Four Factors Affecting Your Truck Scale’s Accuracy

If you use any kind of industrial scale for business, then you know how important it is for scales to give accurate readings. Dependable weighing systems are essential to business success, and in many cases are critical if you’re to adhere to legal regulations. Weighing technologies are always advancing, and help businesses in a variety of industries. Reach out to Rockwell Scales to be sure you’re getting the best scales and services for your needs.

Don’t get caught off guard with a malfunctioning weighing system—here are the four factors that can affect the weighing accuracy of any type of scales, including truck scales in Arkansas, Louisiana and throughout the U.S.

Load cell accuracy

Of all the components of a digital weighing system, load cell is the most important. A malfunctioning load cell will likely result in inaccurate weight readings, which throws off any further weigh-ins after cargo has been loaded. Understanding how load cells function gives you a leg up when determining where the malfunction is coming from. Below are a couple elements to know about:

• Response time: This is the time it takes for a load cell to balance out and provide an accurate reading. If the response time is the cause of errors, it could be you’re not waiting long enough between weighing sessions for it to reset.
• Hysteresis: The term “hysteresis” is in reference to the difference in scale output when the same load is measured once, and then measured a second time. One measurement involves increasing from a zero-weight, while the other is decreased from the load cell’s maximum weight rating.

Loading factors

The actual load and how it was loaded onto and supported by the scale may be the problem, rather than the load cell. So, what should you look out for to ensure proper loading and unloading of the truck scale?

First, make sure the mounting structure underneath the scale (located on the ground) is able to support the scale, all related components and loads without flexing. Next, check that the load is properly aligned because, if not, the load cell may interpret the force as weight. This will lead to an inaccurate reading. Improperly functioning mounting hardware and weak support legs can also affect readings.

Interference

Load cells send electrical signals that appear on the scale’s digital indicator. Interference such as moisture can lead to inaccurate weight readings.

Environmental factors

Vibration, shock loading and dirty scales are just some of the environmental factors that can affect truck scales in Arkansas:

• Vibration: Equipment close to weigh scales can cause the misreading of sensitive loads.
• Shock loading: If heavy materials are dropped onto a scale, the force can exceed the scale’s capacity and damage the weighing system or load cells.
• Dirty scales: Truck scales should be cleaned regularly to keep dirt buildup and other objects off the platform. Debris buildup underneath the scale can make it impossible for the weight on the scale to be completely supported by the load cells.

Luckily, the team of experts at Rockwell Scales can help businesses across a wide variety of industries with their truck scales in Louisiana, Arkansas and beyond. Call us today to learn more!

Categorised in: Truck Scales

This post was written by Writer