Waterproof and washdown scales are designed to withstand harsh or wet environments. These scales are built to allow easy washing and cleaning, preventing liquids, powders or dust from sipping into the internal components of the scale.
To select the weighing scale that best suits your requirements and application, you need to first decide what kind of protection you need. Some waterproof scales are able to handle some spills, while others can be submerged or washed with a pressure hose. To know the difference between these scales, be sure to check the IP rating to know how much resistance to water and dust they have, and what kind of cleaning they can withstand.
It is also worth noting that even if a scale is made of stainless steel, it does not necessarily mean that it is water or dust resistant, as the load cells may not be sealed. It is always safer to check for the term ‘washdown’ and the IP rating.
Do You Need Washdown Scales?
Washdown scales are used in several industries, due to their resistance to water and dust, as well as overall versatility and reliability.
The food industry, for example, has to adhere to high hygienic standards, and would therefore need to clean their scales frequently to avoid cross contamination. The medical and pharmaceutical industries also need washdown scales, to maintain the room’s cleanliness and to avoid contamination or mixture of samples.
Factories, warehouses, construction sites, as well as the agricultural sectors, are some of the other applications that use washdown scales to ensure a clean and consistent operation despite the dusty and harsh environments.
Benefits of Washdown Scales
One of the biggest benefits of washdown scales is that they can be used in harsher environments compared to other non-waterproof scales.
Other advantages include:
- Quick and easy to clean and remove residuals after weighing
- The frequent cleaning will prevent cross contamination, dirt build up and bacteria or mould growth
- A washdown scale can last longer as spills and other particles cannot enter into the internal components
- A washdown scale will not lose their calibration easily
- Washdown scales tend to last longer, making them more value for money
Which Waterproof Scale Do You Need?
Washdown scales come in different sizes and shapes, for different applications. Here are some of the water-resistant and washdown scales that we offer:
Bench scales
Bench scales are small to medium-sized scales that can fit on bench tops. These are designed to weigh smaller items, and are often used in kitchens scale, laboratory balances, warehouses scales, and other commercial environments. The A&D FZ-i-WP Precision Balance is IP65 rated and fully sealed against the ingress of foreign matter. It also has the Shock Absorber Function to prevent damage due to accidental overloading. The SJ-WP-BT series, on the other hand, is IP67 rated, allowing for thorough washing. It also has a waterproof and anti-corrosive load cell, and bright and multi-coloured 5-step LED comparator lamps for checkweighing.
Floor scales
Floor scales are sturdier scales that are able to take on bigger and heavier loads. Our SW Series, part of the A&D Warrior Range, is a heavy duty scale with a protection level of IP-69K. It is designed to withstand the harshest conditions, and is suitable for regular high pressure hosing and cleaning. It has a hermetically sealed stainless steel load cell, making it the ideal choice for those who require maximum protection. It also comes with a polycarbonate/ABS head casing, which prevents condensation problems.
Retail or commercial scales
Retail or commercial scales generally refer to weighing scales that are trade approved. Businesses that sell goods by weight are required by law to use trade approved scales, to ensure that consumers get what they pay for. These scales are typically used by businesses that sell food, produce, precious metals, mechanical and construction parts, prepackaged products, and more. A&D’s SK-WP series is trade approved, and has models with capacities ranging from 1kg to 20kg. These scales are dust and waterproof to IP-65 standards, and comes with a large square weighing pan.
If you need assistance in picking the best waterproof or washdown scale for your business, please get in touch with the A&D team today!