6 washdown scales benefits for food and drink weighing
Washdown scales are a popular choice for the food and drinks industry. That’s because, when the environment is wet, damp or dusty, weighing equipment needs to be hardy and, to keep it clean, capable of withstanding regular washing down.
Of course, all weighing scales can be cleaned. But without the protection a washdown scale boasts much more care is required.
Washdown scales can be identified by their IP rating. An IP rating is an indication of the scale’s protection against moisture and dust, and this will help you determine which washdown scale is right for you.
Who uses washdown scales?
Marsden’s range of washdown scales are used by food and drinks companies throughout the UK and around the world. Fishmongers and fish merchants use washdown scales for both weighing in bulk and also weighing fish front of shop to determine a price.
Breweries use washdown scales throughout the brewing process, from weighing ingredients to checking outgoing casks, bottles and cans. Farmyard Ales use a Marsden B-400 to weigh out-going cans, as you can see here.
Farms and dairies use washdown scales for bulk weighing because a large washdown scales can be hosed down quickly and easily.
IP ratings mean better protection
The most obvious way to determine if a weighing scale can be washed down is to check for an IP rating. IP ratings determine the level of protection the scale has against moisture and dust ingress. We explain IP ratings in this blog post - generally, at Marsden, we describe IP65-certified scales as ‘wipe down’ since they offer the lowest level of IP rating, and IP67 scales as ‘washdown.’ IP68 scales are fully waterproof and can even be submerged in water.
An IP rating will give you confidence in the durability of the scale because it means it has been tested extensively in order to determine the protection level. The higher the IP rating, the better the protection. IP ratings and definitions are set and regulated by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
They can be kept hygienic
Washdown scales, as the name suggests, can be washed down - and the key benefit of this for the food and drinks industry is that they can be kept hygienic.
For larger washdown weighing scales, washing down with a hose is typical practice, whereas smaller weighing scales like bench scales can be washed down with water and a cloth.
Most IP68-certified scales can even be submerged in water for cleaning.
Cleaning is easier
Of course, if a scale can be washed down without risk of water ingress, this makes keeping them clean easier.
Scales without IP ratings can be kept clean but extra care has to be taken to avoid any water ingress, as this can affect internal components and, ultimately, the life of the scale.
They offer better value for money
Reduced risk of moisture ingress means your scales will last longer. In turn, this makes washdown scales a better investment.
Some businesses will prefer to ‘buy cheap, replace regularly’. This has a number of downsides, though - not least the company’s effect on the environment and waste generation. It can also increase downtime if there are no other weighing scales available to perform the task when one breaks down.
They look professional
Feedback from many customers in the food and drinks industry suggests that the appearance of weighing scales to customers is important. This should be considered if you’re using your washdown scale front of shop, for example.
Marsden’s washdown scales are mostly of stainless steel construction. Stainless steel is a high quality material, and it looks the part.
There’s one for every need
Whether its a platform scale or a bench scale, we can create a waterproof scale to fulfil most requirements. Make sure you check the IP rating before you choose your scale to ensure it’s suitable for your needs.
You’ll find a full range of our industrial scales here, many of which are washdown scales. Or if you need to ask our advice or need more information on any of our weighing scales, contact the Marsden team here.