Multi-lane checkweigher delivers space and cost savings

Significant cost and space savings are two benefits claimed for a new multi-lane checkweigher by manufacturers Ishida Europe.

The company said the checkweigher, which can be supplied with up to six lanes, can handle the same volumes as several individual machines, as well as being ideal for stick and flow-wrap packs of confectionery, coffee, tea or milk powder.

Packing speed, space savings

“The maximum speed per lane is 150 packs per minute (ppm),” Ishida marketing manager Torsten Giese told FoodProductionDaily.com. “Depending on the pack length and local weights and measures regulations, this means the six-lane models can run up to 900 ppm.”

The DACS-CW Series also has a small footprint, with the six-lane version of the system only being about 1.5 times the size of a standard single lane version for the same belt dimensions, added Giese. The machine is 1200mm long by 1200mm wide by 900mm belt height, plus 1500mm height for the main body and RCU screen.

“In fact we can change the belt height from 400 -900mm to interface with low discharge packaging machines – so we can built the height of the checkweigher to the customer needs,” he said. “This means a six lane system uses three times less space than when using six conventional checkweighers to do the same job, while a four-lane system halves the required space.”

Anti floor vibration system

The company said the buying its multi-lane system could realize savings of up to 50 per cent compared with the cost of six single checkweighers. The system is flexible and can be supplied in smaller models – from two to six lanes – each built in a single frame with one RCU, said the marketing manager.

The checkweigher employs the company’s Anti Floor Vibration (AFV) system which cancels out the effect of external vibration. The new DACS-CW achieves stable and precise weighing, even in a factory environment where intensive vibration is an issue, said Ishida.

Other benefits include the checkweigher’s intelligent data management system which features a status monitor showing production data from each lane whilst a built-in USB camera ensures reliable product set up. The multi-lane checkweigher is made of stainless steel for high durability and easy cleaning and maintenance, added the firm.