Metal Crane Scales

What are metal crane scales?

Metal crane scales are a type of weighing device used to measure the weight of objects lifted by a crane. This type of heavy-duty crane scale is generally used in heavy industries like metal fabrication, automotive manufacturing, foundries, shipbuilding, container loading, lumberyards, recycling centers, warehouses, and more. 

They’re an essential component of ensuring on-site safety when lifting heavy loads. Sometimes referred to as metal lifting scales, they help with applications like:

• Weighing of pallet loads
• Compliance with load limitations 
• Pricing and inventory tracking
• Determining the calibration weights of products
• Testing load stability during transport

Different types of metal crane scales

Industrial crane scales come in two varieties: analog and digital.

Digital vs analog metal crane scales

You might think that today, all crane load scales would be digital—but that’s not so. Analog scales, which use a pointer needle and a calibrated dial to display the lifted load’s weight, are still in use. Analog metal lifting scales can be accurate to some degree, however, they can never match the accuracy of a quality digital crane scale. Also, their mechanical components will wear out over time faster than their digital counterparts’.

On the other hand, digital metal weighing scales afford their users a much higher level of accuracy. Digital metal crane scales feature an LED digital readout display which not only shows a more accurate reading but can also be read from a much greater distance than an analog display, adding an additional level of safety.

Wired vs wireless metal crane scales

Another major difference between types of crane scales is whether they are wired or wireless. 

Wired industrial crane scales connect the scale directly to a digital indicator or readout device. The signal is transferred from the scale’s load cell to the indicator through the wired connection. 

With wireless crane load scales, the signal is sent from the scale to the indicator wirelessly, using either radio frequency (RF) technology or Bluetooth. 

Benefits of using metal crane scales

There are numerous benefits to using crane scales, and it varies between industries and applications. 

A primary benefit is accurately measuring the weight of heavy loads to ensure safety in the workplace. Knowing a given load’s weight ensures that the crane will be able to bear the load. This can prevent damage to both the crane itself and the object being lifted.

Overhead crane scales can also help to save time and reduce cost. They enable workers to accurately weigh a given load so they can determine how best to lift and transport it. This eliminates the need for laborious manual calculations, saves time, and helps to reduce errors.

Crane scales can also be used to efficiently and accurately keep track of inventory. By accurately measuring load weight whenever inventory is moved or stored, businesses can track it more accurately and reduce the potential for human error.

Types of metal used in crane scales

Overhead crane scales are generally made of steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. The choice of material depends on the type of load and the environment where the scale will be operating. For example, aluminum scales are ideal for light-duty industrial use in mild environments, while stainless steel crane scales are ideal for heavier use and harsher environments.

At Eilon Engineering, we produce solely high-strength, aerospace quality, low alloy steel crane scales, which are polyurethane coated. This gives our systems the highest possible safety level and assures they’ll be suitable for nearly any and all work environments.

Understanding crane scale components

Metal weighing scales are composed of several different components. The main two are the load cell and the display.

The load cell is the device that measures the force by converting the load’s weight into an electrical signal. When the force is applied, the load cell uses a strain gauge that measures a change in electrical resistance. This change in resistance is then converted into a usable signal that is sent to the digital readout display.

The display used in crane weight measurement equipment is the other half of the equation, allowing operators to safely monitor the lifted load from a distance. 

Ron crane scales offer a variety of display options that are suitable for all types of lifting environments and applications. These include:

• Wireless hand-held indicator
• Wired hand-held indicator
• Detachable display
• Integrated display
• Large 5” LED display

Common use cases for crane scales

There are countless applications for metal lifting scales. Here are some of the most common:

Overload Prevention

High-quality steel crane scales are a vital component in preventing dangerous overloads when lifting heavy objects. Industrial weighing devices for cranes, like crane scales, help prevent overloads before they become dangerous. 

Proof Load Testing

A proof load test is a type of load test performed to determine the maximum working load of a structural component or system. The test involves applying a predetermined load to the equipment and then measuring its structural integrity afterward.

Weighing During Manufacture

Manufacturing processes can be streamlined by using crane scales and hanging scales for metal objects, which enable operators to lift and measure in one step, thereby eliminating the need for separate weighing stages.

Key considerations when choosing a crane scale

Choosing a metal crane scale is a big decision, so it’s important to weigh all the factors.

Quality

When selecting a steel crane scale, be sure to look for high-quality material. With more than 45 years of experience, Eilon Engineering has an indisputable reputation for using only the highest-quality materials in our crane scales, ensuring years of safe, reliable lifting with every system.

Easy to use

All industrial weighing devices for cranes should be easy to operate. This saves valuable time while learning to use the system and increases safety. 

All Ron Crane Scales are user-friendly, simple to operate and are user-calibrated.

Affordability

When it comes to metal weighing scales, affordability is more than just the sticker price. Heavy-duty crane scales that are built to last will be more affordable in the long run. Not only will the scale last longer, but you’ll also save on maintenance and upkeep. Ron Crane Scales are available with a 5 year warranty.