From livestock scales to truck scales, every weighing system will eventually need to be recalibrated with enough use. You may be wondering if scale calibration services are the same as getting your scale certified. Is the process the same? You may be surprised to learn that while the two are related, there are key differences.
Keep reading with us at Accurate Scale as we explore the ins and outs of these distinct scale services. Proudly Canadian, we’ve been a trusted name in Edmonton since 1978. We do it all, from reliable, timely scale repairs to precise calibration.
What Is Scale Calibration?
Over time, the precision of scales typically loses effectiveness. The more they’re used, the more wear and tear occurs, especially on internal mechanical components like load cells. These critical components endure the most stress during weighings, leading to deterioration. Though calibration doesn’t reverse this degradation, it does help ensure consistent measurements despite the gradual decline. It’s a service designed to combat regular scale issues, including drifting and erratic measurements, to ensure consistency and precision.
In general, it’s best practice to have your scale recalibrated once a year at a minimum. Though many businesses will opt for more frequent calibrations to maintain internal compliance and accuracy.
How Scale Calibration Is Performed
To understand why repairs are necessary after scale calibration services, we have to take a look at how exactly calibration works. While each scale will use different weights, the process is largely the same. Here’s a general step-by-step on what happens when you seek out scale calibration services:
- The service technician will inspect your scale, looking for any signs of visual disorder, including physical damage, corrosion, and misalignment.
- Next, they’ll test the scale’s function with government-certified weights, aligned to the scale’s capacity.
- Multiple weighings will be conducted during testing to measure the difference between measurements, errors, and response time.
- At this stage, the technician will calibrate the scale by loading the weights onto the scale incrementally, from zero to max capacity. During each measurement, they’ll adjust the scale readings to the correct weight.
What Is Scale Certification?
Scale certification is a comprehensive inspection carried out by a certified inspector through Measurement Canada. The key benefit of scale certification is that certified scales are approved to perform ‘Legal for Trade’ measurements. This certification is a standard requirement across many commercially regulated industries.
During this inspection, the inspector will use government-certified weights for compliance weight testing. They’ll test out the weights multiple times for consistency, across the full weight range. Afterwards, your scale will either pass or fail the certification. If you pass, you’ll receive official certification documentation.
What’s the Difference?
Here’s the truth: scale certification and calibration are different. Scale calibration is a service that should be done annually, in order to ensure maximum reading accuracy. It can, and should, be done even if certification isn’t needed.
Scale certification is an official compliance process, and calibration is a part of the process beforehand to ensure passing. All certified scales have been calibrated, but not all calibrated scales are necessarily certified. Different industries have varying standards for how often scale certification has to happen.
No Guesswork Allowed with Accurate Scale
Give your scale the precision it deserves with expert repairs and scale calibration services from Accurate Scale. We support businesses in achieving complete compliance with the rigorous industry standards. We serve businesses across Northern Alberta, from Edmonton to Red Deer, and everywhere in between. Reach out to our knowledgeable team today and get one step closer to effortless, worry-free scale maintenance.