Digital indicators for weighing systems

Digital indicators and weighing indicators for precise weighing systems

Digital indicators for weighing systems acquire the measurement signals from connected load cells, convert them into precise weight values and display them clearly on LED or LCD displays. They therefore serve as the central operating and evaluation unit in many industrial scales and weighing systems.

Depending on the version, weighing indicators perform far more than simply displaying weight. Functions such as taring, totalizing, limit monitoring, relay control, data transmission or the management of more complex weighing processes enable their use in automated production and logistics processes. Special versions are available, for example, for vehicle and weighbridge applications.

Althen digital weight indicators are available in various designs – from compact panel-mount devices and desktop or wall-mounted units to robust IP67 versions. In addition to conventional LED and LCD displays, solutions with wireless data transmission via Wi-Fi are also available.

Precise weight indication and flexible functions for industrial weighing tasks

Althen digital indicators combine precise signal evaluation with clear weight indication and versatile functions for industrial weighing systems. Depending on the application, different load cells, interfaces, inputs and outputs as well as display and housing variants can be selected.

Advantages of digital indicators for weighing systems

• High accuracy for reliable weight measurements
  High-resolution A/D converters enable precise acquisition of signals from connected load cells. Many devices achieve linearity of less than 0.01% of full scale.
• Direct connection of load cells
  Depending on the device, multiple strain gauge load cells can be connected in parallel and powered directly by the indicator. This also enables platform, vessel and weighbridge systems with multiple load cells to be implemented.
• LED or LCD displays for different requirements
  Clearly readable LED displays are particularly suitable for quick reading of weight values. Backlit LCD displays can additionally show status information, symbols and other weighing data.
• Communication with PCs, PLCs and peripheral devices
  Many weighing indicators feature RS232 and RS485 interfaces and support protocols such as Modbus RTU or the Laumas ASCII protocol. This allows weight data to be transmitted to PCs, PLCs, additional displays, printers or data loggers.
• Flexible designs and protection ratings
  The portfolio includes compact panel-mount devices as well as desktop, wall-mounted and stand-alone units. Robust housings with higher protection ratings and stainless-steel versions are available for more demanding environmental conditions.
• Special solutions for weighbridges and vehicle scales
  Indicators with extended operating functions are available for vehicle weighing applications. Depending on the model, single, double and multiple weighing operations, vehicle data or totals can be processed and stored.

What to consider when selecting a digital indicator for weighing systems

1. Determine the type of weighing application
First, define the weighing task to be performed. A simple platform or vessel scale places different requirements on the weighing indicator than a vehicle scale, production scale or automated weighing process.

2. Consider load cells and connection options
Check how many load cells need to be connected and the electrical characteristics of the transducers used. Some indicators can directly power and evaluate several 350 Ω load cells connected in parallel.

3. Select the required display
LED displays are suitable for simple and highly visible weight indication. LCD displays can additionally show symbols, status information and extended operating information. For more complex weighing processes, a larger display can make operation considerably easier.

4. Define the required weighing functions
In addition to standard functions such as zeroing and tare, functions such as limit values, totalizing, multiple weighing operations, vehicle management or other process-specific features may be required depending on the model.

5. Consider interfaces and data transmission
Should the weight value only be displayed locally, or does it also need to be processed digitally? Many models offer RS232 and RS485 interfaces with various communication protocols for connection to PCs, PLCs, printers or data loggers. A Wi-Fi-based solution is also available for applications requiring wireless communication.

6. Check inputs and outputs for control tasks
Digital inputs and relay outputs enable the weighing indicator to be integrated into machine and plant control systems. They can be used, for example, to signal limit values or control external components.

7. Select housing and protection rating to suit the environment
Compact panel-mount indicators can be used for protected installation in control panels. Devices with a higher IP protection rating are recommended for dusty or wet production environments. Stainless-steel housings are also available for certain industrial applications.

8. Consider calibration and linearization
Depending on the version, indicators can be calibrated directly using the operating keys. Multi-point linearization enables adaptation to the actual weighing system and contributes to high measurement accuracy across the entire weighing range.

9. Check requirements for legal-for-trade applications
If the weighing system is intended for legal-for-trade use, the approval of the selected weighing indicator and the requirements for the complete scale must be taken into account. Selected devices are available for appropriately certified weighing systems.

Our technical expert team will be happy to help you optimally match the load cells and indicator and select the right electronics for your application. Contact our sales team

Typical applications of digital indicators for weighing systems

Digital weighing indicators are used wherever the signal from one or more load cells needs to be acquired, displayed as a weight value and, where required, processed for subsequent operations.

Typical applications include:

• Platform and bench scales
• Vessel, tank and silo weighing
• Weighbridges and vehicle scales
• Industrial production scales
• Material and goods weighing
• Logistics and goods receiving
• Filling and discharge processes
• Packaging and filling systems
• Food production
• Process and plant monitoring
• Weight monitoring in machines and production systems
• Mobile or wirelessly monitored weighing systems

Thanks to different displays, housings, interfaces and additional functions, weighing indicators can be flexibly adapted to the specific measurement task.