Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on your application, but for most, it’s the heaviest weight you expect to weigh plus any tare container or vessel used to hold your desired weight, plus 30%.

It is the smallest displayed digit on your scale readout. It can be in lbs, kg, grams, ounces, or other type measurements.

For example, for 50lb capacity x 0.01lb, the 0.01lb is the increment size. It is all dependent on your application to how fine you need to read your weight in. Typically, I suggest that you select your increment size first, then get the largest capacity that supports that increment size. This will give you the greatest versatility.

See the Conversion Table at the bottom of all the questions for additional help.

Gross weight is the total weight on the scale, including the package, container, box, bag, or emptied vehicle plus product or item being weighed. Typically, it is the gross weight that is used as the shipping weight.

Net weight is the weight of the product or item being weighed minus the package, container, box, bag, or emptied vehicle. When purchasing a product by its weight, you are using only net weight you are paying for.

Tare weight is the weight of an empty package, container, box, bag, or vehicle, excluding the product or item inside.

NTEP stands for National Type Evaluation Program. It certifies that a scale meets the standards to be used as "Legal for Trade," meaning it can be used for buying and selling items by weight. The State Department of Agriculture regulates this compliance, and certified scales are marked accordingly.

If you are buying or selling based on the scale's weight, then yes, you need it.

If not, such as for internal use like ingredient measurement, check weighing, or production scales, then you do not.

If you use a hose on your scale or operate it in a wet environment, you definitely need a wash-down unit. Although it is more expensive than a non-wash-down scale, using a non-wash-down scale in wet conditions is the quickest way to cause damage.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an International Standard created to insure comparable procedures and methods are followed by all companies in participating countries to facilitate free and fair global trade.

ISO-17025 is general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories to the main ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard to ensure the accredited scale company is deemed to be technically competent and follows a quality management system for policies and procedures.

We are ISO-17025 accredited, with regularly scheduled audits to ensure our ongoing accuracy and compliance with all regulator bodies.

Depending on time and use, but every scale should be tested at least annually. A good industrial scale should maintain its calibration for quite a while, but having it checked at periodic time intervals ensures its accuracy.

We use only manufacturer-approved parts in repairs and will give you an option at expedited freight when ordering those parts.

We charge in fraction of an hour increments for service labor in our shop and on your site.

We typically have the ability to provide a loaner while your scale in being repaired.

We will provide a rough estimate of cost and downtime over the phone after you give us a brief description of the problem you are having.

Avoid moving your scale unless necessary, as it can become unlevel, uncalibrated, or even fall.

Keep the power cord and any extra load cell cables neatly secured to prevent tripping hazards and cable damage, which could lead to service calls.

Ensure the weighing surface and surrounding area are clean and free of debris to avoid interference and inaccurate measurements.

Both! We would be happy to come out to your site to perform service, or you can bring the scale in for service.

Note: If you bring in your scale for in-shop service, we do not charge for evaluations. We will give you an estimated quote of repairs before doing any work.

Yes, we regularly work after hours on overtime, as well as weekends and holidays. Please note overtime rates apply as needed.

We are licensed and regulated by the State Departments of Agriculture where we operate. We use only NIST-traceable standards for weights and equipment. Our work complies with NIST Handbook 44, and we are ISO-17025 accredited.