A floor scale in logistics
Floor scales can be used in a variety of ways for all kinds of applications. In logistics, however, there are special requirements. You can read about these and how VECHTA Waagen GmbH implements them below.
The dimensions are decisive
Euro pallets or one-way pallets with identical dimensions of 1200 x 800 mm are often used in logistics. In the 1960s, today’s pallet dimensions for the Euro pallet were defined and standardised. In July 1961, the first contract was signed for the use of today’s Euro pallets.
A floor scale with the dimensions 1200 x 800 mm would therefore be a perfect measurement, one might assume. However, there are no floor scales with these dimensions on the market. A gap in the market?
No, because it depends on the loading. With a forklift truck, it would be no problem to place a Euro pallet on a scale of the same dimensions. But if the pallet is loaded with a pallet truck, the situation is quite different. The pallet truck is longer than the pallet. In addition, the pallet truck must be removed from the scales so that it is not weighed as well. Of course, with many scales you can also set a tare value, a so-called PreTare.
A size of 1250 x 1500 mm is recommended for an above-floor scale that is loaded with a lift truck via a ramp. With this scale size, the lift truck can be pulled out of the pallet without any problems. Due to the ramp, the lift truck goes into an inclined position, which would be problematic for a scale with a length of 1200 mm.
It remains to be said that a floor scale with dimensions of 1250 x 1500 mm or larger is perfect for weighing Euro pallets. Alternatively, a pallet scale can be used or directly a pallet truck with scale.
The weighing range
The weighing range of a floor scale depends on the material to be weighed. Different weighing ranges are available as standard: 300 kg, 600 kg, 1,500 kg, 3,000 kg, 6,000 kg and 10,000 kg.
You should always allow for a little room for growth. When it comes to determining transport weights, it is usually not a matter of a few 100 g. A weighing range of 3000 kg has proven itself in practice.
The resolution
The resolution is usually easy to calculate. In the standard version, the weighing range is simply divided by 6,000, for verified scales by 3,000. This gives the display increments of the scale. The resolution is usually much higher, but is not displayed to the operator. The resolution is usually indicated as ”internal resolution” and ranges from 30,000 parts up to 3.2 million parts. Ultimately, however, a resolution of 500 g or 1 kg can be used very well in logistics.
The construction
This is where the wheat is separated from the chaff, as this proverb nicely describes it. A good floor scale is designed to last, because it is an investment for many years.
Floor scales viewed from above offer hardly any distinguishing features. Here, usually only the top plate made of smooth sheet metal or bulb plate can be seen. But if you look at the underside, there are clear differences. An elaborate substructure distinguishes quality products from cheap ones. The floor scales from VECHTA Waagen GmbH have very strong profiles combined in a construction that can take up to 10 t of distributed load.
The way the load cells are mounted is also decisive. With some scales, these are simply screwed to the top plate, a conceivably poor solution which is certainly not designed for a long service life under heavy conditions. The floor scales from Vechta are equipped with special mounting plates which are welded to the frame and thus create a solid mount for the load cells. This also benefits the measurement results.
Verified or calibrated
A calibrated scale must always be used when it is used to determine a weight for price determination. There are other conditions for a calibrated scale, but these would go beyond the scope of this article.
Calibrated scales are not required when determining transport weights for SOLAS. Both methods - total container weight or individual package weights plus container tare weight - can be carried out with non-verified scales. Floor scales used for internal purposes do not have to be calibrated either.
Calibration is always advisable. The first calibration is carried out in the factory before delivery after adjustment. This can be documented on request and documented with a test certificate. A distinction is made between DAkkS calibration and ISO calibration or factory calibration.
Warranty / Guarantee
In most cases, you will only receive the legal warranty. This also says something about the quality of the scale. We at VECHTA Waagen GmbH grant a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty for our floor scales in addition to the statutory warranty.
Automation
Many things can be simplified. Errors are avoided and the processes are clear and understandable. Barcodes or QR codes can be used, in which all product, customer and other data are already stored. In this way, many transmission errors can be directly excluded. Labels can be generated with a printer and attached directly to the pallet. In this way, traceability can also be displayed.
This area is so extensive that personal consultation is indispensable. To be noted: nothing is impossible.
