Digital Scales
The digital weighing scale is truly a modern innovation and has become the popular replacement for its bulkier counterparts. Functioning at a purely electronic level, the transducer or load cell has made this all possible to us by making its measurements by converting weight into electronic pulses that can then be interpreted by a micro chip and then displayed on a screen or printed out. To add more techie talk to the discussion, the digital weighing scale works in a very revolutionary way. Rather than directly measuring an objects'mass or weight, digital weighing scales are equipped with electrical resistors that change their conductivity in response to the amount of compressive force that an object is able to exert on it.
A signal being passed through this resistor will change in proportion to this compressive factor and the output signal will then have changed. This data, along with other necessary information from other parts of the electronics can then be processed via an analogue to digital converter to an on board microchip with the essential software preprogrammed into it, capable of making the final calculations. The calculations for the unknown weight of the object are made in milliseconds and then displayed on a liquid crystal display or optionally passed on to a printer. Aside from its high degree of accuracy and precision, these digitalscales are extremely light and sleek compared to its more awkward mechanical ancestors, plus, without the necessity for any discernible moving parts and the standardizedset of weights that usually accompany many balances, we can see that the digital weighing scale truly modernized the way weight measurements are made in these modern times.
Many factors have led to the popularity of the digital scale. Let’s look into some questions that have been asked about the digital scale just to see how good it really is.
What are the benefits of a digital scale?
There are many benefits to a digital scale such as precision, size and weight, many automated features and ease of use. Another great thing you should know about digital scales is they will most likely keep their high level of precision late into their lifespan since there are almost no moving parts. Overtime, traditional scales that have lever systems or knife edges experience wear and tear and this leads to inaccuracy. You'll be happy to know that this is minimized with a digital system.
How precise is the digital weighing scale?
Digital scales are extremely precise and they usually have a very low tolerance for error. Common digital scales can have the capacity to measure up to tenth of a gram whereas other, more precise ones can be as sensitive to the hundredth of a gram and yet there are those that measure to the thousandth of a gram. Precision with digital scales comes at a price. You will find that the more precise a device is, the higher the price tag attached to it will be. These digital scales are also specialized in their functions so you have to find one that fits your specific needs.
What do you mean that they are specialized and I have to find something that fits my specific needs?
Applications for the digital weighing scale range from high precision laboratory measurements to cooking and baking. You also have jewelry and valuable metal applications where metals and substances of high value should be measured with extreme precision and a difference of even one gram means a different monetary position. Postage and shipping is also one very popular application since parcels have to be weighted to decide just how much it'll cost to ship it to an address. In addition, shops charge you on the weight of your purchase. This is common when you buy produce or when you buy coffee. So you see, the applications of this digital device are many and if you are in the market to get one, be sure to be clear on how you will be using your digital scale since the scale will most probably have to be specialized to your needs.
Earlier, you talked about some automated features. Could you tell me more about those?
Many modern models have these functions that you don't get with your old run of the mill weighing scale. You can have a choice of viewing the weight in different metric values such as milligrams, grams and ounces, or you could select a specific customary unit like the carat, grain or tael. There is also a counting feature that comes in very handy. This works by first weighing a set number of samples so as to 'introduce' this group of specimens and after setting the machine to know this, you can start weighing and the machine will also give you an approximate number of items being weighed based on the sample. The digital scale also gives you the average weight of each piece. One funny feature that's nice to know is that some models can even talk. This is convenient for the visually challenged or for those who are just plain eccentric.
I always have to recalibrate my analog weighing machines will I have to do the same thing to a digital scale?
You won't have to calibrate or recalibrate your digital scale since it's already been preprogrammed for you and this calibration is not a physical one that can be knocked out of sync by a careless bump or a light fall. This calibration is contained in a micro chip in the digital scale and is not so simple to manipulate or corrupt, however, in case you do need to calibrate due to some special factor in your localized environment, the manual gives you a simple how-to and guides you through the process of calibration.
From its humble beginnings, the digital scale has indeed demonstrated itself as a tool worthy of its place. Continually showing itself of value to the endeavors of man, we appreciate its humble task. The digital scale truly has proven itself in weighty matters.
