Bench scales pull a lot of weight—literally and figuratively. From shipping counters and receiving docks to food processing, R&D labs, and campus facilities, they’re the compact, do-everything platforms that keep goods moving and data clean. This guide walks through the specs that actually matter (capacity, readability, platform size), the environments that change your buying decision (washdown, temperature, hazards), the features that unlock speed (counting, checkweighing, data), and the compliance flags you can’t ignore (NTEP/legal-for-trade). We’ll also call out common pitfalls and give you a quick checklist at the end. If you want the catalog view, here’s our full Bench Scales category.
Start with the job: define max load, smallest change you need to see (readability), and platform size/shape.
Match the environment: stainless + IP-rated washdown for wet/cleaning; general-purpose housings for dry areas.
Pick the workflow feature: counting mode for inventory, checkweigh for packaging/portioning, accumulation for shipping.
Mind compliance: selling by weight? Choose an NTEP legal-for-trade model.
Plan connectivity & power: RS-232/USB/Ethernet/Wi-Fi for printers/PCs; check battery runtime if you’re mobile.
Think “platform + indicator” in a space-efficient footprint. The platform handles the load; the indicator gives you the interface—sometimes pole-mounted for visibility, sometimes bench/wall-mounted to keep counters clear. Most models offer AC power with internal rechargeable batteries for mobile stations (cart, packing table, production cells). The Bench Scales category spans light- to mid-capacity options for shipping, QC, portioning, and assembly—so you’re choosing a configuration, not a single “type.”
[Image: Side-by-side photo of a pole-mounted bench scale and a bench-mounted indicator setup]
Capacity is your ceiling (e.g., 150 lb, 300 lb, 600 lb). Always include your heaviest container plus a safety margin.
Readability (a.k.a. division size) is the smallest increment the display shows (e.g., 0.01 lb). Smaller isn’t always better—too-fine resolution in a vibrating environment is frustrating.
Dual-range/Multi-interval models can auto-switch to finer resolution at lower loads and coarser at higher ones—a great way to get precision without giving up capacity.
Legal-for-trade: If you sell by weight, your scale must be NTEP certified (Class III). Typical approvals are “5,000 divisions” on bench platforms; you’ll see this called out in spec sheets and Certificates of Conformance.
Match the pan size to your largest container’s footprint. Too small and you get unstable readings; too big and you waste space (and budget). For sanitation and durability, 304 stainless steel platforms are the default in food/cleanroom adjacent work; powder-coated steel or aluminum is fine for dry, non-corrosive environments. Many industrial bench scales in our lineup ship with stainless pans and rugged bases built for daily abuse.
If your workflow includes hose-downs, caustic foams, or airborne moisture, IP ratings matter—period.
IP65/66/67: sealed against dust and water jets (67 adds temporary immersion). Great for wet packaging counters, produce, and cleanup-heavy spaces.
IP69K: survives high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns (think 1450 psi at ~175°F) typical in food plants. That rating should extend to the load cell and indicator, not just the pan.
For compact, waterproof benches (portioning/food service), IP-rated platforms like A&D’s SJ-WP series are a smart fit and even include legal-for-trade variants where needed.
Counting mode (inventory & kitting).
If you’re counting fasteners, caps, or inserts, a bench scale with counting mode replaces hand counts with “sample → unit weight → total.” For higher throughputs or tighter tolerances, a dedicated Counting Scale brings triple-display UOMs, ID storage, and remote base options for larger platforms. (Many are NTEP when used for over-the-counter transactions.)
Checkweighing (portioning & packaging).
Set under/target/over thresholds and let the scale guide operators with lights/tones. It’s the go-to for batching, bag-fill, and label-weight verification on the line; you’ll find a range of bench-friendly checkweighers curated for production speed. Shipping/receiving add-ons.
Look for accumulation (sum multiple boxes into one ticket), tare presets for common containers, and hold/peak to capture unstable loads. Industrial bench platforms in our catalog commonly include these functions out of the box.
Today’s indicators do more than show weight:
I/O & Ports: RS-232 is still the workhorse for printers/serial PCs; many models add USB (often as a virtual COM port) and optional Ethernet/Wi-Fi for software integration or labelers.
Mounting: Pole-mounted is great for floor-level visibility; bench/wall mounts reduce bump risks on tight counters.
Smart bits: Date/time stamps, configurable filters, gravity compensation, and field calibration are common on pro indicators—handy for multi-site teams.
If the scale moves with the workstation, battery runtime becomes a real spec, not a nice-to-have. Many bench platforms offer rechargeable battery operation measured in dozens (sometimes 100+) hours between charges, plus carry handles and pole-mounted displays to keep the screen at eye level. USB-powered or USB-connected models can simplify a PC-centric flow.
Legal-for-trade (NTEP) if you price or invoice by weight. Choose an approved model and keep calibration current to your state’s weights & measures rules. Spec sheets will explicitly note NTEP approvals (often with the CC#).
Calibration: For most bench platforms, external calibration with certified test weights keeps you aligned to SOPs and audits; it’s called out in the product specs when supported.
Records: If you’re regulated (FDA/USDA/ISO), pair the scale with a printer or software capture to log timestamps, lot numbers, and checkweigh bands.
Shipping & receiving (fulfillment, campus mailrooms).
150–300 lb capacity, ~12"×14" to 18"×18" pan, accumulation + RS-232/USB into your workstation. If parcels are dusty/wet, bump IP rating.
Food production & sanitation-heavy zones.
Stainless construction, sealed indicators, IP67 minimum; IP69K if you use hot, high-pressure sprays. Add bright checkweighing LEDs for portion control.
Lab & QC benches.
Prioritize readability (1–5 g typical) and stable filtering over raw capacity. If you label by weight, verify NTEP and interface to your printer or LIMS.
Inventory & kitting.
Counting mode is table stakes; dedicated Counting Scales with ID memory and remote bases excel when parts vary in size or batches swing from grams to tens of pounds.
Capacity (with container + safety margin)
Readability / resolution (consider vibration & speed)
Platform size & material (304 stainless vs. painted steel)
Environment (IP rating, chemicals, temperature)
Features (counting, checkweigh, accumulation, hold)
Compliance (NTEP/legal-for-trade)
Connectivity (RS-232, USB, Ethernet/Wi-Fi)
Power (AC, battery runtime)
Mounting & ergonomics (pole, bench, wall)
Do I really need an NTEP legal-for-trade bench scale?
If you sell by weight (retail counter, parts by the pound, ingredient billing), yes—your scale needs NTEP approval and must be set up to local regs. For internal use (portion checks, WIP), it’s optional, though the same precision/features can still be valuable.
What IP rating should I choose for washdowns?
Light spray and frequent wipe-downs: IP65–67 is usually fine. High-pressure, hot sanitizing? Choose IP69K end-to-end (platform and indicator).
Can a bench scale talk to my printer, PC, or ERP?
Yes. RS-232 remains universal for simple printouts; many models add USB (virtual COM), and some offer Ethernet/Wi-Fi for labelers or software capture. Check the indicator’s ports and protocols before you buy.
Is a counting scale different from a bench scale with counting mode?
A bench scale with counting is great for lighter throughput. Dedicated Counting Scales add triple displays, memory, and often support a remote base for larger/heavier parts—ideal when you swing between tiny screws and bulk cartons.
What if my containers are oversized but not that heavy?
Prioritize platform size and stability first; you don’t need a 600-lb capacity if your biggest tote is 80 lb—just make sure the pan fits the footprint with some margin for safety.
Bench Scales (full lineup) — https://www.hogentogler.com/industrial-scales/bench-scales.asp
Counting Scales — https://www.hogentogler.com/industrial-scales/counting-scales.asp
Washdown Scales — https://www.hogentogler.com/industrial-scales/washdown-scales.asp