When it comes to weighing very heavy loads the normal weighing scales have some limitations. These scales have to be larger in size and they need to be able to support the heavy loads while giving an accurate weight measurement. This poses some difficulties, especially in shipping and transportation, aviation, construction, manufacturing, or mining applications.
This is where a heavy duty crane scale comes into the picture. These scales are designed so that you can fix them on cranes, hoists, as well as overhead beams to accurately weigh heavy loads by suspending them via the hooks of these scales.
This blog will cover the ins and outs of crane scales in detail. So, if you wish to learn more about these useful weighing scales then keep on reading till the end.
- What is a Crane Scale?
- How Does it Work?
- Key Components
- Working
- When Do You Need a Crane Scale?
- Applications of Crane Scales
What is a Crane Scale?
Cranes scales also known as hanging scales are widely used in commercial or industrial settings to weigh bulky and oversized loads with high accuracy. These scales are attached to cranes or a hoist’s hook.
When you hang the load to the scale it applies force to the load cells which convert it into an electrical signal that is displayed on a digital readout.
Unlike traditional weighing solutions, crane scales can weigh objects while they are suspended in the air which saves space and enhances safety.
Following are a few main features of crane scales & benefits of using crane scales
- These scales offer unparalleled accuracy and precision even when handling loads weighing several thousand Kgs.
- These scales have a very high capacity of up to 50 tons.
- These are made from heavy-duty steel and aluminum to give you better protection and durability.
- These are equipped with overload protection and alarm features to reduce accident risks.
- Some models are equipped with wireless technology which allows you to remotely monitor and collect weight data.
- These scales also offer data logging features to help you with quality control and compliance.
How Does it Work?
Following is a brief overview of the main components of a crane scale and their working
Key Components
- Load Cell
The load cells consist of strain gauges and its body is usually made of stainless steel, alloy steel, or aluminum. These cells measure the deformation in the strain gauges caused by the force of the load and convert it into electrical signals.
- Hook
This is a highly sturdy component of the crane scale where heavy loads can be suspended securely.
- Display
Depending on the model, the display can be either digital or analog. It gives you a real-time reading of the weight of the object.
- Housing
This is the cover that contains load cells and other internal components of the crane scale. The purpose of housing is to protect the scale’s internal parts from dust, moisture, or physical damage due to impacts.
Crane Scale Working Principle
Most crane scales use batteries as power sources. You can start by attaching the hook of the scale to the digital readout. After that, you can tare the scale to make sure the weight of the hook is excluded from the final reading.
When you attach the hook to the unknown weight it exerts a force on the load cell. The load cell measures this force and converts it into an electrical signal. This signal is first processed and then sent to the display.
This way you can instantly determine the exact weight of objects that weigh several tons.
When Do You Need a Crane Scale?
Following are a few reasons why you might need to buy a crane scale for your application
- You need a crane scale if your industrial or commercial facility doesn’t have the space to accommodate a large floor scale.
- If you often deal with awkwardly shaped or unwieldy items that do not fit on a floor scale.
- You need this scale if you need to accurately load a freighter, ensure accurate manufacturing of large machines or their parts, or portion out goods by weight.
- You need this scale if you wish to streamline operations by eliminating the need to move items to the weighing machines or stations.
- This scale can reduce forklift traffic since in this case, you can move the scale to the object which enhances safety for the workers.
Industrial Crane Scales Applications
Following are a few main applications where crane scales can enhance productivity as well as measurement accuracy
- These are used in the aviation industry for testing or aircraft components. This industry uses this digital weighing machine to measure the weight-bearing capacities of galleys as well as cargo compartments.
- These scales are used in shipping yards as well as ports to make sure the cargo containers are weighed accurately which facilitates accountability as well as compliance.
- These are used in the mining industry for weighing rocks, minerals, or ores before they are loaded onto trucks or conveyor belts. This ensures these transportation tools do not exceed their maximum load capacities which prevents accidents.
- These are used in the commercial fishing sector to determine catch weights and to ensure transparent commercial transactions.
- Crane scales are employed in the manufacturing industry for quality control as well as product testing in terms of durability and weight capacity.
- Engineering and construction sectors use these scales to lift, move, and weigh heavy components like steel beams, precast concrete elements, and machinery.
Conclusion
Crane scales are a wise investment for industries that are looking to enhance measurement accuracy while also ensuring greater operational efficiency and safety. With these scales, it is possible to handle very heavy loads for a diverse range of applications.
When buying a crane scale, it is better to consider the customer reviews, its weight capacity, durability, and your intended industrial application. This can help you find a scale that not only meets your needs but also ensures long-term cost savings.
You can visit Accurate Meezan today to buy high-quality crane scales for all industrial applications at very reasonable prices.
