A leading cheese production company wants to optimise its packaging lines for a well-known soft-ripened cheese while maintaining the highest product quality, while meeting strict food industry regulations. The company needs a weighing solution that can integrate into an existing line, offer high accuracy at high speeds, and withstand the demanding hygiene requirements of dairy environments.
Optimising cheese weighing on packaging lines
How IFF load cells improved a food packaging line's efficiency, enabling high speed operations and accuracy
Customer need / challenge
How did the cheese weighing solution work?
- The WSSB Welded Stainless Steel S-Beam Load Cells are installed at the checkweighing points of the customer’s production line belt. As cheese transports across the belts, the WSSBs will measure its weight in real-time.
- Weighing results are sent to the 920i Programmable Weight Indicator and Controller, where it can read all of the load cells simultaneously and in real-time.
Products used in this app note
- WSSB Welded Stainless Steel IP68 Environment Protected S-Beam
What solutions are there for weighing food products on production lines?
Incorporating our WSSB Welded Stainless Steel S-Beam Load Cells into different parts of the line deliver precise and accurate weighing results. The load cell is IP68 environmentally protected, and integrated into the line’s checkweigher to monitor product weight. When connected to the 920i Programmable Weight Indicator and Controller, will give the customer real time results of the weight of the cheese being processed. The 920i Programmable Weight Indicator and Controller can read up to four scale channels in real-time.
How can load cells improve a food packaging line efficiency?
Using our WSSB Welded Stainless Steel S-Beam Load Cells significantly improved the packaging line’s efficiency, enabling high-speed operations without compromising accuracy.
Interface Force solutions
Interface Force Measurements Ltd is the master distributor for Interface load cells in the UK, Ireland, Middle East and North Africa. Interface’s success is due to a global network and partnership with Interface Force Measurements Ltd. We are technical experts on our load cells, torque transducers, sensors, instrumentation and services and can help you with your applications requiring an Interface solution.
As well as being the exclusive representative for Interface products, we also have exclusive distribution for other major industry sensor brands including: DDM Sensor Solutions, AMTI Force Measurement Systems, GP:50 Pressure Sensors and XSENSOR Intelligent Dynamic Sensing solutions.
All the companies that we work with share similar values to ourselves in terms of quality, reliability, and a solid customer focus. As the exclusive distributor and local representative for these products, we handle sales, promotion and in-region support as well as handling any warranty claims that may arise.
FAQs: Weighing Solutions for Food Packaging Lines
Q: Why is accurate weighing important in food production and packaging?
A: Accurate weighing ensures consistent product quality, compliance with food labelling regulations, and cost control by preventing overfill or underfill. In high-speed packaging lines, precision weighing also supports efficient production flow and reduces waste.
Q: What are checkweighers, and how do they work?
A: A checkweigher is an automated system used to verify the weight of packaged products. Products move across conveyor belts equipped with load cells that capture real-time weight data. This information is then used to reject underweight or overweight items and keep production compliant with weight targets.
Q: What makes stainless steel load cells suitable for the food industry?
A: Stainless steel load cells are corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and durable under washdown conditions. Models like Interface’s WSSB Welded Stainless Steel S-Beam Load Cell feature IP68 environmental protection, making them ideal for use in hygienic and high-moisture food processing environments.
Q: How can load cells improve efficiency on a food packaging line?
A: High-quality load cells provide precise and stable readings at high speeds, allowing packaging lines to run faster without losing accuracy. Real-time weight monitoring also enables automated adjustments that minimise downtime and improve throughput.
Q: What is an IP68 rating, and why does it matter?
A: An IP68 rating indicates that equipment is completely dust-tight and protected against continuous water immersion. In food production, this level of protection is essential for components that must withstand regular cleaning and exposure to moisture.
Q: What role does a weight indicator or controller play in weighing systems?
A: A weight indicator, such as the Interface 920i Programmable Weight Indicator and Controller, processes data from multiple load cells and displays it in real time. It can control up to four scale channels simultaneously, enabling operators to monitor and optimise different parts of a production line efficiently.
Q: How can weighing technology support food industry compliance?
A: Using reliable, traceable weighing systems helps food producers comply with regulations such as average weight legislation, HACCP requirements, and quality assurance standards. Integrating digital weighing data also supports full production traceability.
Cheese weighing – How can I find out more?
- Our food industry related articles:
- Product related:
- Download the pdf of this application note.