Scale (machine)
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A scale is an instrument or device used to measure weight.
Electronic scales
Modern electronic scales generally consist of two important parts: the load cell and the indicator. The load cell converts the analog force into a digital signal that eventually gets converted and displayed on the indicator.
Types
There are several different kinds of scales, which differ by their applications or by their size, maximum capacity, and precision:
- Analytical balance - These are high-precision scales with a low maximum capacity. These are usually used in labs. Some are so sensitive that they have enclosures to prevent air currents from influencing the measurements.
- Axle scale - These are portable truck scales. Each of these is placed under the wheel of a truck and the sum of the reulting weights are taken to find the weight of the whole truck.
- Bench scale
- Check weigher
- Counting scale - These are scales specifically designed for counting items depending on their unit and bulk weights.
- Floor scale
- Hanging scale
- Truck scale - These are immobile platforms for weighing whole trucks. They are made from concrete or steel. They are either considered pit scales or raised scales, depending on whether the load cells are installed below ground or above ground, respectively.