Technology Focus: Multihead Weighers

13 May.,2024

 

Technology Focus: Multihead Weighers

Multihead weighers enable highly accurate, fast, and reliable weighing of food and non-food products. At SF Engineering, our equipment partner Ishida is the world’s leading manufacturer of multihead weighers. This means we can provide food manufacturers with tailored solutions that enhance production line performance and deliver a fast return on investment.

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The range of solutions that are available includes entry-level multihead weighers, mono-product options, and high-performance machines that operate at the cutting edge of food processing technologies. As a result, there are options available for straightforward lines up to the most challenging product and packaging conditions.

Leading the World in Multihead Weigher Technology for Over 50 Years

Last year, 2022, marked the 50th anniversary of Ishida’s multihead weighing technology. Today, Ishida multihead weighers are used by food manufacturers across all industry segments to improve productivity, increase automation, and reduce product giveaway.

Ishida was founded 130 years ago in Kyoto, Japan where it started manufacturing weighing scales. Its product range today includes food bag makers, fresh food weighers, checkweighers, X-ray inspection equipment, weigh price labellers, tray sealers, and, of course, multihead weighers.

The world’s first multihead weigher was introduced by Ishida to the food industry in 1972. It represented years of research and development and was designed to automatically weigh green peppers to produce fixed-weight packs. It was a significant technology breakthrough that reduced product giveaway by up to 15 percent.

Ishida introduced the second generation of multihead weighers in 1981, bringing the technology to Europe for the first time by unveiling the product range at Interpack in Düsseldorf, Germany. This was also the first time Ishida described the machines as Computer Combination Weighers (CCWs).

By 1984, Ishida multihead weighers were being used on every continent except Antarctica, and they were becoming more advanced.

New models and technology innovations were introduced over the following years and decades, culminating in the launch of the 11th generation Ishida multihead weigher range, the CCW-AS, in 2022. The CCW-AS further improves productivity while also being easier to clean and more energy efficient.

Overview of How Multihead Weighers Work

 

  1. The product flows into the multihead weigher’s inlet chute from the in-feed.
  2. The product is distributed via a dispersion table onto individually vibrating radial troughs.
  3. The product is then stabilised in the pool hoppers.
  4. The product then moves to the weigh hoppers where it is weighed.
  5. An optional booster hopper is often specified for higher speed or mixing applications.
  6. The system calculates the optimum combination of product which is then discharged through the discharge chute.
  7. The discharge of weighed product is timed to meet the distribution or packing solution.

Multihead Weigher Options

  • Frozen protein weighers – options available for small, medium, and large protein pieces.
  • Bakery and biscuit weighers – options for fragile, non-fragile, and frozen products.
  • Cheese weighers – options for starched and unstarched grated cheese.
  • Fresh produce weighers – ideal for bulky, free-flowing fruit and vegetables.
  • Pet food weighers – ideal for bulk volume, large target weight, medium and large piece products.
  • Salad weighers – options for small and large leaves as well as small and large target weights.
  • Frozen vegetable weighers – options for all types of vegetables plus French fries, croquettes, rice, and more.
  • Confectionery weighers – options for small and medium target weights of non-fragile and free-flowing products as well as sticky products.
  • Dried fruit and nut weighers – options for small and medium target weights.
  • Cereal weighers – options for small target weights of grains and pre-mixed cereals.
  • Screwfeed weighers – multihead weigher options for fresh and marinated meat and poultry as well as fresh fish and seafood.

Benefits of Multihead Weighers for Your Food Production Facility

  • Reduced product giveaway through highly accurate weighing
  • Enables high-speed weighing
  • Improved product quality
  • Improved product handling with reduced damaged product losses
  • Hygienic and easy to clean with minimised cleaning downtime
  • Increased automation with minimal operator requirement
  • Energy-efficient technologies
  • Easy to operate with minimal operator training requirements
  • Fast return on investment typically measured in months

Multihead Weigher Solutions for Your Production Lines

SF Engineering has extensive experience providing multihead weigher solutions both as part of new integrated weighing and packing lines or interfaced with the existing equipment on your line. To discuss the multihead weigher options that will help achieve your objectives and overcome current production challenges, please contact us today.

Why is Proper Weighing Machine Important for Food ...

Manufacturers use weighing equipment to measure the weight of raw materials and finished food products. Due to its purpose in food packaging, you must choose the proper weighing machine for your business.

It would help to choose a weighing scale made of quality materials. For example, a corrosion-resistant machine prevents contamination of food items. You must also consider its speed to determine if it meets your production requirements. Moreover, your business may benefit from a digital weighing scale since it can automatically compute load measurements.

In this article, you’ll learn the top five reasons to consider a weighing scale for your food manufacturing business.

1. Consistency

Weigh machine uniformity is essential in the food business because customers expect to receive the same quality and quantity. Suppose two customers bought juice boxes from the same company. However, the juice boxes have varying weights, different from those on their labels. 

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The situation will create a bad reputation for the company since the consumers may realize they did not get their money’s worth. Hence, food manufacturers must set proper benchmarks throughout their production, including packaging. It involves having a reliable weighing machine to have consistent products.

A proper weighing scale also makes a food manufacturer stand out against its competitors. Accurate and consistent food products can retain customers, who can recommend the items to their families and friends. Due to the positive impression that the products may leave to the shoppers, your food manufacturing business can have a loyal customer base.

2. Cost-effectiveness

A food weighing machine can help reduce waste. For example, the weighing scale’s consistency avoids scenarios where your staff puts away items that do not meet the proper weight requirements. It also reduces the amount of cleaning required.

Although getting the equipment can initially cost you significantly, you can save time and money in the long run. It eliminates the time-consuming activity of manually weighing hundreds of food products. Moreover, it ensures timely shipping, preventing unexpected payment for delayed deliveries.

There are different types of weighing machines, and you must know the right one for your packaging needs.

  • The check weigher inspects the weight of packed goods. You can select a weight range, and the equipment will accept or reject the item based on such a range. Some check weighers include a metal detector, which removes metal contaminants.
  • A digital weighing machine, such as a bench scale, can precisely weigh small food items. It ensures that your products have the same taste and quality.
  • The platform scale can weigh heavy objects, including bulky containers and pallets. It is ideal for commercial food processing, where thousands of products are produced.
  • The multi-head weigher can fill containers, weigh food products, and place them into trays. It combines multiple jobs into one efficient device. The equipment can also have a speed range of up to 300 cycles per minute.

3. Food Safety

A multi head weighing machine’s safety is crucial in every industry, but more so in food manufacturing. Inaccurate measurements of raw materials and ingredients directly affect an individual’s health. Even excessive use of one component can send a person to a hospital. As a business owner, you wouldn’t want your company to be involved in such an incident.

Reliable machines, such as multi-head weighers, can contribute to a safe packaging process in your warehouse. They fill containers according to a predetermined weight to avoid further contamination. In effect, they can reduce possible health risks in the food industry. People value safety, so they will likely choose a safer item than one that has unintended side effects.

Hence, your products’ accurate measurements can create a reputable image for your company. The public can consume your products without worrying about their health. Returning customers can attest to your company’s products, sustaining your business. Moreover, new customers may be more than willing to try your food items.

4. Convenience

A food weighing machine and scale can bring convenience to your business. If the indicated weight on the label and the actual product weight don’t match, customers may file complaints against you. As a result, you may face sanctions and fines by regulatory agencies. You may also pay refunds or enter into settlements with the aggrieved consumers.

You would want to avoid such incidents due to the time and money they entail. You will need legal counsel in case of complaints, and the proceedings may take several weeks or months. You could have used the period to grow your food manufacturing business with the right weighing machines.

Your customers can also experience convenience when buying a correctly-weighted product. Filing a complaint and following up on it takes considerable time. Consumers also need to present evidence, such as receipts, to prove that they bought the inaccurately-weighed food item. It affects your business’s reputation, which you need to rebuild.

5. Proper Management Program

Using weighing machines, you can gather accurate data for an efficient management program. As a result, you can track business productivity and introduce changes when necessary. The program also allows you to utilize resources like time and raw materials to reduce costs and generate more sales.

A proper management plan can also help you follow federal regulations. You can observe each step of food production, including the packaging process. If regulatory agencies request a report on your food production process, you can quickly provide them with complete documentation.

Lastly, an accurate food weighing machine can help you establish the quality of your food products. It helps ensure that you only produce safe and delightful food products so that you can enjoy long-term returns.

Choose the Right Machine for Your Business

Weighing is essential to food packaging because it ensures product consistency, reducing waste and possible health risks. It also brings convenience to businesses and consumers. Moreover, a dependable weighing scale helps a company develop a proper management program to track productivity.

Contact Plan IT Packaging if you want to incorporate a weighing machine into your packaging line or upgrade an old one. Our team can conduct an on-site consultation, so we can better guide you in optimizing your production line.

Are you interested in learning more about Multi Head Weigher Supplier? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!