Republic of the Philippines

Central Mindanao University

University Town, Musuan, 8710 Bukidnon
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory I

Plate No. 3
Calibration of Platform Scale

Mark Loyd P. Ravidas

Name of Student
TTH 1 pm-4 pm
Class Section and Schedule
October 3, 2023
Date Performed
October 4. 2023
Date Submitted

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I. Objectives
● To be able to know the working principle of the operation of the platform scale.
● To learn how to calibrate the platform scale.
● To determine the accuracy and sensitivity of the platform scale.
● To know what is the leverage ratio.
● To be familiar with the commercial types of platform scale.

II. Discussion
Platform Scale Overview:
A platform scale, also known as a weighing scale or floor scale, is a device used to
measure the weight or mass of an object or material. These scales find application in
various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, shipping, and logistics, where
accurate weight measurement is crucial.
Working Principle:
The working principle of a platform scale involves the application of force and the
measurement of the resulting deformation. Here’s how it typically works:
1. Load Application: When an object is placed on the platform of the scale, it exerts
a downward force due to gravity.
2. Strain Gauges: Modern platform scales often use strain gauges or load cells
placed beneath the platform. These devices are designed to deform slightly when
a load is applied.
3. Deformation Measurement: As the load is applied, the strain gauges deform,
causing changes in electrical resistance. This change in resistance is proportional
to the force or weight applied.
4. Electronic Readout: The changes in resistance are converted into electrical
signals, which are then amplified and processed by the scale’s electronics.
5. Display: The processed signals are finally displayed digitally or through a needle
on an analog scale, providing the user with the weight measurement.
Types of Platform/Weighing Scales:

• Bench Scales: These are smaller platform scales designed for measuring lighter
loads and are often used in laboratory settings.

• Pallet Scales: Larger scales with a platform large enough to accommodate

standard pallets. They are commonly used in warehouses for weighing goods on
pallets.

• Truck Scales: Massive scales used to weigh entire trucks or vehicles. These are
often seen at trucking terminals and weigh stations.

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 • Hanging Scales: These are portable scales with a hook or attachment for
suspending objects to measure their weight. They are used in various industries,
including agriculture and fishing.

• Industrial Floor Scales: Heavy-duty scales designed for rugged environments,

such as factories and processing plants. They can handle substantial weight
loads.

Additional Information:

• Calibration: Regular calibration is essential to ensure accuracy.

• Digital vs. Analog: Platform scales are available in both digital and analog versions.
• Accuracy: The precision of a platform scale depends on its design and capacity.
• Tare Function: Allows for the subtraction of the weight of containers, making it
easier to weigh only the contents.
• Legal for Trade: Some scales are certified for commercial use and trade
applications.

III. Procedure (Sample)

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IV. Set-up of Apparatus

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V. Sample Data Sheet
A. Accuracy (Analog)
Beam Readings
Platform Corners %
Trial Average Difference
Load (kg) Center Difference
1 2 3 4
1 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 0 0
2 30 30.2 30 29.8 30 29.8 29.96 0.04 0.0013
3 45 45.6 45 45.2 45 45.4 45.24 0.24 0.0053
4 60 60.2 59.8 59.6 59.8 60 59.88 0.12 0.002
5 75 75.6 75.4 74.4 74.6 74.8 74.96 0.04 0.003
6 90 90.6 90.6 89.6 89.4 90 90.04 0.04 0.00044

B. Accuracy (Digital)
Beam Readings
Platform Corners %
Trial Average Difference
Load (kg) Center Difference
1 2 3 4
1 15 14.9 14.9 14.9 14.9 14.9 14.9 0.1 0.0066
2 30 29.9 29.9 29.95 29.95 29.93 29.926 0.074 0.0047
3 45 44.9 44.9 44.9 44.9 44.9 44.9 0.1 0.0022
4 60 59.8 59.8 59.8 59.8 59.8 59.8 0.2 0.0033
5 75 74.65 74.65 74.7 74.7 74.65 74.67 0.33 0.0044
6 90 89.4 89.4 89.45 89.45 89.4 89.42 0.58 0.0064

C. Sensitivity
Upper Stops Lower Stops
Trial Std. Weights
Initial Rdg. Final Rdg. Diff Initial Rdg. Final Rdg. Diff
1 15 15 14.4 0.6 15 15.6 0.6
2 30 30 29.4 0.6 30 30.6 0.6
3 45 45 44.2 0.8 45 45.8 0.8
4 60 59.6 58.8 0.8 59.6 60.6 1.0
5 75 74.8 71.8 3.0 74.8 75.8 1.0
6 90 89.8 88.8 1.0 89.8 90.8 1.0

D. Leverage Ratio
Counter Digital Analog
Weights Reading LR Reading LR
50 0.5 0.01 0.6 0.012
100 0.95 0.0095 1 1
100 0.95 0.0095 1.2 0.012
200 2 0.001 2 2

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VI. Sample Computations

VII. Materials
● PC/Laptop

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VIII. Questions

1. A 1500 kg mass is accelerated to 10 m/sec2, calculate the force required to perform

this acceleration horizontally and vertically where the acceleration due to gravity is 9.7
m/sec2.

2. A body weighs 2000 lb force when exposed to the earth’s standard gravitational
acceleration. What is its mass in kg?

3. What will be the weight of the body in Problem No. 2 if it is exposed to the moon’s
standard acceleration of 1.62 m/s2? Express your answer in Newton.

4. What is the leverage ratio of an analog platform scale?

The ratio between the weight of the counterweight and the measured weight of the
standard load.
5. What are the differences between analog platform scales and digital platform
scales?
Weight is measured using sensors on digital scales. They rely on strain gauges attached
to load cells, which bend under your weight and determine your weight accordingly. An
analog scale has a dial at the bottom that may be adjusted to zero.

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IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of platform scales plays a pivotal role in various industries,
serving as a cornerstone for ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with
regulatory standards. Whether in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, or other
sectors, platform scales enable businesses to:

● Maintain Product Quality: Accurate weighing and measurement ensure

that products meet quality standards, reducing the risk of defects and
customer dissatisfaction.
● Effective Inventory Management: Platform scales help track inventory
levels with precision, allowing for better control over stock levels, reducing
waste, and optimizing supply chains.
● Regulatory Compliance: Many industries operate under strict regulations
related to weights and measures. Properly selected and calibrated
platform scales help companies meet these compliance requirements,
avoiding legal issues and fines.
● Cost Efficiency: Investing in the right platform scale can lead to cost
savings in the long run by reducing errors, minimizing product waste, and
enhancing overall operational efficiency.
● Streamlined Processes: Integration with other systems and software can
streamline processes, making data management more efficient and
providing insights for decision-making.
● Durability and Reliability: High-quality platform scales are built to withstand
demanding industrial environments, ensuring long-term reliability and
minimizing maintenance costs.

X. References

https://www.wiltronics.com.au/wiltronics-knowledge-base/types-of-weighing-scales/
https://activescale.com/weigh-scale-dictionary/

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