The design of a weight scale is based on the measurement of mass. Weight measures the impact an object's mass has on the gravitational field. Therefore, an object's weight is relative to its amount of mass. The weight scale must be very accurate. In a commercial environment, the scales are routinely calibrated to ensure accuracy for the consumer. For accurate measurements, the parts of the weight scale must be maintained.
Weight Indicator
The weight indicator is in a numeric format and provides information to tell the user the weight of the object. It can be a stationary row of numbers that has a pointer that moves along the numbers to indicate the weight. Other examples of a weight indicator is a digital indicator that shows an electronic numerical display; a dial that moves to the location of a stationary pointer; and a sliding weight balance that requires the user to move the weights back and forth along a horizontal rod until the rod is even with the pointer.
Beam
The beam is the part of the scale that balances the object to be weighed. The balance beam is held by a swivel axis. In common household body weight scales this beam is under the area that you stand on. The beam is balanced on a fulcrum.
Fulcrum
The point at which a beam pivots is called the fulcrum. The fulcrum point must remain friction free in order to provide accurate measurements. This is accomplished by the manufacturer making the fulcrum from an edge of metal that is spaced apart.
Base Plate
The base plate of the scale is the flat surface that you place an object on to be weighed. In a common household scale, this is the surface a person stands on. A hanging produce scale's base plate is in the form of a hanging basket where you place vegetables.
Spring
A spring is used in scales to measure the force of an object. The amount of force an object puts on the spring determines the weight of the object. A spring is no longer used in all scales. Common uses of a spring weight scale is a produce scale and fish scale. The spring in any scale can become inaccurate if the spring is coiled too tight or not tight enough. Additionally, the differences in gravitational pull from one area to the next can cause variation to the spring's tension and affects the measurement.
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