Weighing is a critical step in almost every manufacturing process. We can help you develop a custom weighing system that fits seamlessly into your production flow, improving efficiency and accuracy while keeping up with compliance standards.
A typical filling weighing system starts with holding bins for each minor ingredient. Then a conveyor transports the ingredients to a trough mounted on load cells for weighing.
Accuracy
A balance’s accuracy is a combination of trueness (closeness of measurement results to the actual or known value) and precision (the closeness of repeated measurements to each other). Depending on your application, you may need more precise results than accurate ones.
The most important part of a weighing system for achieving the desired accuracy is the load cell(s). They convert the applied load into a proportional electrical signal, which the weighing instrumentation then transforms into a weight reading.
For best accuracy, a load cell should be capable of supporting the total load without bending or twisting. Check for shock loading by controlling the material flow onto the weighing system, using a feeder or specially designed loading chute to prevent heavy loads from dumping on the load cells. Also ensure that the floor or structure under the load cells is strong enough to resist forces greater than the rated capacity of the scale. Lastly, use calibrated calibration weights to verify the weighing system.
Efficiency
The accuracy of the weighing system depends on the load cell’s capability to convert force into a precise electrical signal. However, the performance of a weighing system is enhanced by other components that work together to improve efficiency.
For example, a batching system combines automation controls with scales or hoppers to measure and dispense specific quantities of ingredients or materials into a process. This reduces waste by ensuring that dispensing requirements are met every time.
Similarly, integrated scale indicators that communicate with PLCs enable weighing results to trigger actions such as opening valves or adjusting feed rates. This automation optimises processes, reducing costs and increasing productivity. In addition, regular balance validation ensures accurate measurements and helps meet quality standards for critical manufacturing applications like pharmaceuticals. A functioning management programme can promote a seamless flow of operations, consistent product quality and long-term profitability.
Flexibility
Using the right scales for your processes can reduce raw material waste, rework and product defects. This can lower your manufacturing costs and boost profits. In addition, automated weighing can help minimize safety risks.
Flexibility is the ability of muscles, joints, and soft tissues to move through a range of motion without pain. This flexibility is important for good health and is usually measured using a tool called a goniometer. These devices have a body similar to a protractor and two thin extensions that are positioned along the bones of the affected area.
While the concept of flexibility is easy to grasp, it can become complex and difficult to evaluate in practice. Many different definitions of flexibility exist in the literature, but they lack a common structure or framework. This study proposes a classification of the different types of flexibility to improve distinguishability and clarity. The proposed definitions also allow for a more accurate and systematic evaluation of flexibility.
Safety
Weighing is often done in lab environments where chemicals are used, which requires extra precaution. This is why it is important to take safety measures like using a fume hood when handling chemicals and cleaning up the scale after use. It is also a good idea to keep the balance away from areas where food or personal belongings are stored.
Using proper storage techniques for the weighing weights can help reduce errors caused by skin oils and changing ambient temperatures. This is especially true for precision balances, which must be handled carefully to avoid damage.
In addition to reducing errors, automated weighing systems provide data-driven insights that can help businesses optimize their production processes. This can lead to a more seamless manufacturing process, resulting in reduced bottlenecks and higher efficiency. They also offer a simpler onboarding process for new staff, with the system managing most of the complexities that traditionally come with manual weighing. This can greatly reduce training time and minimize the risk of beginner mistakes.