Laboratory Equipment

We’ve all experienced a time when we’ve had a large quantity to count, lost count when we were more than halfway through, and had to start all over again. Well, there’s a solution that will save time and ensure counting accuracy all at the same time. It’s called a counting scale.

Counting scales are especially efficient tools when it comes to inventory control. If you have hundreds or thousands of components to count in your store, a counting scale will save you a whole lot of time versus having to count each item manually.

What are counting scales?

Counting scales are versatile lab tools for counting and weighing like-parts simultaneously, especially large amounts of small items. A counting scale enables you to count small items quickly and accurately. They are ideal for various lab applications such as comparative sampling, checkweighing, and reducing manual counting. They can be used to calculate the average weight of an item or determine the total count of items. Counting scales come in various sizes that can be used on the floor or on top of worktop benches.

How does a counting scale work?

Counting scales count by weight. When counting the number of objects in a lot, it uses a sample weight and then takes the total weight and divides it by the sample weight.

For example, suppose you wanted to determine the total number of nails. First measure the weight of a single nail which we will say is 4 grams. Put that data into the scale. Then measure the weight of the total number of nails together which we will say is 124 grams. Divide the total weight of nails which is 124 grams by the weight of a single nail which is 4 grams and you will end up with 31 nails.

How are counting scales useful?

Counting scales are ideal for retail warehouses, quality control, factories, parts distribution, inventory management, and manufacturing. They are used for checking the number of items in a lot before dispatch from warehouses or the number of items left in a lot without having to count them manually. They also allow you to create lots that have just the right amount of material.

How accurate are counting scales?

Two issues that cause inaccuracies in counting scales are an inaccurate weight in piece count and if the parts counted aren’t the exact same weight. The solution to both of these problems is to use a larger sample size. The larger the size of the sample, the more accurate the average weight will be when using counting scales.

What are some complementary features/functions of a counting scale?

Functions that are essential to a counting scale include a full numeric keypad, the size of the internal memory, and accumulation. You want to make sure that the keyboard is capable of entering the measurements for all of the various sample weights. The internal memory size is important if you need to count many different components because it’s a lot easier to recall sample weights rather than repeatedly reweighing the same items. If you don’t want your entire inventory on the scale, then another important feature is accumulation, where you can store results by interfacing with a computer.

Differences between internal resolution and displayed resolution

While there are similarities between internal and displayed resolution, there are also some significant differences. Display resolution is the ratio of capacity to readability. It’s the smallest change detected in the results of the measured sample. It’s the smallest number the scale can display.

Internal resolution is the number of pieces that the capacity of the full scale can be divided into. It’s the capacity of the scale to the lightest part’s weight.

How do I choose a counting scale?

Just like anything else, when choosing a counting scale you need to consider the applications your scale needs to perform. Consider the average weight of the items counted and go with the largest weight capacity. Be sure and choose a scale that exceeds the maximum weight that will be placed on the platform. Also, make sure that the platform is large enough to accommodate the largest package that will be placed on it.

For quality control or the packaging of small parts, a compact counting scale is a good option. For factories or warehouses, a counting scale with a large internal memory size and accumulation features are good options. For heavy duty industrial counting, floor scales with a solid construction of stainless steel is a good option.

What are the 3 best counting scales?

Here are three of the best counting scales:

1. Counting Scale, RC41M6 AM - 30236940 is a top-of-the-line counting scale for industrial weighing conditions that require accuracy and durability. It’s a portable machine designed with die-cast metal and a rechargeable battery. Applications include parts counting with auto optimization, weighing, accumulation, and checkweighing.

2. Counting Scale, RC31P15 AM - 30031790 is a multi-purpose counting scale that can be used for a variety of applications. It’s a portable machine equipped with a portable battery. Applications include checkweighing, accumulation, weighing, and parts counting with auto optimization.

3. Floor Scale, VX32XW10000X - 80253298 is a floor scale for washdown industrial applications. It’s designed with a steel frame and an internal rechargeable battery. Applications include weighing and parts counting.

Lab Pro offers a large variety of counting scales. For over 40 years, Lab Pro Inc. has been committed to delivering the highest quality counting scales, hand tools, chemicals, lab equipment, distance learning kits, lab supplies, and cleanroom PPE apparel to medical device companies and laboratories worldwide. To learn more, visit the biggest Lab Supply showroom in California, or contact us online or at 888-452-2776.