Showing posts with label industrial technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label industrial technology. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

5 Top-Rated Industrial Barcode Printers in Review

When buying the best industrial barcode printers, you must have information about their reviews when you need to buy a good one within a given market. Through the reviews, you will know what to look for as features go in terms of some of the top barcode printers with industrial-grade technology. Here is a review of the top five industrial barcode printers currently leading the market today.

1. Datamax M-Class Mark II Barcode Printer

industrial barcode printer
The Datamax M-Clas Mark II barcode printer is an exceptional industrial printer that you can buy when planning to buy one. It has smaller footprint that makes it ideal for users looking for powerful industrial printers with space limitations. The M-Class 4206 printer from Datamax is a perfect solution for healthcare, logistics, and warehouse or retail applications. Its modular design makes the maintenance and replacement of parts easy since it has a flexible design that allows for a wide of options when using it.

When using it, you will have an increased productivity that makes it one of the best industrial barcode printers when you compare to other models available for sale.

2. Zebra 110Xi4 Industrial Barcode Printer

This Zebra 110Xi4 Industrial Barcode Printer is one of the highly rated printers that you can buy when you want a perfect one during your purchase. Some of its features will definitely makes it excellent is its ability to handle everything that ranges from paper to tag stocks and specialty label when using it.

When using it, you can easily change it from one given label media the other. With a consistently high quality print, you will get a range of thicknesses when you need these amazing deals well. It has tiny component labels, compliance labels, and wide-web (such as chemical drum) labels, which makes it excellent when you need a good printer during your purchase.

zebra industrial barcode printers3. Zebra 140Xi4 Industrial Barcode Printer

These Zebra 140Xi4 printers can easily maintain pace with the high-volume production line. When using them, you will get a 14"/356 mm-per-one-second print in terms of speeds thus providing one of the top technologies on the market. You will improve productivity in the batch printing with the print-and-apply lines.

When you buy them, you will have a fast processing to improve your productivity. This printer has a powerful memory that can stores more fonts, label formats, and graphics. It also compatible with most Zebra industrial barcode readers and scanners.

4. The Zebra 105SLPlus II Industrial Barcode Printer

This Zebra 105SLPlus II Industrial Barcode Printer will provide you an icon-based with a multilingual graphical LCD interface. When using it, you will be able to minimize user training thus making the printing process faster and simpler. It is also durable when compared to other models that you can easily get in the market during your purchase.

5. Zebra 170Xi4 Industrial Barcode Printer

The Zebra 170Xi4 Industrial Barcode Printer can help you improve your pace when working with a high-volume production line. As one of the leading industrial printers from Zebra, has a fast processing ability to increase your productivity. With its durable printhead mechanism, you will deliver an outstanding print quality when using it at the same time reducing downtime for the printhead replacement.

In conclusion, the above is a review of the top five industrial barcode printers that you can choose when buying them from a given market.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Industry Innovator Scales Back On Weighing Systems With New Load Scanner Technology

There is some welcoming news coming from truck scale innovator, Walz Scale. Truck operators that depend on truck scales and heavy duty weighing systems to determine load weight on a regular basis can leverage a revolutionary new technology for the measurement and management of truck loads.

This new technology comes in the form of a laser-generated, 3D volume scanning system otherwise known as the Walz Load Scanner.


For those who haven't heard about this innovative load scanner, it is perhaps the most efficient, non-contact technology that scans material truck loads as they go under the scanning unit. It uses laser technology and advanced patent pending algorithms to accurately calculate and display the volume of the truck load, which can then be converted into weight metrics with a few basic operator inputs.

Further, the Walz Load Scanner shows 3D imagery of scanned truck bed loads, enabling operators to pinpoint insufficient loading processes that may be hindering productivity. To learn more about the Walz Load Scanner, keep reading this article, or visit the official website of the load scanner system to get an inside look at how the system is revolutionizing payload management processes for many industries.

How The Walz Load Scanner Works

First and foremost, trucks are fitted with RFID (Radio-frequency Identification) tags which communicate with the overhead scanners to automate the process. Starting with an empty bed truck driving under the scanner system at speeds of less than 3.5 mph, the scanner calculates and gives the 'empty volume'.

Next, with a truck load of material, the truck again goes under the scanner to record the new volume. Using these two measurements you get the accurately scanned imagery of the load, in 3D, and the volume calculations. How about that for a hands-off system of managing material truck loads?

The video below shows a great example of the Walz Load Scanner in use:


The beauty of it all is that it doesn't have to be stationary or fixed in one place. There are portable trailer mounted scanners too, which you can tow and station on any temporary sites. Such information can be printed in form of tickets per individual trucks, or emailed and stored electronically for data management.

You can access data remotely and in real-time using the advanced software solutions in an easy-to-use interface. You should see some of the cool interfaces you can choose from, that will help you to easily manage your truck loads. You can use any device; from PCs, to touch screen mobile devices, to outdoor kiosk systems- even from inside the cabin of your truck.

The Next Step in Innovation

This technology can be applied in many other areas where such data is crucial for production management purposes. Think of a production plant that uses conveyor belts to transport material from one point to another. You can easily capture any inconsistencies that are common with automated conveyor belt operations and thus save your company of losses, both monetary and image-wise.

It is cheaper and more accurate than most other truck scales and weighing systems and doesn't require much maintenance. You will get consistent results for many years without having to calibrate or service it, as long as it is utilized correctly.

The Walz Load Scanner can also be very useful in excavation and mining sites that are located in some of the harshest conditions without failure of the systems or the laser scanner. You will no longer need to use expansive payload management systems such as truck scales and heavy-duty weighbridges, once you acquire and install the Walz Load Scanner. Think organized, simple, and efficient, because that's exactly what you will get.

Change the way you do business in the bulk material transportation industry today. Check out the Walz Load Scanner by visiting WalzScale.com.

Friday, April 10, 2015

3 Portable Truck Scale for Weighing Heavy-duty Truck Loads

Truck scales are a necessity in any logistics, mining, farming, and waste management operations that demands heavy-duty weighing of truck loads. There are many types of trucks scales to use for these operations, and also for different types of trucks. Understanding the types and their pros and cons will assist you in purchasing a quality scale that you can use for many years.

Among the most popular of truck scales for sale are portable truck scales. Portable truck scales are mobile, easy-to-use, and more affordable compared to other types of truck scale systems. Below we showcase three of the most popular and effective portable truck scales for weighing trucks and other heavy duty vehicles.


Portable Axle Scales

This type of portable truck scale is considerably small, easy-to-use, and affordable. However, portable axle scales will only accommodate one axle at a time. You can use the scale to ascertain that the truck is not above the set weight limit for each axle as set for certain roads.

You can hardly use the scales to measure the entire cargo and also you can not use them to charge your customers according to the weight of load you have ferried.
Features of portable axle scales
  • Equipped with overload protection.
  • They can stand several tons of weight.
  • They are completely portable and you can use them in any area you find them suitable.
  • Can measure a large varieties of vehicles ranging from mining trucks to some farming vehicles.
  • They will occupy a little space due to their design.

Portable Weigh Pads 

Also known as the truck axle scales. Generally, they are light portable scales made to weigh individual wheels and axles to ensure the compliance with the legal weight limits. Many of the models will allow connectivity to over six wheels.

These portable truck weighing scales allow individual wheel weighing and combined axle weighing, which you can perform at the same time to increase weighing efficiency and accuracy. To attain weight accuracy you should have all the wheels on a level ground and on the same plane. That will avoid inadvertent weight transfers.

In-Motion Portable Truck Scales

Weigh in motion portable scales are capable of recording the actual weight of a moving truck. The scales will mostly be installed on free weighs specifically for weighing the semi trucks at weigh stations. The scales are advancement as the truck will not need to get into a standby for the weight recording as it was the case in the older static weigh stations.


There are many weigh in-motion truck scales you can use to ensure compliance with the set regulations and also analyze the vehicle while on the road. The scales in addition, offer a cost effective solution by monitoring the heavy duty tucks while traveling over the highway. They will also measure per axle weight or the gross weight while the truck is in the highway speed. The weigh in motion scale will measure the axle spacing to get the class of the truck and also will record the vehicle speed.

When searching for portable scales for weighing trucks, there are many things to consider. You should consider the scale with a certification from the relevant authority and also the right size. The other factors to consider include weight capacity, feasibility of axle scales concrete or steel plate deck options and pit or pitiless scales.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Industry Advancements With In-motion Weigh Scale Technology


In-motion weigh scales are devices that are designed to measure the full weight of a vehicle as it moves through the measuring site (or in most cases, passed over the scale.) This advanced kind of weigh scale system does not require vehicles to come to a complete stop. Most in-motion scales only require the vehicle to slowly pass over the unit to make accurate weight calculations.

This technology is very useful because it allows vehicles to keep moving, helping operations increase throughout in their weighing processes. As a result, in-motion weighing technology is being integrated on many different applications, spanning from portable truck scales (or weigh pads) to in-motion rail scales on train track.

The Technology Behind In-motion Weigh Scales

The technology that is applied to these devices is high-end technology. Its sensors, primarily made of quartz crystals and placed on ground level, sense only the normal force that acts on the sensors (i.e. the force perpendicular to the ground, vertical force). Thus, the speed and the friction are not measured, leaving space only for the vehicles weight.

The quarts apply some electric charge that is proportional to the vehicle’s weight force. Through the use of physics, scientists have managed to form a formula to calculate the weight using that technology. But weighing in motion (WIM) devices are not all made of the same technology. There are several kind of WIM units.

  • Laser system WIM devices - They basically measure the displacement of the rail as the vehicle moves through it. Through some calculations they manage to calculate the weight.
  • Load cell system WIM units - They calculate the weight of the vehicle by measuring the constriction of the strain in the load rather than the rails.
  • Fiber optical measuring WIM devices - These systems measure the change of light ray illumination that is primarily produced by bending.

Applications of In-motion Weighing Scales

Below are a few of the most common applications of in-motion weighing scales:

1. This technology can also measure train’s weight. Otherwise known as in-motion rail scales, these simple systems are deployable within 30 minutes and requires no maintenance. The revolutionary and enhanced algorithms that are encompassed in the WIM’s software allow for a very accurate measurement. In-motion rail scale systems allows for a very quickly and accurate measurement of rail assets.



2. Additionally, this technology is very useful in highways. This technology allows the measurement of vehicle’s weight that pass through a certain place without stopping the traffic. The device will detect the vehicles that have broken the regulations and will automatically notify the officers in charge of the vehicle’s location. Then, the officer will take care of the problem.

3. Another use of this technology is in-motion on-board scales. There are thousands of loaded trucks that send and receive supplies daily. All of them must be measured, a process that takes time. But, thanks to the innovative WIM on board scale technology, it now takes much shorter time.

These devices are implemented within the truck, conveyor belt, or any other kind of equipment, and the sensors wirelessly inform the software about the weight of the products. This saves time and money as well. Most of these on-board scale products are cost efficient. Their price ranges from several hundred to a few thousand dollars.

4. Lastly, this technology is getting implemented in airports as well. While the plane moves through the sensors, they measure the weight and compare it to the pilot’s log in order to make sure that there is enough fuel to reach the destination. This saves lots of time.

Monday, November 10, 2014

The Technology Behind the Walz Load Scanner

The company that introduced one of the most advanced pieces of load scanner technology on the market is Walz Scale. This load scanner system is designed to provide monitoring and reporting of 3D generated images and data from scanned truck beds as they pass through the scanner.

The system uses the latest technology for load scanning and payload management, enabling real time tracking and management. Below we go into great detail about the technology, functionality, feature, and benefits of the load scanner system from Walz Scale.

Features of the Walz Load Scanner System

The volumetric load scanner from Walz comes with features designed for companies with fast throughput and high volume operations. They are able to monitor the load capacity of hauled materials by using an automated system that provides real time measurements of load capacities for in motion trucks.


The system first scans the empty trucks and then scans them when they are loaded and calculates the actual load capacity. The system uses modern technology to load imagery logs for every truck and to provide a multitude of reporting.
  • Capability for In-motion load scanning
  • Volumetric 3D imagery for truck beds for sufficient monitoring
  • Simple setup of the software platform
  • Capability to take and store high definition load images
  • Low maintenance technology

Technology of the Load Scanner

Load scanners are able to provide high definition 3D load images in order to maximize productivity. The load images provide additional benefits such as monitor spillage, manage load position, monitor carry back, and material compaction analysis.


The systems include a 3D laser scanner, a PC or a laptop, and mounting hardware. The volumetric load scanners come with a user friendly load management software that provides users with real time data logs of the in motion trucks on transit.

 The load scanner can be also integrated with a RFID or a video vehicle recognition system. That provides further automation e tools that allow for un-manned operation and maximize the vehicle throughput to your operation.

The load management software developed by Walz Scale uses a software platform called Payload Pro. The load management software provides real time data and all the tools needed to manage your truck loads. The customized reporting capabilities are enable your system to meet your operation requirements.

The system will automatically generate load tickets that can be emailed, printed, or uploaded to a cloud account. The load tickets can include the following information.
  • Load volume
  • 3D load Image
  • Gross vehicle weight
  • Load net weight
Load scanners can come in portable systems and mobile configurations. These portable units are suitable for applications that require portability, such as road construction projects. Learn more about the Walz load scanner by visiting LoadScanner.com

Load Scanner Advantages for Payload Management

Compared with other load scanner systems, the load scanner designed by the company Walz Scale offers a very affordable solution payload management. Installing a load scanner is a cost effective way to manage your payload as it is relatively cheaper than the cost of weighbridges.

Other advantages of installing a volumetric load scanner for payload management are:

Accurate Load Volume Calculations

Unlike other systems used for payload management, the Walz load scanner provides very accurate load volume calculations that will minimize any uncertainties and variables in load variation, moisture content and compaction. The load scanner provides accurate load volume calculations without the use of old school methods or simple guessing.

Flexible and Durable

The Walz load scanners are built respecting the highest quality standards and they can withstand decades of use in production, mining, and construction operations. The Walz load scanners can be installed easily on any adequate haul road, access driving, or local scanning site

Reliable Functionality

The Walz load scanners provide reliable and dependable performance, even in extreme conditions and in the most remote environments. A load scanner could last for years with minimum maintenance and without the need of scheduled calibration and servicing.

Optimized Efficiency

A load scanner system could be easily installed on the site and become operational on the same day. Once in operation, the system can efficiently make calculations in just a few seconds and by using the advanced software solutions the data can be easily accessed.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Truck Scales: Advanced Weighing Technology for Precision And Accuracy

Trucks are indispensable modes of shipping and transport, as they are used in wide variety of industries and applications. In countless situations, trucks are often weighed at truck weighing stations and terminals to ensure legal load weights for transport. Trucks that carry overweight loads are subject to severe fines. As a result, many companies and contractors invest in reliable, dependable and accurate truck scales to ensure their shipments are of legal weight.

Truck scales are typically heavy-duty scale systems that are mounted on a concrete foundation. Although this is one of the most popular forms of truck scales, there other forms of truck scales that offer different designs, and as a result, advantages in their typical use.

In this article, we define four of the most common types of truck scales, as well as the engineering and design that goes into each. Many of these truck scales can be found for sale by manufacturers in the U.S. and abroad.

Full-length truck scales

Full-length truck scales are touted as the most dependable truck scales as they provide accurate weights and are put to use in mining and other volume applications. This operates on a simple mechanism and the driver has to just position the load on the weighing platform.

This advanced truck scale is commonly available in eight different varieties. The pit, full electronic, bumper bolt restraint, steel deck, concrete deck, check rod restraint, low profile and the electromechanical. You can choose the one that best fits your requirements. The full-length truck scales are the most commonly used ones but they are a bit expensive in nature.

Truck axle scales

These scales are touted as the most portable, adaptable and economical solutions for vehicle and truck weighing purposes. Their low profile design and high precision levels deliver exceptional performance when compared to all the other scales available in the market today. These forms of truck scales are also available in a multitude of lengths, configurations and capacities.

Truck axle scales incorporate the wheel weigher system which makes this scale ideal for locations where permanent scale installations are not possible. The portable nature of these scales makes them more practical and functional in nature. They are built tough with heavy duty steel and hence assures excellent longevity and durability. However these scales are bit less accurate when compared the full-length truck scales.

Onboard truck scales

Onboard truck scales are systems designed to accurately measure the load weights in order to measure operating efficiency and to prevent overloading of truck that may result in huge fines. There are four types of onboard truck scales, these incorporate the following technologies: load cells, air suspension PSI gauges, wireless on-board and analog on-board. Onboard scales help to accurately monitor and manage weight compliance which allows for maximum load efficiency.

Truck weigh bridges

Truck weigh bridges incorporate a bridge-like framework and consist of scales that are used to measure massive amounts of raw materials and finished products. They are available in various sizes, shapes and designs. The most commonly found designs are the pit mounted, transportable, surface mounted and modular.

All these designs ensure accuracy, sturdiness and reliability in their operations. The truck scales are indispensable devices as almost all goods are transported by trucks. Most companies use truck scales as running an overload truck results in unnecessary fines and heavy wear and tear of the truck. Once you have decided that your operation requires a truck scale research well and buy the one that best fits your needs.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

How Do On Board Truck Scales Work?

On board truck scales were introduced several years ago to help operators weigh and monitor the loads of heavy duty trucks and equipment. With the scale system tangibly equipped on the actual trucks and equipment themselves, on board scales have helped to enhance the efficiency of weighing payloads (such as mining resources, crop harvests, etc.) making any weighing operation more streamlined and profitable.

The technology behind on board truck scales has evolved drastically over the years, making them more simplistic and affordable. In this article, we discuss the functionality and features about today's on board truck scale systems.

Features of On Board Truck Scales

Unlike platform-based truck scales, on board truck scales have load cells, which are designed to withstand vehicles that are filled to capacity. They have a digital indicator that displays the vehicle’s weight throughout. There are audible and visual set-point warnings that allow truckers to capitalize on payloads.

The main component of the weighing system has numerous load cell sensors that bolt a truck chassis and its body. The sensors are used to accommodate the entire weight of the truck body. They are very accurate and can be customized to make sure they can withstand additional weight when a vehicle is overloaded. The sensors come in a variety of sizes to suit the wide range of vehicle bodies.

Operation Behind On Board Truck Scales

On board truck scales operate in a simple way. The scale is wired through the truck's ignition switch to keep it active each time the vehicle is in use. Truckers do not have to press any buttons to operate the scale. The truck’s weight will simply appear on a screen inside the vehicle.

On board truck scales have easy to use digital displays on the indicator. The weight is displayed every time the truck engine is on. The scales have three set points that act as warnings to the truckers. A plug-in keypad is used to set the set points to make sure they are not interfered with when the truck is being operated. The keypad is unplugged once the points are set and the scale is ready for use. A red light appears on the display when two of the three set points are exceeded. When the third set point is surpassed, a buzzer sound is produced. Some of the weight on the truck has to be removed for the buzzer sound to go off. The combination of audio and visual warnings ensures the truck is within an acceptable weight.

Applications Beyond Trucks & Vehicles

On board scales can be used in other applications besides trucks. They are also applied in conveyer belt systems. The belt scales are used to measure the flow rate or weight of material that travels over a conveyer belt. These scales are integrated into the belts and use a microprocessor system to perform the calculations. Some of the conveyer belts are customized to stop the belt from moving when a specified mass if attained. They can also have alarms that indicate a problem with the conveyer system. These on board scales are widely used in mineral extraction, ship loading and port handling.

The rail industry relies on the on board scales to prevent overloading. Some of the loads transported by rail have to be weighed. Rail scales are essential to ensure that the trains are not overloaded. Overloading can compromise safety and this makes on board scales vital. The scaled are installed inside the train and if it is overloaded, it sends out a warning.

Many manufacturers now make on board scales for a variety of applications; however, only few are capable of producing highly accurate and fully-support on board scale systems. Companies like Walz Scale (with a dedicated branch coined Walz Onboard ) showcases some of the best technology on the market. Walz Scale's on board scale systems are custom tailored to all types of vehicles and heavy duty machinery, such as conveyor belts and grain dump trucks (for farmers.) Pioneers like Walz Scale are the go-to companies to work with when it comes to dependable and accurate on board scale systems.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Revolutionized Technology of Onboard Scale Systems

Electronic onboard scales were unveiled about 3 decades ago to address the need for efficient measurement of truck load weights when platform scales were not available. In the passage of time and with constantly evolving technology, onboard scale systems were revolutionized by some of the brightest minds in the heavy-duty weigh scale industry.

The load cells on electronic onboard scales were revamped while specialty load cells were invented for center hangers, single points, fifth wheels and various other types of suspensions. But that's just the tip of the iceberg on how onboard scales have progressed over the years. Below we go into greater detail about the technological developments and overall evolution of onboard scales.

Evolution of Onboard Scales

One of the most recent developments on today's onboard scales is the double shear beam load cell. This advancement transformed into an industry standard in timber and other similar industries. Strain gauge based air sensors were developed and augmented for an elevating number of air ride suspensions.

Vehicles with hydraulic lift cylinders are not left in the dark for we also now have hydraulic sensors. In fact, the market offers onboard scales for spring, air and mixed suspensions. It now becomes a matter of preference and not merely the availability of choice.

Advantages of Advanced Onboard Scale Systems

Aside from the convenience, onboard scales can significant increase productivity and operational efficiency. Having an onboard scale means that you do not have to always drive to the loading area to rework your load. Given that, you may increase the numbers of load delivered or hauled in a day.

Most onboard scales, like those produced by Walz Onboard, can guarantee the accuracy of the measurements made the first time, saving time as energy is ensuring that you are complying with the weight requirements and also to commensurately price the services you render. Overweight fines will decrease significantly if not completely eradicated from your monthly dues so as to maximize the profit.

Other Benefits of Having an Onboard Scale

There are many industries that are powered by onboard scales today. As mentioned before, the trucking industry is one that reaps its benefits. But the mining industry is also becoming more efficient in terms of measuring precious materials like gold and other gems because of onboard scales. They will immediately know the amount they have gathered, quickly calculating if they have met their required output.

In Motion Rail Scales 

Onboard scales can also be integrated in rail cars, thereby creating rail scales that can measure load weight while the contents being weighed are in transport on trains. In motion rail scale systems are perhaps the most advanced form of onboard scale technology. Companies need not to worry about usual challenges in the maintenance and operation of their rails like cutting, drilling or welding when they set it up. In a matter of a day or two, in motion rail scales can be installed, providing more efficiency than ever. Having these onboard scales in comparison to other alternatives can pay significant dividends.

Revolutionizing Operational Efficiency

Utilizing the utmost capacity of your company entails having efficient systems. Onboard scales are an important tool in making every haul contain the maximum legal load, wasting no effort and time in delivery. No more worrying about the trip to certified loading stations, saving the money you would use for gas. The maintenance cost will be kept to minimum because with the knowledge of the weight you carry, you no longer burden the vehicle with mass that it is not designed to carry. Not only that, you also increase your credibility to your customers since you provide them with accurate weight information, encouraging repeated subscription to your services.