What to Consider When Buying a Waterproof Platform Scale for Industrial Use？

Do you know what "IP" stands for in waterproof ratings? Do you know what the numbers after it mean? Ordering without understanding the differences can lead to unnecessary expenses, such as paying too much for a waterproof rating that's too high, or having to repeatedly repair or repurchase a product with a rating that's too low.

This time, I'll mainly compare and explain three common waterproof ratings: IP65, IP67, and IP68. I hope that after reading this, you'll have a clear understanding of which rating of scale to use for your location.

As I've mentioned above, the core difference between IP65, IP67, and IP68 ratings lies in their waterproof capabilities. IP6X dustproof protection is consistent across all ratings, while their waterproof performance ranges from splash resistance to short-term immersion at 1 meter and long-term immersion at 3 meters, adapting to light to extremely humid conditions. Based on the explanation in the previous blog post, we will provide more detailed supplementary information to better help more people make their choices.

In the weighing equipment industry, IP ratings are frequently mentioned, yet few people truly understand them. Many believe that the higher the rating, the better, and choose the best waterproof scale; others prioritize immediate cost savings, unaware of potential operational risks.

Besides the IP protection rating, the choice of sealing materials, waterproof interfaces, and sensors are also key hidden factors affecting the lifespan of the platform scale.

Now, before we begin, let's briefly understand the differences between these three: IP6X – the first digit indicates that their dustproof capabilities are at the highest level, while the difference in the second digit indicates that their core difference lies in their waterproof performance.

Critical Factors to Consider When Choosing a Waterproof Platform Scale

IP rating is the starting point—but it’s not the only factor. To avoid regrets, ask these questions before buying:

1.What’s Your “Worst-Case” Environment?

Be honest about how the scale will be used. For example:

1. If you only need to wipe down the scale with a damp cloth or occasionally spray it with a hose (e.g., a warehouse scale for dry goods that sometimes gets rained on), IP65 is enough.
2. If you use high-pressure washers to sanitize equipment (common in food plants), IP67 is a must—IP65 can’t handle the force of pressure washers.
3. If the scale might sit in standing water (e.g., a seafood processing line where ice melts) or be submerged, IP68 is non-negotiable.

2.Are the Load Cells and Indicators Also IP-Rated?

A common mistake: assuming the entire scale has the same IP rating. Many scales have a waterproof platform (IP67/IP68) but a non-waterproof indicator (the display/control panel). If the indicator will be exposed to water or dust, make sure it’s also rated IP65/IP67/IP68.

For example: In a meat processing plant, the indicator might be mounted near a washdown area—an IP65 indicator will resist splashes, while an IP20 (non-protected) indicator will short out quickly.

3.What About Chemical Resistance?

Water isn’t the only threat in industrial settings. If your scale will be exposed to chemicals (e.g., cleaning agents, oils, or solvents in a garage or chemical plant), check if the scale’s housing is made of chemical-resistant materials (like 304/316 stainless steel).

Stainless steel is ideal here: it resists rust, corrosion, and most industrial cleaners. Avoid scales with plastic housings if chemicals are present—plastic can crack or degrade over time.

4.Accuracy Under Pressure (Literally)

Submersion or high-pressure washing can affect a scale’s accuracy if the design is poor. Look for scales with:

• Hermetically sealed load cells: These prevent water/chemicals from damaging the sensors that measure weight.
• Stainless steel platforms with no gaps: Gaps can trap water, dirt, or food particles, leading to mold, corrosion, or inaccurate readings.
• Calibration stability: Ask the manufacturer if the scale maintains accuracy after repeated washdowns or submersion.

5.Compliance with Industry Standards

Certain industries have strict regulations for equipment. For example:

• Food processing plants need scales that meet FDA standards (for hygiene and food safety).
• Pharmaceutical facilities require scales that comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).

A waterproof scale that fails to meet these standards risks inspection failures or product contamination.

Final Recommendation: How to Pick the Right Scale

Regarding IP class, there's a simple flowchart to narrow down your choices.

1.Do you need to pressure wash the scale or handle accidental submersion?

• Yes → Skip IP65. Go to step 2.
• No → IP65 is sufficient (e.g., warehouse, light agriculture).

2.Will the scale ever be fully submerged for more than 30 minutes?

• Yes → IP68 (e.g., aquaculture, seafood processing).
• No → IP67 (e.g., food processing, pharmaceutical washdowns).

Selection Key: Beyond IP Rating - Sealing Materials, Waterproof Interfaces, and Nickel-plated Sensors

When evaluating waterproof platform scales, the IP rating is merely a starting point, indicating the theoretical level of protection. Many buyers overlook equally crucial factors that determine the scale's actual performance over time in real-world environments, where actual performance depends on implementation quality. Let's examine these critical but often neglected factors that will determine the platform scale's true waterproof performance and service life.

Sealing Materials: Why Silicone Reigns Supreme

While most scales use rubber seals, silicone offers superior performance in waterproof applications:

1. Temperature resistance: Silicone maintains elasticity from -50°C to 200°C, while rubber typically becomes brittle below 0°C
2. Chemical resistance: Better withstands cleaning agents, food acids, and industrial chemicals
3. UV stability: Resists degradation from prolonged sunlight exposure
4. Compression set: Silicone springs back to its original shape after prolonged compression

Waterproof Interfaces: The Hidden Vulnerability

The connection points between components are common failure points in waterproof scales:

1. IP65: Basic cable management with minimal protection
2. IP67: Sealed cable glands with secondary O-rings
3. IP68: Submersible connectors with triple-sealing technology and strain relief

Nickel-plated Sensors: Corrosion Protection That Matters

The load cells are the heart of any scale and are particularly vulnerable to moisture damage:

1. Standard coatings: May wear off under repeated exposure
2. Nickel plating: Provides sacrificial protection that continues even if surface coating is compromised
3. Conformal coating: Additional barrier against moisture and contaminants

CASE:Ohio poultry plant

When Mark, the operations manager at a large Ohio poultry plant, reached out to me, he was frustrated—really frustrated. His team’s scales were failing every 4-6 months, causing costly downtime and putting FDA compliance at risk. What started as a cost-saving move had quickly turned into a production headache. Let me walk you through how we fixed it together.

The Frustration: A "Budget" Buy That Backfired

After inquiring, I learned Mark’s team had picked IP65 scales because the price tag looked good. But poultry processing is no gentle environment. FDA rules demand rigorous sanitization: commercial-grade pressure washers blasting every surface, plus acidic cleaners to kill bacteria. Those IP65 scales couldn’t handle the heat (or the water). Their rubber seals cracked, letting moisture seep in and throw off weights. Sensors corroded under poultry fat and chemicals, forcing workers to recalibrate weekly. Every 4-6 months, a scale would die completely—costing hours of downtime and putting compliance checks in jeopardy.

Our Fix: Listening First, Recommending Second

After witnessing firsthand the serious malfunctions in the factory—a cracked housing here, a shorted cable there. The issue wasn’t “bad scales”—it was scales that weren’t built for their work.

I suggested pgrade to IP67 scales—same core function, but built tough for their environment. I broke down the key tweaks: dual silicone seals to stand up to pressure washers, nickel-plated sensors that resist corrosion, waterproof cable glands to block water entry, and fiberglass housing that handles cold storage to hot floor swings.

Mark winced at the upfront cost—until I showed him the math. IP67 scales would last 18+ months (vs. 4-6 for IP65), cut recalibrations from weekly to monthly, and slash repair bills. “It’s not a cost—it’s a investment,” I said. He signed off that day.

The Payoff: 67% Fewer Failures (and a Happy Client)

Three months later, Mark’s call was a stark contrast to our first chat—he was excited. “We haven’t replaced a single scale since the upgrade,” he said. The numbers spoke for themselves:

1. Scale failure rate dropped 67%—a game-changer for production
2. Downtime fell from 12 hours/month to just 4
3. Annual savings hit $15,120 from lower repairs and better efficiency
4. FDA compliance checks? No more last-minute panics about inconsistent weights

   “The best part?” Mark added. “My team isn’t wasting time fixing scales—they’re doing the work we hired them for.”

Conclusion: Stop Overpaying—Buy for Your Reality

IP68 isn’t "better" than IP65—it’s just better for specific scenarios. The goal is to match the rating (and component quality) to your worst-case environment, not chase the highest number. An IP65 scale with proper sealing will outlast an overpriced IP68 scale in a dry warehouse, just as an IP67 scale will fail in a seafood plant where submersion is inevitable.

When in doubt, ask your supplier for a “use case test”: Describe your daily operations, and have them confirm which IP rating fits. A good supplier will never upsell you on a higher rating you don’t need.

When in doubt, ask your supplier for a "component breakdown": Request details on sealing materials, sensor protection, and cable entry design. A reputable supplier will be transparent about these details—they won’t just tout the IP rating and call it a day.