How accurate is a material handler scale?

The accuracy of a material handler scale comes down to four things: how it handles motion, temperature and overload – and whether it is type-approved and kept verified. Intermercato Intelligent Weighing Systems address all four: a patented algorithm for weighing in motion, a temperature-compensated and overload-protected load cell, and MID type approval with recurring inspections together with RISE.

Superior precision with intelligent weighing technology. Here is what sits behind that claim, and what you should ask any supplier.

The four enemies of accuracy on a material handler

Factor	What goes wrong	How Intermercato handles it
Motion	Swing, acceleration and shifting scrap distort the reading	Patented algorithm calculates the weight while the load is in motion
Operator and driving style	Different operators, different weights	Accuracy independent of driving style and operator, according to Intermercato
Temperature	Load cell drift between cold and hot	Temperature-compensated load cell
Overload	Shock loads damage the load cell and shift the zero	Overload-protected; handles up to 3x rated capacity while keeping accuracy

1. Motion

A material handler never weighs a still load. That is why Intermercato built its system around dynamic weighing of hanging load in motion. The scale calculates a stable weight during the lift and signals the operator when it is ready. At Cronimet Norr, the technology quickly stabilises the measurement even when scrap shifts during lifting. Deep dive: How dynamic weighing works.

2. The operator

Two operators, same load, different weights – a familiar story with conventional crane scales. Intermercato states that its unique algorithm makes the scales exceptionally accurate regardless of driving style or operator. For a scrap yard running several shifts, that consistency is what makes the weight usable.

3. Temperature

Load cells react to temperature. A scrap yard in Kalix in January and a port in summer are very different environments. Intermercato’s crane scales use a temperature-compensated load cell to keep readings consistent.

4. Overload and shock

Grabs get dropped, loads snag, machines get pushed. Intermercato’s crane scales have an overload-protected load cell and handle an overload of up to 3x their rated capacity while maintaining accuracy. They are maintenance-free.

Accuracy you can trade on

“Accurate” means different things depending on what you do with the weight. If you invoice on it, accuracy must be defined, approved and checked. Intermercato’s system is certified and type-approved according to MID for hanging load in motion, meets Swedac’s requirements, and is verified with recurring inspections together with RISE. Read what type approval means.

What actually affects accuracy on your machine

Even the best scale must be set up for the job. On your machine, accuracy is also influenced by:

• Choosing the right measuring range. The MH 15-50 comes in several sizes with a measuring range of 15 000–50 000 kg. Match it to your heaviest lift.
• Correct tare when attachments change. At Hafen Wien, the operator tares directly from the cab when switching between grabs, a Big Bag spreader and a load hook.
• Correct mounting. See how a scale is mounted on a material handler.
• Keeping the approval current. Recurring inspections keep a legal-for-trade scale within its approved state.

Questions to ask any supplier

1. Is the scale type-approved for hanging load in motion, or only for static weighing?
2. What is the approved accuracy class, and for which measuring range?
3. How does the scale handle temperature changes and overload?
4. Does the weight depend on the operator’s driving style?
5. Who carries out verification and recurring inspections?

Intermercato will answer all five for your configuration. Contact Intermercato or read about the MH 15-50 material handler scale.