Talking scales have even more range when applied to industrial uses. A counting scale for example  features precision counting ability. The “Quick Count” mode lets you easily count parts using a single push of a button. For more complex counting tasks, the menu functions give you the ability to store, and then retrieve the piece weight of as many as 450 different items. With a text to speech addition, inventory could be taken in a fraction of the time it took before as the worker would never have to look up from his task to log his numbers.

Industrial scales often face rugged and harsh conditions. A cylinder scale, for example, may have to support over 250 pounds of a tilted cylinder as liquid is being loaded or taken off the platform. A platform scale may be subject to high shock loads as forklifts loading large pallets inadvertently bump into the side of the scale. It can take every bit of a worker’s concentration to avoid this problem. A talking readout can reduce the stress of the worker, making industrial accidents less likely and the workplace safer for all.

However, one of the best uses for a text to speech option when considering workplace safety is for use with an explosive environment scale. In a case where hazardous materials are in use and the scale is built with four stainless steel load cells embedded in a welded frame for maximum shock and abuse resistance, the business of safety is serious. Workplace hazards can be minimized when the hazardous materials handler can stay completely focused on handling, without needing to watch the digital display.

The bottom line is that humans are fallible, and long series of numbers can become lost or confused when they are just received in one form. The mind often interposes numbers and human error is the main cause of bad data. All human beings learn in different ways. Some humans are auditory learners while others find a visual approach works best for them. The combination of both visual and auditory stimulation has been scientifically proven to decrease the likelihood of error. Scales with an auditory or talking feature can assist disabled workers, aid in employee cooperation and are the best bet in increasing production while eliminating error.

Industrial scales are often subject to very harsh conditions. A cylinder scale may have to support a 250 pound tilted liquid gas cylinder as it is being loaded on and off. A platform scale may be subject to high shock loads as large pallets are placed on it by a forklift. Parts counting scales may also have to support these shock loads if a large batch of parts are placed on it at one time.

The most important component of any electronic scale is the transducer, which senses force, and outputs an electronic signal. Most often, the transducer is a strain gauge load cell. When force from an object acts on the load cell, it bends in a very controlled manner. When the object is removed, the load cell unbends back to its original position, much like a spring. A strain gauge, a type of electrical resistor, is placed on the load cell. As the load cell bends under the weight of an object, the resistance of the strain gauge changes. The weight of the object is proportional to the change in resistance of the strain gauge, which is affected by the amount of bending of the load cell.

Many industrial scale manufacturers choose to use aluminum alloy load cells in their scales since it is relatively cheap and it is very easy to machine. However, these aluminum load cells are very easy to damage. A shock load may bend the aluminum so much that it will not be able to spring back to its original position. If this happens, the electronic scale is no longer usable. Other manufacturers used nickel-plated steel load cells. However, these devices are susceptible to corrosion. High-quality industrial scale manufacturers, like Arlyn Scales, often choose to use a 17-4 stainless steel alloy. Load cells made from this material are very difficult to damage, and therefore, can sustain larger shock loads and can last longer.