All You Need to Know About Bench Scales

Bench scales are some of the most versatile and widely-used weighing scales in the world, thanks to their broad range of features and compact designs which allow them to be used pretty much anywhere. In this blog, we’re going to jump into the world of bench scales and explain IP ratings, Trade Approvals and much more.

What is a bench scale?

A bench scale, sometimes known as a bench-top scale or a compact scale, is a small weighing device that is specifically designed to be used on a bench, worktop or any smaller space. They are easy-to-use and offer quick and simple weighing solutions for a wide variety of environments and industries. They can come with a range of different features, including parts counting, checkweighing or percentage weighing, and can be IP Rated to protect against liquid or solid ingress.

Most bench scales come with an integrated display and keypad, whilst some, such as the AGB and AGF Bench and Floor Weighing Scales, can come with a detachable indicator that can be mounted elsewhere.

Who uses a bench scale?

Bench weighing scales are varied in their uses and can be helpful instruments in a number of different industries – here are some of the main ones:

An instrument such as the IWS Waterproof Bench Scale from Inscale is suitable for kitchens and catering environments thanks to its compact design, IP68 rating and entirely stainless steel design. Food and drink bench scales can be used to weigh out ingredients, monitor portion control and to check batch weights.

Bench scales can also be used for counting applications, stocktaking and inventory monitoring. Instruments like the Cruiser CCT Bench Scale combines accurate parts counting functions with a robust ABS plastic design that means it can handle testing warehouse environments or busy production lines.

You could also find a bench scale in an industrial setting such as a workshop or shipyard, although they would require a more rugged design and added protection from dirt, dust and liquid. Something such as the Adam ABW ‘Aqua’ Washdown Bench Scale would be suitable as it features a high IP67 rating and robust build. For more bench scales suitable for industrial use, click here!

Bench scales are also ideal for personal use, as they are affordably priced and have compact designs that can comfortably fit in most homes. They are also often easy to use and require little to no training to operate.

What are the main features of a bench scale?

Checkweighing

A checkweighing bench scale such as the Adam CKT ‘Cruiser’ offers the ability to check the weight of a subject to ensure that it falls between two weight limits. Users simply enter in a low and high weight parameter, and the scale will give either an audio or visual signal as to whether the subject falls between these parameters. Checkweighing bench scales are useful for production lines, warehouses and shipping departments, or any industry in which conformity is crucial.

Percentage weighing

Bench scales with a percentage weighing feature are used for any process that involves adding ingredients together, such as catering and food production, or for more industrial applications such as paint production or soap making. Users can weigh out ingredients as a percentage of an overall predetermined weight measurement to ensure that all ingredient amounts remain equal, even if the overall amount of product changes.

IP Ratings

An IP Rated bench scale, also known as a washdown or waterproof bench scale, is a scale that has some level of protection from liquid or solid ingress. For solid ingress (the first number), the rating is numbered 1 to 6, where one is protection from large objects such as tools and 6 would be protection from small particles such as dust or dirt. For liquid protection (the second number), the rating is numbered 1 to 8, where 1 would be splashproof and 8 would be capable of full submersion for long periods of time. Waterproof bench scales are used in kitchens, heavy industrial setting, construction sites and workshops.

Price computing

Price computing bench scales, also often known as retail or shop scales, are weighing instruments that give a price value that directly relates to a subject’s weight. You would find these bench scales in butchers, fishmongers, fruit and veg shops or sweet shops. They often have displays at the front and rear for users and customers to use.

Parts counting

Bench weighing scales with a parts counting feature can be used to count small subjects, such as nuts and bolts, machine parts and more. Counting scales are beneficial to users as they greatly reduce any time spent on manual counting tasks, which could be a long and let’s face it, boring procedure. They are typically used for stocktaking, inventory monitoring or on production lines.

Do I need trade approved bench scales?

A trade approved bench scale is only necessary if you plan to sell a product with a price that is directly related to its weight. Trade Approval essentially means that your scale has been certified by a government body or authority to comply with specific regulations. This is done in order to protect the customer to ensure that they are receiving the correct amounts that they have paid for. For UK customers, it is the independent Government body the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that tests the scales and determines whether they are Trading Standards Approved.

A Trade Approved bench scale would be necessary in many different industries, including butchers, fishmongers, shops and retail environments and more. If you are unsure as to whether your bench scale should be trade approved, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

For any help selecting your bench top scale or to discuss any of the features mentioned here, please contact us on 01908972660 or Get In Touch.