Resource Center

How does a counting scale work?

A. Counting scales have the ability to give an actual count based on the average piece weight of a particular part. By placing a known sample of pieces on the scale (10, 25, 50, etc. ), the scale will be able to determine the average piece weight of each part and ultimately be able to give you a total count. When choosing a counting scale, make sure the resolution of the scale is low enough to recognize your lightest part. As always, the larger the sample size, the more accurate the count will be.

What is accuracy?

A. Accuracy is also referred to as readability and resolution. This is the smallest amount of weight the scale or balance is able to see, which determines how accurate the scale is. For example, if you need to make a measurement to 1g, then a scale or balance with an accuracy of 1g is fine. If you need to make a measurement to 2.9g, then you would need something with an accuracy of .1g.

What capacity do I need?

A. This all depends on what you will be weighing and how much the item weighs. Keep in mind that in most cases, the higher the capacity, the less accurate you will be.

When does my scale or balance need to be calibrated?

A. All of our scales and balances are calibrated before they are shipped. Calibration depends on how much use the equipment gets, or what your quality manual states. It may be a good idea to purchase one of our test weights to do a periodic check of the scale or balance to check its accuracy. We also offer a wide range of balances that have an internal calibration mass.

What is the difference between a LCD display and an LED display?

A. An LCD display is a liquid crystal display, what you might see on a digital watch. They are very reliable and consume a minimum amount of power. Ohaus scales and balances use LCD displays. An LED display is a light emitting diode similar to what you see on most alarm clocks (red display). LEDs are much better if being viewed in a dark environment. LED displays are found on 99% of our Doran products.

What is a load cell?

A. The strain gauge, also known as the load cell, is the heart of any scale. This is the actual sensor component that registers the weight on the tray and converts that into an electrical signal that is then passed along to the other parts of the scale for processing. Strain gauges come in two types: compression or tension.

How do load cells work?

A.Electricity is passed through the strain gauge. As weight is applied, the shape of the gauge changes. The change in shape also affects its resistance to the electric current being passed through it. By knowing precisely how much the electrical impedance changes in proportion to the weight being applied, the processing components are able to interpret the impedance change from the load cell into a weight, which is then displayed on the readout. Exceeding the maximum capacity of a scale will almost always permanently bend the load cell. This means the load cell will not flex back to its original state when the weight is lifted as it was designed to do, thus overloading your scale and making it unusable.

What does Legal-for-Trade Mean?

A. Legal-for-Trade is a certification issued by the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP). You may need a legal for trade scale if you are buying or selling products by weight. The most common types of these scales are retail scales

Is it OK to leave my scale or balance on all the time?

A. We actually recommend leaving the unit powered on all the time. This will allow it to maintain a consistent temperature at all times. It is OK to turn the unit off when it is not in operation as well, especially battery powered units.