A Quick Guide to Compact Balances and Scales

Compact weighing scales and balances are very common, as they tend to be inexpensive and can be used almost everywhere for a variety of purposes. In this category, most people buy bathroom scales or cooking scales. But the professional market has different needs, so we’ll explore compact scales and balances and their applications through various industries.

There are different types of compact balances and scales. Some offer simple operation for basic weighing, while others are highly precise. They’re all lightweight and easy to transport, and can usually be powered by batteries for added mobility. They tend to be easy to clean as well. Compact scales can be used in almost every industry. They are also useful if you travel a lot, if you have to use the same scale in multiple locations or in a large or remote working area (for example, carrying to various classrooms), for places where electricity is unavailable, and for trade shows, fairs, or farmer’s markets.

Types of Compact Balances and Scales

Balances such as the CB or the Dune series are relatively low-cost, easy to operate, and reliable. They’re great for teaching students how to use a digital scale and for other simple weighing tasks, whether you have to weigh in laboratories, retail environments or industrial settings. Keep in mind that compact balances won’t be particularly precise (don’t try to measure tiny samples or small doses) and their capacity is likely to be low also. They’re meant for quick, easy weighing on the go and make ideal portable scales. 

Some compact balances, like the Core or the Highland, can handle precision weighing tasks and are quite useful for field sample weighing or cramped lab benches. They’re not as precise as analytical or micro balances, but they can handle demanding tasks for science. These balances are built to be sturdy enough to handle field work and student curiosity. They also have extra features such as a security slot, shock protection, and a hook for below-balance weighing and density determination, which makes them ideal education weighing scales.

Scales like the Astro compact scale, are very easy to clean and have features that make them handy for cooking and catering applications such as measuring ingredients, batching, and portioning. Usually, food scales are made of stainless steel rather than ABS to ensure they’re easy to clean and that they can resist messy items. They often have many different weighing units for added convenience. Overload protection is another useful feature, ideal for hectic kitchens and restaurant use.             

The small CPWplus models can be used to weigh small animals at home or in a veterinarian’s office, stock in warehouses, or parcels in shipping departments. These scales are on the bigger end of the compact scales category, as large as some bench scales, but they have an indicator that can be mounted or put elsewhere to take full advantage of the weighing platform.

Should I get a carry case?

That depends on a few things. If your scale or balance was expensive and you often have to travel with it or transport it, then a carry case is ideal to protect your investment. If you often go for field experiments, then a carry case is worth it, while it might not be as useful if you just move the balance from lab to lab. Another thing to consider is the number of small components. Do you have an extra charger? Batteries on the side? Calibration weights or other equipment you use frequently in conjunction with the scale? If you do, it’s worth having a case to keep everything in the same place. Cases can also be locked.

Need help finding the right one?

These applications are suggestions. You could use a CB compact balance in a warehouse or a kitchen, or even to weigh small animals. The best way to pick a compact scale is to figure which features you need (if you weigh animals, for example, dynamic weighing or something easy to clean, is important) and how much precision is necessary. You don’t need a Highland to teach pre-school children how to use a scale. If it’s for commercial purposes, you’ll need something trade approved. If you need help picking a scale or a balance, please don’t hesitate to contact us, or you can use the product search function on our website to find the right equipment for your needs. 

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