Selecting a Weighing Machine with Compu-Weigh
For a processor of raw material, the task of selecting a batch weighing machine to automate the filling of bags or other containers can be daunting.
Compu-Weigh has been helping manufacturers to select what are sometimes called Batch Weighing, Nett Weighers or Multi-Head weighers for nearly 20 years.
Before contacting suppliers of Batch Weighers, the first step is to clearly identify your batching need.
Target Weight of each bag / container size? Volume in Litres of those sizes?
These decide the physical size of the machine. ie: 1kg of bread crumbs has a larger weigh bucket than cat food.
Bags per minute (bpm) or tonnes per shift needed? What amount of overweight in Grams is acceptable?
These decide the number of weigh heads to meet production. ie: One weigh head may produce 1kg +20g @ 12 bpm. Alternatively for accuracy, 1kg + 1g @ 5 bpm.
Largest piece size of the product.
If the ratio between the number of pieces and the Target weight is low, a combination weigher may be needed, particularly if the cost per kilo is high. Feeder sizes are calculated on product piece size. ie: Potatoes versus Kitty Litter. Vibrating into Weigh Bucket.
Free flowing nature of the product to be Batch Weighed.
This is a crucial element of a Batch Weighing installation, and decides if the product can be vibrated from a full hopper, a low level hopper, or needs to be conveyed to the Weigh bucket. Compu-Weigh judges this based upon our experience.
Supplying product to the Batch Weighing Machine.
There various options, and these are selected to suit the product. Overhead Bulker bins or bags. Elevating Conveyors. (Belts or cleated modular belts) Vacuum transfer. Bucket Elevator. Tipping bags manually is undesirable.
Filled container handling.
An operator can present bags at 15 bpm, but faster operation requires automated handling.
Finally specify what is needed.
ie: 25 bpm of Product XYZ at 1kg – 0.0 + 5g and confirm that these are written into the quotation you receive.
23-Apr-2007