If you properly maintain your scale and protect it for the job for which it was designed, it will last a very long time. It will deliver accurate measurements and resolution, with the indicator consistently showing a stable weight reading time and time again. You’ll be able to get years of productivity and reliability out of your scale. But how do you know if your scale isn’t working correctly? What signs of damage should you be aware of?
Be cognizant of the fact that not all mechanical scales use springs, however all mechanical scales do measure weight through the utilization of mechanical components. Therefore, digital and mechanical scales differ not only in how they display weight but also in how they measure it — electronically or mechanically. For digital scales, the scale generally uses an analog-to-digital converter, which translates the continuous and complicated electronic readout data from the scale’s load cells into simple digital information, in a similar way to that of MP3 files being transferred into waveforms of music from a CD.
In general, digital scales require less know-how to use than those with mechanical readouts, with a higher capability of higher precision and faster processing.
If you’re wondering whether or not your scale needs to be replaced, you should look for the following signs.
1. Inconsistent Readings
This is one of the more apparent signs that your scale may need replacement.
Usually, this becomes noticeable when items that may be the same weight usually begin to show significant changes in their weight readings. If you are unsure at this point, take an item, place it on the scale’s platform several times and see if you get the same reading. If you don’t, this likely mean you are either having mechanical problems or load cell problems.
You should check that the scale register weight returns to the “000” display when the object is removed. Test if your scale is accurate by placing an item on the scale with an exact weight, for example, a 15-pound free weight. If the scale registers anything other than 15 pounds, it probably needs to be calibrated or replaced. Many digital scales have a calibration mechanism that may need to be reset.
2. Faulty Readings Between Scales
This problem occurs when you place and weigh the same object on another scale that is already known to be accurate and well-calibrated.
Usually, the problem lies within the inaccurate scale’s load cells. Depending on the scale you have, the scale might just need to be calibrated, something you should do every year, or even better, every few months.
If you calibrate the scale and the readings are still off, it might be that one or more of the cells have been shock-loaded (had an object dropped on its platform from a major height). Another possibility might be that your digital scale changes weight due to the fact that it has been overloaded (had weight placed on the scale that surpassed its capacity).
3. Unstable Readings
This is where the weight reading doesn’t hold steady. This might mean that there is an electronic malfunction within the actual digital indicator. In some scales, this is also called “drifting,” which means that the reading wavers slightly while the object is on the scale. This is not a dependable function when precision is required.
A common reason for drifting is low humidity causing static buildup on your load cells and/or weight controller. As the humidity changes, so does the static charge in the air. Your weight controller is looking for very small changes in input voltage, and static discharges can cause the weight reading to drift.
4. Display Readability
This is when the view of the scale display readout becomes obstructed. This condition can occur when sections of the display are burned out or it could be the power source.