Mettler-Toledo debuts new FlashCell load cell technology for checkweighing
The FlashCell load cells weigh food products at speeds of up to 800 parts per minute (ppm), with precision better than required by Measuring Instrument Directive (MID). With three different load cell types in the FlashCell portfolio, food manufacturers can select the appropriate loadcell for their products, weighing a complete product range up to 10kg reliably and precisely.
Users of Mettler-Toledo C-Series checkweighers can now process products more speedily and reduce product give-away through greater weighing precision. The company said manufacturers will also benefit from smaller checkweighing system footprints in limited factory floor space.
Mettler-Toledo has carried out tests comparing the new FlashCell to current EMFR (electro-magnetic force restoration) load cells plus installed its new load cell technology at customer sites. Through these tests and installations, the company said its FlashCell load cell checkweighers demonstrated, for example, the ability to achieve throughputs up to 800ppm and a 40% improved standard deviation, all within the MID limits for a 35g cereal bar.
“FlashCell technology is a significant further improvement of the already flexible C-Series checkweighers, giving customers the opportunity to increase performance significantly whilst maximising precision according to their needs,” said Frank Borrmann, market manager, Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection.
“In today’s market, food manufacturers need to be able to respond quickly and competently to fast-changing trends, including changes in product types, shapes and weights. By investing in a checkweigher from Mettler-Toledo with FlashCell load cell technology, manufacturers will receive a flexible and future-proof system, where every component can adapt to future requirements."
Performance enhancements delivered by Mettler-Toledo FlashCell load cell technology include higher throughputs. The next generation load cell technology supports shorter measuring times, enabling product throughput at up to 800ppm, with no compromise on either weighing accuracy or the operational performance. C-Series checkweighers incorporating FlashCell technology therefore help to deliver increased productivity, Mettler-Toledo said.
Enhancements also provide higher precision: The FlashCell technology delivers weighing results with a standard deviation up to four times lower than the previous load cell generation. This helps reduce overfilling and costly product giveaway. Compliance with regulatory requirements such as the EU’s MID can be achieved even at higher throughputs.
FlashCell works with shorter measuring times at high speeds. The weighing conveyor can therefore be reduced in length, with slower conveyor speeds helping to increase product handling stability and allowing shorter outfeed conveyors and product collection areas. The complete length of the checkweigher itself can be reduced by up to 24%.
