How to Print Weight on Label

In every factory, warehouse, or packaging unit, weighing and labelling are routine yet crucial tasks. Traditionally, operators would weigh an item, record the number, and then print or write the label manually a process prone to mistakes and delays.

Today, weighing scales with printers, also known as label printing weighing scales, have replaced that manual process. These systems automatically print labels with accurate weight, batch, and barcode or QR details right after weighing making your production faster, smarter, and error-free.

But to get those benefits, you need to understand how these systems actually print labels and what to avoid when selecting one. Let’s explore both.

How to Print Weight on a Label Using a Weighing Scale with Printer

A label printing scale combines a weighing unit, a microprocessor, and an integrated printer. The process is simple but highly efficient:

1. Place the product on the platform – The load cell senses the weight and sends the signal to the controller.
2. Processing and data formatting – The system calculates the net weight, applies tare (container) values if needed, and fetches product information such as name, code, or batch number.
3. Label template setup – Before operation, you define what data should appear on the label for example, product name, weight, date, time, barcode or QR code, operator ID, etc.
4. Automatic printing – The integrated thermal or thermal transfer printer prints the label instantly once the weighing is complete.
5. Apply the label – The operator sticks it onto the product, carton, or pallet. In automated lines, a label applicator can attach it automatically.
6. Data recording and integration – Advanced models send the same weight and label data to your ERP or inventory system in real time. This updates your stock automatically, ensuring perfect traceability.

This system is widely used across packaging lines, dispatch units, and warehouses where speed and traceability are critical. Each label becomes a traceable proof of the product’s origin, weight, and quality.

Key Advantages of Printing Labels Directly from the Scale

• Accuracy: Eliminates manual entry errors in labeling.
• Traceability: Each label includes batch or QR details linked to ERP data.
• Speed: Reduces weighing-labeling time by up to 50%.
• Compliance: Helps meet BIS, Legal Metrology, or audit traceability requirements.
• Integration: Links with ERP or inventory management software for automatic updates.

For example, a logistics warehouse can automatically print dispatch labels showing gross and net weight, vehicle number, and barcode all generated the moment the pallet is weighed.

Mistakes to Avoid While Selecting a Label Printing Scale

Choosing the wrong label printing scale can lead to downtime, wasted money, and poor accuracy. Below are the most common mistakes industrial buyers make and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring Capacity and Accuracy Class

Always select a scale with 20–30% higher capacity than your heaviest product. Under-sized systems strain load cells, reducing life and precision. Industrial accuracy (Class III or higher) ensures consistent weighing even during continuous use.

2. Choosing the Wrong Printer Type

If you only print short-life dispatch labels, a direct thermal printer is fine. But for durable or export packaging, use a thermal transfer printer it produces fade-resistant labels that survive moisture, heat, and handling.

3. Overlooking ERP and Inventory Integration

Many factories still treat the weighing system as a standalone machine. That’s a mistake. Always pick a system that integrates with your ERP, WMS, or dispatch software via RS232, USB, or Ethernet. It saves hours of manual data entry and ensures each label is tied to your inventory.

4. Ignoring Environment Protection

Industrial sites are often dusty, humid, or exposed to chemicals. Using a non-sealed unit in such conditions causes sensor drift and printer jams. Always select a model with IP65 or higher protection for durability.

5. Buying Non-Certified Models

For commercial trade, your scale must be certified by Legal Metrology and BIS. Certified systems ensure compliance, accuracy, and audit readiness especially important in food, pharma, and export industries.

6. Skipping Calibration Support

Regular calibration keeps your weighing system accurate. Choose a supplier that offers onsite calibration services and NABL-certified calibration weights. Without calibration, your printed weights may deviate over time.

7. Not Checking Printer Duty Cycle and Spare Parts Availability

A small desktop printer is not built for a 24×7 packaging line. Industrial printers have higher duty cycles and quick-replace print heads. Ensure your vendor provides spare parts and after-sales service otherwise, even minor issues can cause major downtime.

8. Overlooking Label Media and Quality

Low-quality label rolls jam printers and fade quickly. Always use recommended media especially for QR code printing, where contrast and resolution affect scanability.

9. Choosing Based on Price Alone

Cheap models often lack ERP integration, software flexibility, or compliance support. Over time, they cost more in downtime and manual work. Always compare total cost of ownership, not just initial price.

10. Ignoring Future Scalability

As your business grows, you might need to add barcode fields, new label formats, or connect multiple weighing points. Choose a system that supports software customization and expansion to avoid replacement later.

Best Practices for Selecting the Right Scale

To make a confident purchase, evaluate your process carefully:

1. Define your exact requirement – load capacity, throughput, label fields, and environment.
2. Check label design software – ensure it supports custom templates, QR codes, and multi-language printing if needed.
3. Verify communication protocols – Modbus, OPC-UA, or simple CSV/HTTP export for ERP/WMS.
4. Inspect label print quality – barcodes should scan clearly and remain legible after storage.
5. Test integration – simulate one full packaging run before final purchase.
6. Ensure after-sales support – AMC, calibration, and training availability.

Real-World Example

A chemical manufacturer in Gujarat replaced manual labeling with industrial label printing scales connected to its ERP system. Each drum now receives a label with weight, batch number, and QR code. When scanned, the QR reveals the product’s production data and dispatch history.

This reduced labelling errors by 98%, eliminated double data entry, and provided complete traceability during audits saving the company both time and compliance costs.

Conclusion

Printing weight directly on a label using a weighing scale with printer is one of the simplest yet most powerful automation steps an industrial plant can take. It brings together accuracy, speed, and data traceability all while reducing labour dependency.

But the system is only as good as your selection. Avoid the common mistakes listed above: choose the right capacity, certified model, and integration-ready design.

For BIS-approved, ERP-integrated weighing systems built for industrial environments, explore:
👉 Label Printing Weighing Scale – Punit Instrument Private Limited