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Digital Vs Analog Weighing Scale

Digital Vs Analog Weighing Scale

Weighing scales are crucial devices for any kind of business, right from the regular grocery shop to large scale commercial industries. Modern weighing scales are able to produce the ultra-precise readings almost instantly. However, this has not been the case always.

Weighing scales were born out of necessity. In ancient times, merchants and traders exchanged goods in return for the desired commodity. This barter system gave birth to the need to measure commodities precisely.

Many archeological shreds of evidence suggest that weighing scales have been initially discovered in the Indus River valley, near present-day Pakistan, and date back to around 2,000 B.C. These first weighing scales were nothing but balances. A mechanical balance is the easiest and comparatively accurate weighing instrument to use, however it is easy to manipulate its output readings. Thus the industrial era welcomed modern industrial or commercial weighing scales with open arms. Modern technological advancements contributed to the development of various types of weighing scales. These various scales can be mainly classified into analog scales and digital weighing scales.

What is an Analog Scale?

Most preliminary balances had a lever with two pans suspended at equal distances from the fulcrum and the weight of the desired object was measured by matching it against one or more reference weights. The perfect horizontal position of the level indicated that weights in bot pans are equal.

Later spring scales were introduced. This spring scale works on the principle that the weight of the object relates to the force encountered to the stretching or compression of a spring made from a given material. Analog scales are part of operations for several enterprises.

Industrial weighing scales are manufactured by considering various industry standards. These types of scale combine strain gauge technology with stainless steel load cells to achieve greater accuracy.  On the other hand, commercial scales also function with the same principle. The only difference being, commercial weighing scales are certified by regulatory authorities and are specifically manufactured by considering legalities of trade. Furthermore, considering industrial utility weighing scales are provided with digital displays.

What is a Digital Scale?

Today digital weighing scales are most commonly used in all types of industries, as they are easy to read. Additionally, digital scales are precise and accurate. Some of the examples of digital weighing scales used in industries are platform scale, floor scale, etc. These scale use resistance load cells to compute the weight measurement and can operate on AC/DC or battery operated power supply. The battery backup is often rechargeable. The weight reading taken through the scales is measured via an electronic scale and displayed by an LCD screen.

Key Differentiating Factors of Analog scale:

  • These are considered reliable and accurate. However, recording reading can become difficult at times due to the awkward movement of the pointer.
  • Analog scales with spring mechanisms have a tendency to wear and tear after being subjected to a number of loading and unloading cycles. Hence such scales can potentially produce inaccurate weighing results.
  • Its display shows measurement values according to predefined precision and set units. It does not provide flexibility to choose between alternative reading units.
  • These scales can withstand harsher shop floor conditions and other environmental conditions.
  • These scales do not require any power back up and need not require a constant power supply for its working.Thus doesn’t require a frequent battery change.
  • Analog scales are cheaper as compared to ultra-high precision digital scales.

Also Read Here: Weighing Scale Maintenance Tips


Key Differentiating Factors of Digital Scale:

  • Digital weighing scales use sensors to measure weight. As these sensors are highly sensitive, they can measure the slightest deterioration in measuring weight. Also, its load sensors are less susceptible to noise.
  • These scales produce a highly accurate and precise reading. Thus are considered reliable scales for industrial as well as commercial use. These scales are also preferred by precious metals merchants, pharmaceutical companies, etc. However, cheaper versions of digital scale may not produce readings with such high accuracy.
  • A few of the advance digital scales are equipped with Delta-sigma analog to digital converter which completely eliminates temperature effects from this system.
  • These scales have digital displays or LCDs to register readings. As the reading is directly visible, recording reading becomes much easier.
  • Many digital scales have a memory function, which enables them to store the previous measurements.
  • Additionally, some of the advanced digital scales have wireless functionality for data transmission. This feature proves to be extremely useful in medical facilities or oil & gas production facilities.
  • Digital scales are durable and often come with a warranty, which makes them cost-effective.
  • Many industrial or commercial facilities require weighing scales that are easy to move around, digital scales are being able to fulfill this need for many such entrepreneurs. These scales are less heavy as compared to analog scales and are portable.
  • Furthermore, it is easy to calibrate digital weighing scales. These scales often have an auto-calibration feature.

Final Word:

You can choose an appropriate weighing scale that best suits your business requirements by considering the above mentioned key differentiating factor. However, if you are still unsure which weighing scale would be good for you, feel free to contact us anytime. We will be delighted to assist you.

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