Our range of counting weighing scales and how they work

The prime function of a counting scale is to make life easier for you.

Marsden counting scales are an effective solution for production lines, picking stations and despatch areas in almost any sector.

You can use a counting scale to count many items - with Marsden’s range of counting scales boasting high accuracy, a range of capacities and excellent results.

But how do they work?

To be able to count items, counting scales first need to know what the weight of each individual item is. When they know this, they use the total weight to determine how many identical items have been placed on the scale.

Are counting scales accurate?

Counting scales have very high internal resolutions – this means they are very accurate! - and it is recommended that a large sample is used to make the weighing as accurate as possible.

Of course, a very accurate scale will notice very small differences in weight – for example the difference between 0.499g and 0.501g – and if these differences are slightly out, the average weight will be distorted. It is important to use items as close to the same weight as possible, as differences in piece weights can knock out your total count, especially when large quantities are being counted.

Preparing to use a counting scale

Before items can be accurately counted, a sample must be placed on the scale.

With the scale switched on, simply place items onto the scale. Using the numeric keys you can then type in the number of items that you have, and press the ‘sample’ button.

The counting scale will use the total weight of the items that you have placed on the weighing platform and divide the weight by the number of pieces you have entered, to then calculate the average weight of the items.

You can then begin counting identical items on the scale, getting instant count results as you load the scale.

How can other features of the scale speed up counting processes?

Counting scales are fitted with many functions which are designed to speed up counting.

Many counting scales feature Automatic Counting Accuracy Improvement (ACAI), which means count results are more accurate. When piece weights may be inconsistent, a higher reference weight is important. ACAI uses an individual average unit weight in order to count additional items placed on the scale. When an item with a higher reference weight is added, the scale will ‘beep’ to let you know.

The Product Look Up tool (PLU) means items can be saved to the scale’s memory, meaning that you save time by not having to resample them. You simply go straight to them item in the scale’s memory and immediately recall the unit weight.

If a user is wanting to get a certain quantity of an item, a hi/lo target is built in to some scales. Here the individual can enter a maximum quantity of a product they wish to reach, and as items are added to the scale the device will sound when it hits a certain tally, e.g. 1000 units.

By choosing a scale which is fitted with RS-232, you can also connect the scale to another weighing platform or to an Excel spreadsheet. Transferring data to a PC in this way is easy. Simply watch this video to find out more.

You can read more counting scale tips by clicking here. To find out more about any of our counting scales, contact us here or call 01709 364296.