Accurate weighing scales are essential to the world of commerce. Sectors as diverse as pharmaceuticals, tire manufacturing and cosmetics all rely on accurate weighing scales to monitor production and shipping as well as ensure fair pricing to consumers. Scales must be easy to use and calibrate, built to withstand repetitive use and capable of working with pinpoint accuracy in a wide variety of environments from dry and dusty mining operations to ultra-hygienic facilities for cosmetics and food production.
Standards for various units of weight are set by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures headquartered in France. These standards are maintained to an accuracy of 8 decimal places and are used by weights and measures inspectors to check and calibrate devices such as scales and meters. Every state in the country and every county in each state employs a team of weights and measures inspectors to ensure that all commercial scales within its jurisdiction are accurate. Inspectors are responsible for checking the accuracy of scales used to weigh everything from apples to tires at locations ranging from family-run grocery stores to large manufacturing complexes. Absolutely no leeway is permitted. If a scale is found to be faulty, it is tagged and immediately taken out of service. The owner is given 30 days to fix the device. If the scale is not repaired within that time frame, it is confiscated; and a fine is levied against the owner. In extreme cases, the matter could be prosecuted in the courts. Continued non-compliance can do great damage to a company’s bottom line, not to mention its reputation. Given the consequences, accurate weighing scales are not an option; they are an absolute business necessity.
Modern commercial scales are high precision instruments. Manufactured from carbon or stainless steel, they are designed and engineered to withstand the rigors of commercial use, including repeated, high-temperature, high-pressure wash cycles. Sizes range from a foot square to those large enough to weigh a cargo container. Nowadays, they come with onboard processors and sensors that calibrate accuracy, eliminate vibration, backup data and transfer it to other devices such as PC’s and Ethernet networks. Hardy Process Solutions has been in the business of designing, engineering and manufacturing weighing equipment and systems since 1918. Their diverse client base includes such industry giants as ConAgra, DuPont, Micheline and Proctor and Gamble. They not only design, install, calibrate and verify their customers’ systems, but provide training courses and ongoing maintenance as well.
