Entry-Level Checkweighers

June 23, 2005
HOUSTON, TX Thompson Scale Company, a leader in checkweighing systems, packaging machinery controls, and custom production scales, announced today the

HOUSTON, TX –

Thompson Scale’s entry-level checkweighers are essentially the same physical design as the standard versions. The controllers are also similar; the main difference is that the programming of the controls is more basic. This simplified functionality does not diminish the value of the equipment as a source of quality control. These models are simply scaled back to provide only the basic functions required to do the job. The entry-level checkweighers offer a more economical solution to companies that otherwise may not be able to fit a checkweigher into their budget.

While only allowing basic functionality, these checkweighers can still have a huge impact on a plant’s quality control process by providing timely and accurate product weight data. The 5297 Controllers for these checkweighers simply exclude some of the more advanced features that the standard models come with such as statistical reporting and various display capabilities. For manufacturing or packaging plants that do not require these additional features, the entry-level checkweighers are a good fit.

The 5297 Controllers hold a single product recipe in memory and display useful information on production as each unit crosses the scale. The display includes three weight zones for statistics such as last unit weight, gross or net, weight conversion, target weight, mean unit weight, total accumulated weight, total accumulated units, and units per minute. Each controller also offers English and Spanish menus in full sentences for better comprehension.

A major benefit of the controllers used is that the system can be easily upgraded if needed. Users can simply order a 4693 Controller upgrade consisting of additional controller cards to receive the full functionality. The installation can be done in-house by anyone with basic technical skills. They just have to switch out the controller’s door, change the CPU with an upgraded program, and they are ready to run the checkweigher.

These checkweighers are simple, easy to use, rugged, yet highly accurate production scales. The intermediate checkweighers handle products in the 0.5 kg – 50 kg range, while the heavy-duty versions can weigh items from 10 lbs. to 200 lbs. with ease. Designed for a variety of different environments, they are capable of handling almost any challenge. Examples of containers that can be weighed are boxes, cans, bottles, pails, rigid shrink-wrapped packages, or flexible packages. Items compatible with the checkweighers include paints, adhesives, chemicals, bagged or boxed sugars, insecticides, fertilizers, and caustic products.

Unlike other in-motion scales, neither of these models require the use of photo-eyes (in most cases) to detect the presence of a package crossing the scale. This is another unique aspect of these checkweighers. This feature eliminates the costs and problems (such as downtime, unweighed product, or incomplete weigh data) that are associated with dirty or misaligned photo-eye sensors.

These versatile checkweighers can be constructed in a variety of materials and finishes. They are available in various configurations to meet specific requirements: food grade (compliant applications), washdown and corrosive applications, as well as hazardous environments up to Class I, Division 1. Optional conveyors, light displays, alarms, and reject devices are also available.

The entry-level model checkweighers are available now. For more information, call 713/932-9071 or visit our website at www.thompsonscale.com.

Thompson Scale Company

Thompson Scale Company is a leading manufacturer of weighing systems and packaging machinery controls. Thompson Scale has provided the manufacturing industry with highly accurate and reliable weighing solutions for over 30 years. Products include in-motion checkweighers, universal filler controllers, remote digital displays, inline rejector conveyors, and filling machinery upgrades. The company offers quality equipment with training and service in support of all products. Thompson Scale systems are made in the USA and sold to manufacturing facilities around the world.