Thermo Fisher's new check weigher claims highest level of accuracy

The new check weigher designed for food applications from Thermo Fisher Scientific is claimed to achieve “the highest level of accuracy and reliability in a check weighing system.”

Launched this spring, the Versa RX for Food Applications is said to set a new industry standard. Aaron Craig told FoodProductionDaily.com: “The system can run up to 550 products per minute and achieve accuracies of +/-0.050 grams at 3 sigma. Rates and accuracies are dependent on actual container type and weight.”

Upgraded electronics

The check weigher’s new design, featuring upgraded electronics, is said to deliver the improved performance. “Supplied with the Blackfin DSP signal processing chip it allows the system to process the information at a much faster rate which allows the customer to run higher production rates at lower linear speeds,” said Craig.

The machine’s slack belt knife edge conveyor design ensures maximum product stability. According to a company statement: “The system’s new single brushless-motor drive design has fewer moving parts, lowering customer’s maintenance requirements and reducing total cost of ownership.”

In addition, the system’s closed cabinet design is claimed to prevent external influences from affecting the weighing process.

The Versa Rx can be equipped with a number of optional features including Side Belts Transfers to assist with product transfers and helix infeed screw for small bottles and reject verification.

The Reject Integrity Option guarantees that every reject is diverted off line,” said Craig. “If the reject does not occur the system will shut down so the operator can locate the unacceptable package.”

Inspection system

The Rx system can also be supplied as a combination system equipped with a metal detector mounted to the infeed conveyor. This allows the customer to integrate a complete inspection system where line space is limited.

The check weigher was first launched in the autumn of 2010 for pharmaceutical applications. The new model replaces the Thermo Scientific AC9000plus Rx check weigher.

Volkert Jan Hage, product manager, said “There’s more than 50 years of experience and expertise behind the Versa Rx, which helps set its performance, accuracy and durability apart from checkweighers in its class.

“In addition, we made certain that modern and high demand options were made available to our customers, giving them greater flexibility to customize the line to their exact needs.”

The new check weigher is available worldwide.