Weighbridges play a major role across various sectors, including transportation, logistics, mining, and manufacturing. They are used to measure the weight of heavy items loaded on large vehicles such as trucks. If you deal in the transportation industry, you definitely need a weighing scale to weigh your loaded vehicles.
But what exactly is a weighbridge, and what are the many varieties available? How does a weighbridge work? Read on to learn everything about these weighing tools. This will help you select the best solution for your industry.
What is a Weighbridge?
A weighbridge, also known as a truck scale, is a collection of components that work together to generate weight readings when a vehicle drives onto the scale. It is a heavy-duty scale that is mostly used for measuring the weights of trailers, trucks, and other bulky vehicles that are used to transport heavy goods. A weighbridge is simply a platform placed on load cells. This assembly is connected to a weight indicator or a computer system with a display.
In order to weigh the item, it is first driven to the platform where load cells measure its weight and then send the corresponding signal to the weight indicator.
A quality weighbridge can make it easier and more efficient for you to calculate the weight of vehicles with or without load, ensure compliance with weight limits, and verify the weights of shipments, thus improving your productivity and eliminating risks.
What is a Weighbridge Used For?
A truck scale is simply a gigantic set of scales used to weigh large objects. One of the most popular applications for a weighing scale is to assess the weight of heavy trucks. This may include trucks or rail containers.
Weighbridges are used in industries such as mining and quarrying to accurately estimate the weight of products entering and exiting the facility. Other industries that experience bulk transportation include iron and steel, home products, agriculture, forestry, and construction. Any industry that needs to transport big items in large vehicles can benefit from having a weighbridge.
How does a Weighbridge Work?
Business owners must have accurate measurements of the products that enter and exit their facilities. This is especially essential when the cargo’s weight affects its monetary worth. However, a load is difficult to quantify on its own.
Weighing scales operate by measuring the weight of the truck before and after the items are carried on board. The difference between these two measures determines the load’s weight and, in many cases, its worth.
Here are Some Popular Weighbridge Types:
- Surface-Mounted Weighbridges
- Pit-Mounted Weighbridges
- Multiple Deck Weighbridges
- Semi-Pit Weighbridges
- Portable Weighbridges
- Axle Weighbridges
How Do I Choose a Weighbridge for My Facility?
Your initial selection of which sort of weighing scale to install in your facility will be determined by the amount of available space. A surface-mounted weighbridge requires significantly more room for cars to drive on and off.
A pit-mounted weighbridge requires less area, but groundwork is required to form the pit. This involves constructing suitable foundations. Drainage is also crucial. If the pit does not drain correctly, the weighing scale may sustain damage. This will result in additional charges for service and repairs. You must also decide on the material for the weighbridge deck.
The cost of a weighing instrument is likely to be a crucial consideration for any organization. This is a huge investment. Every firm has somewhat different needs, and the type of weighbridge and materials utilized will play a significant role in the overall cost.
Another important element to consider is maintenance expenditures. Businesses that fail to maintain their weighing scales risk incurring significant repair costs. There is also a danger of company loss if a truck scale malfunctions and is inoperable for an extended period of time while being repaired.
Conclusion
Weighbridges are an essential piece of equipment in many sectors that require accurate weight readings. While public truck scales are available, they are sometimes in inconvenient places or require too much time to use. There are several advantages to purchasing your own truck scale if you need to carry products by road or rail.
If you’re thinking of buying a truck scale or looking for a good weighbridge manufacturer, look no further. Swisser Instruments has a large collection of weighing equipment, including weighing scales and more.