Back to Blog

Buyer's Guide: Scales for printing and recording weight

Buyer's Guide: Scales for printing and recording weight


Whether you are weighing items to make sure a container is not overloaded or using a counting scale to ensure piece weights are accurate, keeping a record of weight can be extremely helpful.

And by choosing one of the many scales available from Marsden with data output, you can do this with ease.

Keeping a record of the weight can also be a legal requirement. An example is bakery weighing, as this blog post explains.

The Marsden range includes options where data can be sent to a PC or printed out as a hard copy. Read on to find out all you need to know about choosing a scale with data transfer capability.



Determine your need

The first step in choosing a scale for recording weight information is understanding what the scale will be used for, i.e. what are you weighing?

If you are counting parts a counting scale is for you. Marsden’s counting scale with data transfer capabilities has three displays for total weight, unit weight and count information.

For weighing small items a bench scale is perfect, and there are a number in the Marsden weighing scales with data output to choose from.

And for heavy duty bulk weighing, you need a high capacity scale: a platform, weigh beam or u-frame.



Choose your scale

Once you know your need, it is time to choose your scale. All the of the weighing scales listed below can send data to a PC or to a sticky label or tally roll printer.

1. Bench scales with data output

Bench scales are ideal for weighing anything from ingredients to nuts and bolts. They are highly precise at weighing items up to 150kg. Our JIK indicators are fitted with the RS-232 port for data transfer, which means they can send weight information to a PC.

The MSS is constructed from robust mild steel, features a hi/lo alarm and is unit switchable. It can also be made Trade Approved if the correct indicator is chosen.

For harsher environments, the HSS is constructed from stainless steel which is known for being durable and long lasting. This scale also comes with Trade Approved versions.

2. Counting scales with data output

For precise counting on your production line and other environments, a counting scale is for you.

The Jadever JCE is highly precise, with a choice of graduations to 0.1g. It has a bright LCD display for dark environments and powered by rechargeable battery it can be used anywhere.

3. Platforms, beams and u frames scales with data output

These types of scales are perfect for weighing large and outgoing goods. By tracking the weight of items before they are loaded onto a vehicle you can ensure that it is not overloaded.

Our platform scales are suitable for weighing items up to 3000kg. Our JIK indicator is suitable for data transfer and is available with both the mild steel platform scale or stainless steel version.

Alternatively, a weigh beam scale can be positioned the desired distance apart so it can weigh goods of any size. To create data transfer-capable weigh beams choose either the mild steel or stainless steel version with the JIK indicator.

Or if you need to roll goods onto the scale, a Drive Thru scale is the solution you need. A U Frame scale is a portable equivalent to a platform scale, complete with a handle and wheels. View all of the options here.

We have also recently launched our I-500 and I-550 indicators with bench and heavy duty scales. These are also used for data transfer and are perfect options if you need a more bespoke weighing solution. Let us know your requirements and we will do the rest.



Use your scale

To transfer data to a PC, a wired or wireless u key can be used. The wired u key works by plugging one end of the cable into the scale and other end into your PC. The wireless u key runs by plugging the receiver stick into the computer’s USB port.

To use the Marsden u-key which can be connected to your scale and your PC in order to send weight information, simply follow these steps:



Connect the scale and computer:
  1. Plug the u-key into the scale’s RS-232 port, and the other end into a computer’s USB port. Then switch on the scale.
  2. Preparing your Excel spreadsheet: Open a new Excel document and set up how you wish the data to go in. For a counting scale, this may mean that columns are headed ‘unit weight’, ‘gross weight’ and ‘count information’.
  3. Ensure format is correct: The format of your cell needs to match the format on the scale. So, if your indicator at zero is ‘0.000’, your cell should be set to the same format. This is done by right clicking on your chosen cell and selecting ‘Format Cells’. To change the number of decimal places, select from the options in the Number menu.
  4. Place your item(s) on the scale: Once the item is situated on the scale it will either transfer data from the scale to the spreadsheet automatically or press the ‘Print’ button on the indicator.
  5. Return the scale to zero: Before another weight is added or the count reading sent to a spreadsheet, the items needed to be taken off the scale.
  6. Use the weight data: Once the data is in your spreadsheet you can save it to a central database, pass it to a colleague or print it out.

You can also print from the types of scales listed above. For JIK scales we can set up your labels, including date, time, weight, count, net weight, tare weight and gross weight. - just let us know what you need.

Printing from the JIK indicator is simple. Place your item on the scale, wait for the stable indication in the bottom right of the display and the press the print button.

Standard label width is 56mm but wider labels can be ordered - call us to find out more. For more on printing from the JIK indicator, the user manual explains more here.


For more information on any of our scales, call 01709 364296 or contact us here.