This article first appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of the Australian Bulk Handling Review.
Thayer Scale weighing with precision
THAYER SCALE’S REPUTATION
in the weighing industry is built on innovation and ruggedness, delivering durable equipment that can handle some of the most challenging industrial settings.
Bryan Martins, Regional Sales Manager Southeast, shared insights with ABHR on what he believes sets Thayer Scale’s technology apart, and why it’s favoured in sectors like cement, steel, and coal-fi red power plants.
Durability by design
At the heart of Thayer Scale’s offering is a robust design philosophy. Martins said the company’s equipment is purpose-built to endure harsh conditions, utilising heavy-duty
construction materials to ensure longevity and reliability.
“Our choice to utilise structural steel wherever possible is key,” he said.
“We use components like I-beams and C-channel steel to create a product that’s
incredibly durable.” This isn’t just for aesthetics – it’s crucial for the practical realities of industries where equipment must perform under constant stress and exposure to abrasive materials.
“The largest weigh-belt feeders the company has delivered are larger than a typical pickup truck and weigh up to 14 tonnes. We’ve had some units needing a 60-tonne crane just to be lifted onto a flatbed truck,” Martins said.
“This level of durability enables the company’s equipment to withstand years of continuous operation in demanding environments without significant wear.”
Accurate measurements in tough conditions
Thayer Scale’s patented FMSS force measurement suspension system is a key innovation that sets its weigh-belt feeders apart from its competitors. “This system enhances the accuracy of measurements by allowing the use of smaller load cells, which offer finer resolution and greater sensitivity.
You get a more sensitive product, able to measure small variances that can translate into dollars and cents,” Martins said. Precision is critical in industries where measurement accuracy directly impacts profitability.
Thayer Scale’s technology allows operators to detect minute differences in material fl ow, which can be the difference between operational efficiency and waste.
“This feature not only improves accuracy but also contributes to overall cost savings – a benefit in industries operating on thin margins,” Martins said.
Flexibility across multiple applications Initially designed for the cement industry, Thayer Scale’s Model MD has proven versatile across various sectors thanks to its adaptable construction.
“The weigh bridge’s ability to adjust load cell sizes makes it suitable for a range of materials with varying bulk densities. The universality of the weigh bridge allows us to fi ne-tune it for different capacities and materials,” Martins said.
This adaptability means that whether a client is handling light materials or heavy bulk goods, the underlying design can be customised to meet their specific requirements. Thayer Scale’s equipment can also be modified to suit specific environmental challenges.
From coal-fi red power plants to steel mills, the company employs specialised liners to handle abrasive or corrosive materials.
Depending on the product’s characteristics – such as whether it’s a glass-like abrasive or heavy iron ore – different liners can be incorporated to extend the lifespan of the equipment.
This flexibility is vital for clients seeking reliable and long-lasting solutions, no matter the industry.
Advanced controls for efficiency
In addition to its robust construction, Thayer Scale’s products feature electronic controls designed to enhance operational efficiency. These controls aren’t only proprietary, but continuously improved based on customer feedback and industry requirements.
“A weigh-belt in the cement industry might focus on totalisation, while in a coal-fi red power plant, it’s about maintaining a steady flow rate,” Martins said.
One standout feature is the scale
location compensation function, which allows precise measurement adjustments even when materials are added at different stages in the process.
This capability is especially useful for blending applications, where accurate ratios are essential. Additionally, Thayer Scale’s controls off er alarm tracking, calibration history, and programmable options that facilitate maintenance and troubleshooting.
These features contribute to reducing downtime, a critical consideration in heavy-duty environments where every minute counts.
Maintaining performance amid density changes
A common challenge in industrial weighing is dealing with materials of varying densities. Thayer Scale addresses this with a gravimetric system that adjusts to density changes in real-time.
“This design allows their systems to maintain consistent throughput, even as material properties shift. If we were using a volumetric system, density changes would greatly impact throughput,” Martins said.
“But with our gravimetric approach, those changes can be almost instantaneous, ensuring a steady flow.” This capability is vital in industries where a consistent material feed is crucial to maintaining operational efficiency. Whether increasing or decreasing the speed of the weighbelt to compensate for density shifts, Thayer Scale’s systems ensure the output remains stable, minimizing disruptions, and reducing the risk of costly downtime.
“It’s all about creating a product that’s going to last, no matter the environment,” Martins said.
This article first appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of the Australian Bulk Handling Review.