The multi-head weighers are now being used at the Sante factory in Sobolew near Warsaw, which produces more than 100t of cereals a day.
The most recent models installed are two 16-head booster hoppers in a three-mix configuration, which allows the company to handle up to three products separately for discharge into the same pack.
‘Improved accuracy immeasurably’
Ishida’s multi-head weighing technology has replaced the linear systems previously used and, according to the company, has “improved accuracy immeasurably” with giveaway reduced from around 1g per pack to within 0.1g. The multi-head weighing process also ensures product ingredients are more effectively mixed together compared to the linear method.
Consistency and weight accuracy have enabled Sante to control costs by removing giveaway on more expensive ingredients, such as dried fruit and chocolates, said the firm.
A novel feature of the Ishida weighers at Sante is the special V-shaped design of the feeders that handle chocolate products, allowing greater control of the feeding process. Embossed surfaces and Teflon coating for the weighers’ contact parts also help keep the chocolate and other sticky ingredients moving through the weighing process.
Varying target weights
The weighers are handling a variety of target weights from 50g up to 1kg, with individual loads combined and despatched via a timing hopper into a variety of pack formats, including sachets, block bottom bags, and doy and pillow packs. Speeds are around 55–65 packs a minute across all formats, with the speed governed by the bag makers, said the firm.
The checkweighers also feature Ishida’s Data Capture System, generating real-time displays and reports that can be used as compliance data.
For more information, contact Ishida.
