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A linear weigher is one kind of weighing instrument that weighs packing products in a straight line. It is part of a multihead weigher that weighs products in bulk. Usually, food or non-food items are fed into the linear weigher, and the weight is ascertained through various methods, depending on the accuracy, speed, and capacity of the weigher in question. Foods such as nuts, pasta, rice, seeds, and other granular or dry items can be weighed using a linear weigher.
Linear weighers are used in the machinery industry to provide a high-speed packing solution. Before being packed into bags, jars, bottles, or boxes, products of various shapes and sizes are weighed with linear weighers to ensure accurate quantities and compliance with legal requirements, quality control standards, and customer satisfaction.
It is important to note that linear weighers come in different varieties. The following subcategories will help better understand this weighing instrument's different shapes and forms.
Rotary Linear Weigher:
A type of linear weigher where the weighing system is in a rotary format, allowing for high-speed weighing and filling. It is often used for weighing irregularly shaped items and high-volume small parts.
Multiple Linear Weighers:
More than one linear weigher is combined to increase the total weighing capacity and speed.
Linear Weigher with Bucket:
A linear weigher integrated with a bucket system for collecting and transporting weighed items. It increases the productivity of the process and minimizes product waste during handling.
Heavy-Duty Linear Weighers:
It has a robust construction that can handle high weights and heavy product flows.
Mini Linear Weigher:
It is a compact design that is suitable for weighing smaller quantities or in areas with space constraints.
IP Rated Linear Weighers:
It offers varying degrees of protection against dust and water ingress, making them suitable for use in harsh or wet environments.
Multipurpose Linear Weigher:
A linear weigher suited for weighing a wide range of products, typically adjustable and versatile.
Gravity Linear Weigher:
An instrument that weighs and then dispenses items using the natural force of gravity to drop products into bags at the correct weight.
Check Weighing Linear Weighers:
When the weight is determined, and the details are stored or displayed, a check weigher shows the user the data. This particular type of linear weighing machine helps compare item weights to be weighed against preset parameters, such as limits, tolerances, and quality control standards.
Feeding method
A linear weigher's feeding method determines how products enter the scale for weighing and portioning. Common feeding methods include:
Multi-Head Weighers: Typically used for small, lightweight items like candy or nuts. They feature multiple hoppers that collect weights simultaneously and discharge weighed portions to a common output chute.
Linear Weighers: Suitable for larger, heavier products. They consist of a single or multiple hoppers that sequentially weigh and discharge products onto a conveying system for further processing or packaging.
Gravity Feed Scales: Often used for products with consistent flow characteristics. They rely on gravity to let items fall through a funnel onto a weighing platform or conveyor.
Communication and connectivity
Linear weighers communicate with other production line components and systems to facilitate weighing, data exchange, and control. Common communication and connectivity options include:
Ethernet/IP: A popular industrial networking protocol that enables linear scale connections through Ethernet. It allows for high-speed data exchange and integration with various devices and systems.
Speed and accuracy
The weighing speed and accuracy of a linear weigher are crucial performance metrics that determine its ability to handle products efficiently and provide precise measurements. A linear scale's speed refers to the frequency at which it can weigh items and complete measurements within a given time. Weighing accuracy indicates the scale's capability to provide precise weight measurements with a specified degree of correctness. For example, linear weigher machines are designed to weigh and portion products at high speeds, typically ranging from 30 to 120 batches per minute, depending on the model and application. The accuracy of a linear weigher is essential for ensuring correct portions, minimizing product giveaway, and maintaining quality control.
A linear weigher needs regular maintenance for long-lasting performance. The machine should be cleaned regularly to remove product dust or residue. It's vital to use non-corrosive cleaning products and avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the scale.
Lubrication of moving parts is also critical to ensuring smooth and quiet operation. Linear weighers should be checked and calibrated frequently to maintain weighing precision and avoid product over/under feeding. During calibration, the weights used should be within the linear weigher's weighing range to achieve accurate results.
Also, all fasteners and components should be inspected regularly to ensure they're not loose. This helps to prevent product spillage, stray items on the production floor, and equipment damage. Further, linear weighers are typically designed for a certain temperature and humidity range. Therefore, it's critical to ensure the machine is operating within the manufacturer's recommended conditions to avoid weighing inaccuracies and equipment malfunctions.
Lastly, a linear weigher's service manual should be referred to for specific maintenance instructions and guidelines. Following the recommended maintenance procedures helps prolong the life of the machine and maintain its optimal performance.
Linear weigher machines are commonly used across several industries and for different purposes. Their ability to indicate the weight of products with speed and precision is ideal for food, pharmaceutical, agriculture, hardware, and many other industries.
In the food industry, linear scales are mostly used during packaging to indicate the weight of meat, candy, pasta, coffee, and other food products. Weighing is a critical step in the packaging process, as it ensures customers get products that weigh exactly as indicated. Using a linear scale weigher reduces the risk of over or under-packaging, which helps maintain compliance with regulations and build customer trust.
Pharmaceutical companies weigh out medicine tablets, capsules, and doses with linear weighers before packaging them. It's important to package medication that has been weighed to ensure the patient receives the correct dosage. Using linear weighers for this purpose also helps the company comply with industry standards and avoid costly recalls.
Manufacturing companies can set up linear weighers to measure and dispense raw materials such as cement, grains, coal, and fertilizer during the production process. An advantage of using linear weighers as dispensing tools is that they provide precise measurements, which help improve product quality.
Linear weighers are also used in retail stores to weigh loose items before selling them to customers. Supermarkets or grocery stores sell items such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, and pet food by weight. Customers expect to pay for the exact weight of products, so stores often use linear weighers to measure and package these goods confidently.
Several factors should be considered when choosing the proper linear weigher for a specific application. First of all, the weight range and accuracy should be considered. It is important to select a linear weigher that has the weighing range within the weights that are going to be weighed, as well as an accurate measurement that meets the necessary requirements.
The item to be weighed should be taken into consideration as well. Buyers need to ensure that the design and functionality of their chosen linear weighers are compatible with the characteristics of the products they plan to weigh.
Also, consider the environment where the linear weigher will be used. Factors such as temperature, humidity and the presence of dust or corrosive substances in the air should also be taken into consideration. It is important to choose a linear weigher that has suitable protection standards and materials for use in specific environments.
At last, think about the installation space and convenience of use. Buyers must ensure that the dimensions of the linear weigher fit their installation space. In addition, it is necessary to consider factors such as operation, display effect and interface function to choose a machine that is easy to operate and manage.
Q1: What is the difference between linear and feed weigher?
A1: A linear weigher machine uses a single weighting hopper system to weigh goods and provide data to control the feeding speed. They usually work faster than their feed counterparts. Feeding weighers use a hopper system to calculate weights and can work better with larger weights.
Q2: Can linear weighers be used in combination with other weighers?
A2: Yes, one of the main benefits of linear weighers is that they can be used in combination with other weighers such as vertical weighers to create a more efficient and effective weighing and packaging solution.
Q3: Are linear weighers suitable for weighing liquids?
A3: Linear weighers are typically designed for weighing solid and granular products. However, weight linear weigher machines could be used to some extent for liquids with certain modifications or equipment combinations.
