Choosing an industrial platform scale isn't just about looking at its weight capacity. Size, material, cell type, water protection, or legal approval make the difference between equipment that lasts for years and one that falls short. In this guide, we explain, clearly, what to look for to make the right choice.
What is a platform scale?
It is a floor scale consisting of a robust platform (usually with 4 load cells) and a weight indicator that displays the result. It is used to weigh pallets, drums, boxes, parts, or any heavy load in industry, logistics, agriculture, or commerce.
Key factors for choosing your platform scale
- Capacity and division (precision): Capacity is the maximum weight (600, 1500, 3000 kg...) and division is the minimum increment it displays (200 g, 500 g...). Practical rule: don't buy more capacity than you need, because you lose precision.
- Platform size: It should be slightly larger than the load you are going to weigh. Typical measurements: 1000x1000, 1250x1250, or 1500x1500 mm. For Euro pallets, 1200x1000 mm or larger.
- Material: Painted steel for general dry use, or stainless steel for wet, corrosive environments, or high-pressure cleaning (food, chemical, pharmaceutical).
- Cell type and IP protection: Load cells are the heart of the scale. For outdoor use or water cleaning, look for cells and a junction box with IP67, IP68, or IP69K.
- Weight indicator: From basic models to multifunction with piece counting, dosing, totalizing, or connection to PC, printer, and network.
- CE-M approval: Essential if you are going to sell by weight (legal commercial use). Requires official calibration.
- Installation: Above-ground (with access ramp) or recessed flush with the floor (with frame), more convenient for forklifts and pallet trucks.
Types of platform scales
- Above-ground: Placed directly on the floor, with a ramp. The most common and economical option.
- Recessed (flush with the floor): Installed in a pit, for loading and unloading without a ramp.
- Stainless and hygienic: For sectors with strict hygiene standards.
- Single-cell: Small desktop or floor platforms for light loads.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing too much capacity and losing precision for small weights.
- Using painted steel in a wet environment (it rusts faster).
- Forgetting CE-M approval when selling by weight.
- Not planning for installation (ramp, pit, column for the indicator).
Not sure which one to choose? We can help
At DeProdeCa, we are distributors of Dini Argeo and we help you choose the ideal platform scale for your needs, with our own technical service (SAT), calibration, CE-M approval, and installation.