High throughput checkweigher gives ‘future-proof system’ – Mettler Toledo
The C3000 System increases the safety of the production processes and ensures high throughput rates as manufacturers face increasing demands on line efficiency, claims the firm.
The checkweigher is a modular platform which is available in different configurations.
It covers a calibratable weighing range of 3 grams to 10 kilograms and checks up to 600 products per minute.
Checkweighing capabilities
The majority of manufacturers in food currently weigh applications at speeds up to 300 packs per minute, said Frank Hamann, global product development manager.
“The C3000 System can be adapted to various kinds of products, open or closed,” he said.
“For instance, with its lean and open structure, the C3000 System easily meets the hygienic requirements needed when weighing open products.
“In other parts of the production line, the C3000 System’s stable 4-tube frame structure delivers highest accuracy for weighing closed products.”
Rejection options
Rejection options have sorting gates, pushers and blast nozzles and the standard chute, to reject items of an incorrect weight, in different types and sizes of packaging, according to their consistency.
The platform also has an integrated rejection check that inspects the production line in the area of the sorting equipment to ensure that products which should be rejected are successfully separated. They can then be checked manually.
If the product does meet the weight requirements, it can be returned to the production process. This minimises rejects and increases productivity on the production lines. The optional collection container, which is electromechanically locked, provides additional safety.
A newly designed conveyor belt and weighing system with a 4-pipe open frame protects the internal weighing cell from production line vibrations and faults. This allows for up to 33% more output thanks to more accurate weighing results, said the firm.
Hamann said it analysed every part of a checkweigher and checked its relation to performance in the early product development process.
“The result is increased performance and higher precision weighing accuracy, achieving less false rejects. Increased performance also means that manufacturers can reduce overfilling and product giveaway, thus saving costs and increasing profitability.”
The transfer area of the conveyor belts now ensures faster processing speeds and higher throughput rates.
Combined system
Mettler-Toledo offers the variant CM3530 which combines a checkweigher with Safeline Profile metal detection technology - ensuring products have the correct weight and are free from ferrous and non-ferrous metal contaminants.
The special version for the food industry features a password-protected collection container meaning it can only be opened by authorised personnel.
Hamann said the trend or purchasing decision on the product inspection equipment depends upon a manufacturers’ HACCP audit and internal quality process.
“Subject to the packaging type, format and production process, plus type of contaminant risk or product inspection need, for example,” he said.
“Accurate weighing, food safety and brand integrity may be enhanced by installing standalone machines or combination systems.”
Retailer influence
Hamann said retailers have made their own food safety guidelines and for some manufacturers it could be a tremendous change for production lines and operators working on the machines.
“For example, retailer guidelines state that product inspection equipment must have complete protective guards after the metal detector equipment to prevent operators accessing the product, to ensure that any contaminated product is fully rejected and not placed back onto the line.
“However, for manufacturers these type of constraints restrict, and sometimes hinder, maintenance and cleaning.
“For instance, in the event of a product jam, the line needs to be stopped so operators can quickly access and clean the product, resuming production as fast as possible.”
Other advantages in a combination system, instead of two standalone machines, include faster and smoother article changeovers for more uptime, smaller footprint for firms with space constraints, less spare parts needed so less upfront capital and reduced cleaning time.
The checkweighers of the C3000 System are available in C3530 with a 7-inch touch screen and a memory for up to 100 items, as well as in C3570 with a 15-inch touch screen and a memory capacity of up to 200 items.
“In today’s economic environment, changing products on a line is a daily business necessity for manufacturers who wish to remain competitive and cater for consumer needs,” said Hamann.
“For example, a manufacturer packaging soup powder into bags may easily have different package sizes and different flavours - say perhaps, three different size packages and 20 different flavours - combined already create 60 articles.”
