Weighing processes improve quality control in manufacturing to achieve stringent product standards. They also reduce waste by reducing raw material loss & minimizing the need for rework.
Air currents, a lack of thermal equilibrium and even manipulative handling of the balance can lead to errors in mass measurements. Errors may be significant enough to cause significant losses.
Pre-Weighing
The pre-weighing process is a critical part of an automated weighing system, and is vital for ensuring accurate dispensing. It ensures that all ingredients are in the right order, resulting in an efficient, high-quality manufacturing process.
In addition to reducing the risk of human error, pre-weighing also allows for more accurate dispensing of materials and helps prevent batch-to-batch variations in production. This translates into better quality and higher productivity, while cutting costs.
This is possible with the LeDoser-12 dispensing balance that can be fully integrated into SAP over a secure wireless connection to Azure IoT, enabling direct communication between the two systems in both directions. This allows the details of a Bill Of Material to be sent straight to the scale, and the operators to receive the correct instructions.
It is important that automated weighing systems are able to integrate seamlessly into existing processes, whether they’re in the form of a batching control system or other industrial equipment. This helps to ensure that the system functions smoothly, while maintaining compliance with established protocols and procedures.
Balance Validation
When a lab or business has invested in a high quality balance, the company will need to verify that the instrument is providing accurate results. This is known as balance validation or testing and should be performed on a regular basis. The process includes a variety of factors not typically addressed by a calibration weight check or by a routine maintenance schedule.
For example, a test for repeatability might include placing different weights on the scale over and over to see if the results remain consistent. Then there is cornerload testing to determine if the weighing results will change depending on where you place the weights on the pan. Lastly, there is linearity to ensure that the weighing device displays the correct value over its entire range.
Max is the finance manager at The Bike Company and performs balance validation to cross-check financial balances during the period-end close process for informed decision making and compliance with regulatory reporting requirements. For more information about how The Lab People can help with your weighing calibration, validation and maintenance needs, contact us.
Weighing the Samples
Weighing is a critical step within food production applications. Accurate weighing ensures that each batch adheres to strict quality standards, minimizing rework and boosting profitability.
The scale you choose for weighing your materials must be appropriate to the process you’re using it in. Choosing the wrong type of scale can lead to errors and mismeasurements, leading to inconsistent production batches.
Sample properties can also impact weighing results. Hygroscopic samples, like silica gel, may absorb moisture from the air and cause an increase in the weight measurement. And liquid samples, especially volatile liquids, can evaporate during storage and contaminate the weighing pan with condensation.
To avoid these perils, make sure the weighing instrument is warm and dry before adding the sample. Additionally, tare the container with its lid or cap open before adding the substance. Lastly, add a printer to the balance so that you can print directly on weight slips to prevent transcription errors.
Accuracy
Choosing a quality balance with a worst-case accuracy specification that exceeds your desired system accuracy goes a long way toward achieving the results you desire. This includes selecting load cells with impressive lowest-noise specifications and installing the weighing system in an area free from vibration, humidity and temperature that can affect the readings.
In manufacturing sectors like food and pharmaceuticals, the accurate dispensing of ingredients is essential to product consistency and meeting stringent quality control standards. Regular weighing validation also reduces the risk of errors in the process that could lead to costly mistakes and even health risks for consumers.
Keep in mind that the accuracy of a balance depends on how well it is kept clean, handled and stored. For example, fingerprints on a container can add mass that affects the weight of the weighing object. Avoid this by using gloves or tongs when handling the weighing container and making sure to regularly perform demagnitization.