the device to an error of no more than 0.08.

Modern samples for, as a rule, are equipped with a windproof casing. It does not allow settings to be lost when weather conditions change.

Some models have a timer. It records the date and other measurement data.

The memory function allows you to save recordings. Manufacturers have begun to integrate memory into technology. With its help, data is transferred to a computer.

Types of jewelry scales

First category - electronic jewelry scales. Only such, according to the instructions “On the procedure for recording and storing precious metals and stones, products made from them and maintaining records during their production,” can there be a technique for measuring the mass of crystals.

Electronic models are divided into carat and non-carat models. The first ones are used for metals, the second ones are used for metals.

Buy electronic jewelry scales available from 300 rubles. For example, this is how much they ask for a sample. made in China in the store "TIU.RU".

True, the model error is as much as 0.1. Budget equipment is classified as " jewelry pocket scales" The cost of samples from well-known companies with maximum measurement accuracy ranges from 1,300 to 5,000 rubles.

The maximum weight allowed for pocket samples is 2 kilograms. Typically, mini versions are designed for no more than 500 grams.

Buy jewelry pocket scales often decide for personal use. There are separate partitive models for.

Electronic jewelry scales, Pocket or not, they pushed kettlebell and rocker models out of the market. Now, they are sold, perhaps, only at auctions.

They offer the “Avery” model from the English company “W&T”. The product was produced a century ago. Then the scales were placed in wooden cases, the preservation of which adds value to the exhibits.

The general name of kettlebell and rocker samples is mechanical. These are models based on a system of levers, weights and springs. Mechanical scales are much cheaper, but not more accurate than electronic ones.

Price of jewelry scales

On jewelry scales price fluctuates greatly. The cost depends on the size of the model, functions, additional parameters, manufacturer's reputation, measurement accuracy.

There are, for example, jewelry scales 0.001. A device that weighs up to 20 grams costs at least 1,500 rubles.

For samples of such high precision, allowing kilograms of raw materials to be placed on the site, they ask for a minimum of 4,000 rubles.

Equipment with an accuracy of 0.01 grams can be purchased within 1,000, if the maximum weight for weighing is half a kilo.

Such jewelry scales buy in Moscow and other cities offer dozens of companies. The maximum price tag is about 10,000 rubles.

Any jewelry workshop, any pawnshop must have electronic balance. The main purpose of jewelry scales in a pawnshop is to weigh precious metals and stones in laboratories, workshops and stores. In addition, jewelry scales in a pawn shop can be used to determine the weight of items with a high degree of accuracy. Jewelry scales are subject to increased requirements for measurement accuracy. Jewelers and pawn shop employees constantly use scales when working with precious metals and gemstones. Jewelry scales must be able to weigh objects in the measures accepted by jewelers: carats, grams, ounces. Weighing of precious metals, jewelry and other household items made of precious metals and precious stones, scrap and waste from them is produced on scales that provide the necessary weighing accuracy:

gold, platinum, palladium in the form of ingots, semi-finished products and products: with a weight of up to 1 kg - 0.01 g; with a weight over 1 kg - 0.1 g;

gold, platinum and palladium in the form of scrap - 0.1 g;

silver in the form of products - 0.1 g;

silver in the form of ingots, semi-finished products and scrap - 1.0 g

The permissible error limit of the scales used should not exceed the values ​​​​defined by GOST.

What to consider when choosing scales

When choosing scales you need to know:

How much are you willing to spend on purchasing scales?

The division value - or this term is also called the discreteness of the count and is denoted by the letter - d. Both definitions are equivalent terms. Here you need to keep in mind that not a single model of scales can do without specified parameter, it is he who determines the weighing accuracy. The lower the division value, the higher the accuracy of the scale.

The highest weighing limit is the upper limit of the measurement range, or simply put, it is the mass that the scales are able to measure. NPV - important characteristic any scales. The recording of the LEL values ​​is indicated in the documentation of the scales or on their body. If you try to weigh a load heavier than the LEL, the device will most likely display either an incorrect weight or an error message. Often the NEL value for scales is the most important characteristic.

The lowest weighing limit is the lower limit of the measuring range or the minimum mass that the scale can weigh.

Type of scale calibration - the standards stipulate that scales with divisions of up to 1 gram must be calibrated with a weight. In this case, the calibration process can be external (i.e., calibrated with an external weight or several weights) and internal (i.e., the internal mechanism of the scale allows calibration with a built-in weight; in this case, built-in calibration is divided into self-calibration, where the scales themselves determine the calibration time and do not require outside human assistance; automatic calibration its difference from self-calibration is that outside help a person is required for the task of the interval of calibration processes).

Convenience: A number of models have modern graphic display with tips to help you use everything software capabilities without special training. Moreover, in some new models the height of the digits reaches 16.5 mm. Almost all models of this level have full package standard weighing programs: taring, selection of weighing units, quantity counting, summation of samples

The cost of scales also depends on the manufacturer. There are many manufacturers of laboratory scales. The most famous brands in Russia are: Shimadzu, CAS, Shinko, OHAUS, Kern, AND, Sartorius and Mettler Toledo. From Russian manufacturers - Vesservice and Gosmetr.

Verification of measuring instruments is a set of operations performed by the bodies of the state metrological service (other authorized bodies, organizations) in order to determine and confirm the compliance of the measuring instrument with the established technical requirements. Positive results of verification of measuring instruments are certified by a verification mark or verification certificate. Measuring instruments subject to state metrological control and supervision are subject to verification by the State Metrological Service upon release from production or repair, upon import for import and operation. Only certified measuring instruments are allowed to be sold and rented. There are four types of verifications:

primary- produced when scales are released from production or repair or when imported;

periodic- scales in operation are subject to it, the frequency of such verification is once a year;

extraordinary- carried out when operating the scales in following cases: in case of damage to the verification mark (state verifier seal) or loss of the verification certificate, when putting the scales into operation after long-term storage, after re-tuning, if there is a known or suspected impact on the scale or if it is not performing satisfactorily,

inspection- carried out during state metrological supervision in the presence of a representative of the inspected legal entity

Weighing of industrial products, intermediate products, scrap and waste containing precious metals in quantities of less than 5 percent is carried out on scales with a permissible weighing error of +0.05 percent of the weighed mass.

The weight of diamonds and processed gemstones is determined in carats on scales that provide the necessary weighing accuracy. The weighing error, depending on the mass being weighed, should be:

with a weight of up to 1000 carats no more than + 0.01 carats;

with a weight from 1000 to 5000 carats no more than + 0.04 carats;

with a weight over 5000 carats no more than + 0.08 carats.

Weighing of precious stones in raw materials (except for diamonds) is carried out on scales that ensure the weighing accuracy established technical specifications. (when included, as a rule, carats are the basic unit of weighing)

Some important parameters of the scales

Common models of scales used in pawn shops

Humanity has been using devices to determine weight for many centuries - the first mentions of them were discovered 2.5 millennia before new era. Today they are used in many fields of activity; without the participation of these very precise products it is impossible to imagine, for example, trade. There is a wide range of types of scales, so to find out their features, you need to familiarize yourself with their diversity.

Many consumers use these devices in everyday life, but do not think about how they work and how they differ from each other. To fill these gaps, just read our article carefully.

According to GOST 29329–92, all types of scales are classified in this way.

1. Application area.
2. Weighing accuracy: there are two accuracy classes - medium and normal.
3. Location - built-in devices, floor-standing, table-top, hanging, stationary or mobile.
4. Type of balancing device - mechanical, electronic or combined.
5. Load receiving device - hopper, platform monorail, conveyor, bucket or using hooks.
6. The method of achieving balance is automatic, semi-automatic and manual.

All types of mechanical scales are gradually being replaced with more advanced ones, since they do not require large material investments to maintain performance. Electronic analogues have many advantages, for example, in warehouses they are connected to a computer in order to enter materials for their intended purpose into sections of the accounting system when receiving products.

Application area

Weighing devices are used everywhere - today it is difficult to find a field of human activity that does not use various types of scales.

Industrial

Used in manufacturing plants to measure incoming cargo and output products. They have a floor arrangement, because the size is quite significant, as is their own weight. Their modification is as follows:

• mobile;
• impact resistant;
• dust and moisture resistant.

The same products are installed by logistics companies on their warehouse terminals.

Crane

There are situations when it is necessary to weigh cargo when moving it using powerful cranes in a suspended state. The use of such devices is justified in sea and large river ports, at bases for storing construction materials, and at railway freight stations. Crane scales are distinguished by weighing accuracy, as well as lifting capacity in the range of 1-10 tons, installation method.

Automotive

Used for weighing empty or loaded vehicles when they are fully loaded onto the device. Used in the metallurgical, food, chemical industries, various databases, warehouse storage terminals, elevators, as well as in construction and agriculture.

Pallet

Designed for weighing various cargoes on pallets - they are used wherever there is this type of cargo arrangement. The equipment is quite compact, but capable of weighing large loads. For operator convenience, there is a display; the platform where pallets with cargo are installed is equipped with sensors that record weight.

For trade

Commercial scales are designed in the same way: a two-sided display so that the seller and buyer can observe the entire process. There are several electronic types such products:

1. Trading devices on counters calculate the cost of goods after entering the price per 1 kg.
2. Self-service stores are equipped with scales that weigh the goods and immediately punch out a receipt, where the weight and price must be indicated.
3. Packing scales are installed in the packaging department large supermarkets, bases where food kits for small retail chains are stocked.
4. Warehouse scales are a rather bulky device on which you can weigh loads from 60 kg to 2 tons.
5. Products with printed labels are used for self-service stores.
   In large stores, check scales are installed in front of the cash registers, where each customer can check the weight of the purchased package.

Postal

Many readers have at least once used the services of post offices to send some items or long-term storage products - there are also scales installed there that are directly connected to the computer. They can weigh a parcel up to 10 kg or a valuable letter weighing several grams, since the accuracy class allows them to determine weight up to 1 g.

Today in all post offices can only be observed in use electronic products- they work in offline mode, and the employee only needs to issue a printed receipt and collect the payment. Such products have a number of advantages over mechanical analogues:

1. Digital display showing weight.
2. Function optimal choice discreteness and limits.
3. Protective properties.
4. Self-diagnosis.
5. Communication with a computer.

For parcels, parcels and registered letters one type of scale, and for containers - accordingly another, but all have a fairly small error.

Appliances

Scales are also necessary in everyday life - they differ quite greatly in design, operating principle and quality of materials. In the kitchen, bowls are used for weighing bulk products and liquids, platforms provide weighing of goods for various purposes and parameters. The industry produces mechanical and electronic instruments for weighing food, as well as for determining the user's own weight.

Medical

Here desktop and floor options. Since in some cases special precision is needed, electronic versions of products are used, which are divided into two types:

• equipped with display and mechanical device weighing;
• devices having high accuracy measurements.

Scales are widely used for weighing babies - they are used in maternity hospitals, children's departments of hospitals and clinics, they are compact, as well as a convenient bowl where babies are placed. Special scales, made together with height measurements, are used in hospitals and clinics - they simultaneously measure height and accurately determine the patient’s weight.

Laboratory

In research centers, only electronic versions are used that are connected to a computer - the accuracy of such scales is not relative and sometimes reaches hundreds of grams. In some cases it is necessary to carry out hydrostatic weighings to determine the exact density of solids or liquids.

Jewelry

To especially precise scales These include products that are used in jewelry, where absolute confidence in the accuracy of the indicators is needed. Experienced jewelers, when determining carats, use products where the test pressure is no more than 0.01 grams. An error of 1 g is allowed only when accepting scrap precious metals. Jewelry factories use only highly precise equipment.

How do scales work?

For convenience, we will consider floor products, because they are available in almost every home, the differences are minor, for example, with kitchen ones for weighing products in the range of 5-15 kg.

Mechanical

Everything here is the same as many years ago: a primitive design - a compressed spring, rigidly fixed inside the product, straightens under the weight of the object and moves the arrow associated with it along the scale to the desired number. The division price of mechanical scales is 1 kg, very rarely - 0.5 kg, so the error of such mechanisms varies from 0.5 to 1 kg.

• lack of strict accuracy;
• outdated technological nuances.

You should buy such products only when you occasionally need to check your own weight, and for those who scrupulously monitor their body weight, more accurate analogues from the latest electronic devices are suitable.

Electronic

At first, these devices had a similar principle of operation as the mechanical version, only the weighing result showed digital display, so cheap models today are practically no different from their mechanical counterparts. The operation of real electronic ones is radically different: some measure weight using special plates, while others use voltage sensors.

These devices consist of the following main parts:

1. A body that is made of plastic or glass, because the use of any metal makes the product heavier and greatly increases its cost.
2. Display or digital screen, it is designed to display the result; today models are already being produced that store the results and compare them. U expensive models The percentage of body fat, muscle and bone structure is displayed on the screen.
3. Load cells are small plates located above each leg of the scale, and when we stand on the platform, they are deformed, but the change in their structure cannot be determined with the naked eye. Excess weight is distributed evenly between them, the data from each device is summed up, and the total value is calculated on their basis.
4. A printed circuit board with a microcircuit controls the action of the plates and displays the result on the display.

Products based on voltage sensors are considered more progressive. The simplest sensor is a thin copper wire through which a low current is passed; under the influence of gravity, it changes the resistance and the magnitude of the electrical signal passing through it. These devices have no mechanical parts, the error is no more than 100 g, but there are high-precision products, but their cost is very high.

The disadvantages of electronic scales include the following factors:

• we must treat them with care, because they are afraid of mechanical impact - blows, falling heavy objects;
• They are powered by batteries, which must be constantly changed.

Price electronic devices significantly higher than mechanical analogues, which can also be attributed to negative qualities.

Characteristics of scales

According to experts, it is almost impossible to absolutely accurately determine the mass as a result of weighing, because there are always factors that interfere with this:

1. Correct and precise installation scales
2. Ambient temperature.
3. Operator's physical well-being and much more.

The error for each type of scale is individual and can vary from 1 to 100 g; it must be indicated in the product passport.

The largest and smallest weighing limits are the measurement limits. They directly depend on the mass of the object that needs to be weighed: for example, a bird carcass can be weighed on a scale with a limit of 15 kg, but it will no longer be possible to determine the weight of a quarter of a pig carcass, just as it is impossible to accurately weigh a bag of spices on a scale with a division value of 100 g. 10 g. The weighing range is the area between the smallest and largest weighing limits. The metrological characteristics of products are called accuracy class. The price of an instrument scale division is the difference between adjacent divisions; it can be different, depending on the weight limit.

Sensitivity is the ratio of the output signal measuring instrument to the value causing its change, it can be relative or absolute. It is measured during the manufacture of the product in the factory. One of the main characteristics is considered to be an indicator of reliability or probability trouble-free operation; life time; resistance to external influences, and for electromechanical and electronic options - electrical power parameters.

Accuracy class

Today, according to OIML, there are only three classes: special, high and medium. They are assigned on the basis of tests upon acceptance of the product by the quality control department at the factory, while the errors of the device are normalized or how inaccurate the scales can show the result. Any scales located in the state point of sale, are verified at least once a year.

When asked by customers whether scales in supermarkets and stores lie, a specific answer can be given: this can only happen if the calibration is violated. This place is sealed, and opening it will result in a significant monetary punishment for all those involved in the case, the seller and the manager. Therefore, owners or sellers use other methods: they install a transparent sheet of plastic on the platform for placing goods - it weighs no more than 100 g, but considering throughput self-service supermarket, the result is quite noticeable, but not in favor of the buyer.

conclusions

The range of scales is quite representative, so before you go shopping for something new, find out among all the residents of the apartment which parameters are their priority. Experts advise electronic scales without additional functions: they will not damage your family budget and are suitable for all ages, even very large families.