Checkweighers are designed to obtain information that can help you meet your weight-related product inspection needs. To get the most out of your equipment—and your product—there are a few key terms that are important to understand.

Conveyor Belts

Infeed and outfeed conveyor belts move products through a checkweigher and along a production line. Since checkweighers are typically integrated into a pre-existing production line, conveyor belts can often be customized to fit your application needs.

Load Cells

Load cells come in various types, but they all serve the same purpose: To accurately measure weight on a scale. When weight is placed on the scale, the load cell takes an analog measurement and converts it to a digital output either at the load cell, junction box or in the scale indicator. Load cells are typically constructed of either aluminum or stainless steel, depending on the application requirements, and are located underneath the scale top, which is integrated into the conveyor.

Weight Indicator

The indicator, or controller, displays advanced weight functions and serves as the command center for the calibration and operation of the checkweigher. Indicators show real-time monitoring of preset weight zones and allow viewing and printing of user, product, statistic and parameter reports.

Checkweigher Accessories

From reject devices to alarms and barcode scanners, checkweighers come with a variety of optional accessories that will help make your production line and checkweighing application manageable and effective.

Gross, Tare and Net Weight

Gross weight is the total weight of the pack or container and its contents, while tare weight is the weight of simply the package or container. The net weight is the weight of just the package or container’s contents.

Weight Zones

Weight zones are the different ranges of preset target weights that determine whether a product is accepted or rejected.

Maximum Allowable Variation

Maximum allowable variation is a deficiency in the weight, measure or count of an individual package beyond which the deficiency is considered to be an unreasonable error.

Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers a variety of checkweighers built with advanced options for metal detection, diverter systems and more. The MotoWeigh® in-motion checkweigher and conveyor system features storage of up to 1,000 products as well as customized options including an audible alarm to alert users to under- or overweight product. Visit www.ricelake.com to view all Rice Lake checkweigher options.

This article is part of Rice Lake’s Checkweigher Buyer’s Guide series. Request a copy or download the Checkweigher Buyer’s Guide today.