Custom Heavy Duty Mechanical Hanging Scale Wholesale Supplier

Mechanical hanging scales, or spring scales, have been a fundamental tool for measuring weight and force for centuries. Their simple design, powered by the mechanical properties of springs, makes them a versatile, cost-effective solution for a wide range of applications, from agriculture to industrial use. While the concept behind these scales may seem straightforward, their manufacturing involves a precise and carefully controlled process that ensures accuracy, durability, and reliability.

Basic Structure of Mechanical Hanging Scales

Before delving into the manufacturing process, it’s important to understand the basic structure of a mechanical hanging scale. At its core, the scale consists of three key components:

The Spring: This is the critical part of the mechanical hanging scale. The spring is responsible for the scale’s ability to measure weight. As weight is applied, the spring stretches, and the amount of stretch corresponds to the amount of weight. The scale reads this stretch on a calibrated dial or digital display.

The Hook or Attachment Point: This is the part of the scale where objects are suspended. It is typically made of strong, durable materials like stainless steel to withstand the weight of heavy objects.

The Casing or Frame: The casing holds the spring and dial in place. It also protects the internal components and provides a housing for the scale’s calibration markings. The casing is often made of durable materials like plastic or metal.

Step 1: Selection of Materials

The step in the production of a mechanical hanging scale is the selection of materials. The quality of materials used is crucial to the scale’s performance, durability, and accuracy.

Spring Material: The spring is the critical component of the scale, and its material selection is essential to ensure consistent performance. Typically, high-carbon steel or stainless steel is used due to its ability to return to its original shape after stretching (elasticity). The material must also be resistant to corrosion and wear, especially for scales used in harsh environments.

Casing Material: The casing is designed to protect the internal spring and measurement mechanism. Common materials for casings include high-quality plastic, which is lightweight, and metal alloys, which offer greater durability and resistance to impact. For industrial-grade hanging scales, metal casings such as aluminum or steel are often preferred for their robustness.

Hook and Attachment Materials: The hook, where objects are suspended, is typically made of strong materials like stainless steel to ensure that it can handle the weight and prevent rusting over time.

Step 2: Manufacturing the Spring Mechanism

The spring mechanism is the heart of any mechanical hanging scale. It is the component responsible for converting the force applied by an object into a readable measurement. The manufacturing process for the spring involves several key steps:

Spring Design and Customization: Engineers design the spring to match the specific load capacity of the scale. The spring must be able to stretch proportionally to the amount of weight being applied, without losing its elasticity over time. The spring is designed to operate within a particular range of forces, from light objects like vegetables to heavy-duty industrial loads.

Wire Cutting and Shaping: The steel wire used to create the spring is cut into the required length and then shaped into a coil. This is typically done using automated machines that precisely control the number of coils and the diameter of the wire to ensure uniformity.

Heat Treatment: To increase the elasticity of the spring and prevent permanent deformation, the wire is subjected to heat treatment. This involves heating the wire to a specific temperature and then rapidly cooling it (quenching), which strengthens the material.

Coiling and Calibration: The wire is then coiled into a helical spring shape. The coil must be uniform and free of any irregularities to ensure consistent performance. After coiling, the spring is calibrated to ensure that it stretches accurately in response to varying weights.