Types of Scales

Weight scales are used to measure weight and mass of many different kinds of objects.  They are one of the most important equipment in the world today and they are used in home, hospitals, supermarkets, factories and almost all places and activities.

Weight scales come in different types even though they all do the same function. 

The balance weight scale measures an object’s weight by suspending the object on one end and putting corresponding combination of different weights on the other until a balance is achieved and the correct measure is determined.  In some balance scales, a slider is used until equilibrium is achieved.

The spring scale measures an object by suspending it with a spring that has a known constant and the displacement of the spring is measured to determine the gravitational force acting on the object.  Many commercial establishment avoid using the spring scale because the change in temperature may affect nature of the metal spring and subsequently affect the accuracy of the object’s weight.

Hydraulic or pneumatic scale is used in measuring very objects such as those involving crane scales using hydraulic force in sensing the weight.  The diaphragm or piston transmits the force through hydraulic lines and determine the corresponding weight.

Digital weight scales are very common nowadays because they are easy to use they give accurate and fast measurements.  Digital weigh scales use special electronic circuitry to determine the weight of an object.  Special care must be given to digital scales because of the delicate circuitry.  It should be moved away from wet areas.

Digital scales are also made in combination with other types of scales.  For example, some heavy hydraulic scales may have special digital circuitry to help determine and show the weight of the object.