A Guide to Scale Functions

We've all used scales, and lets be honest, most of us have no need for anything more than the basic weighing functionality. What most people don't realise is that scales are capable of much more and can actually simplify many tasks your already using them for with a little bit of know how. That brings us to what this guide is, its that little bit of know-how that explains what scale functions are and lets you get the most out of your scale.

Plus / Minus Weighing - Quality Control

Plus and minus weighing is a very simple weighing function that is possible on any scale that has a TARE function and supports negative weight values. It is ideal for comparing items to a known weight for quality control purposes. Each scale works differently, but the basic procedure is as follows.

1. Place a weight or sample on the scale that weighs the ideal amount or target weight
2. Press TARE to zero the scale
3. Remove the original sample, the scale should now show the sample weight as a negative value
4. Add the samples to be checked one by one, the scale will display the deviation (positive or negative) from the sample weight.

The video below shows this process. Scale used in demonstration: ACS Series

Parts Counting - Quality Control / Stock Control

Parts counting is a slightly more advanced feature that is available on a variety of scale types. This feature allows you to load lots of (identical) items on to the scale and have it automatically count how many are present. The feature works by supplying the scale with a sample of the items to be counted so that it can work out the weight of a single unit. It then uses this value to count items quickly. This is used extensively in quality control applications for counting manufacturing parts or for counting stock quickly.

The video below shows a platform scale with basic parts counting feature. The scale used in this demonstration is the FCS-Series available at our web store. The process used is as follows,

1. Place the scale into its parts counting mode
2. Select the sample size your wish to provide, this scale lets you choose form 10, 20, 50 or 100 units. The bigger sample you provide the more accurate the count will be
3. Register the sample size with the scale
4. Remove the sample and place units on the scale to begin counting

Advanced Parts Counting

Some scales have slightly more dedicated parts counting functions such as the ACS Series. These scales allows you to manually enter the weight of a single unit and begin counting right away. They also let you enter a sample size of your choosing, and continually recalculate the weight of a single unit during the counting process to get more and more accurate.

Many parts counting scale also come equipped with a built in memory. On this unit the memory can be used to keep a running total of various counts. Some units allow you to previous sample weights provided, eliminating the need to provide a sample before counting.

Do you have a scale function you would like to see explained? Let us know by commenting below and we continually expand this article to add more explanations!