Mettler-Toledo launches new washdown Checkweighing series

11-Jun-2020 - Last updated on 11-Jun-2020 at 11:08 GMT

The new washdown checkweighers series feature sloped surfaces to discourage liquid and debris collection, avoiding bacterial contamination risks. Pic: Mettler-Toledo

Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection has launched a new series of washdown resistant checkweighers for precision weighing applications in food manufacturing environments.

The new equipment series is specifically designed for use in applications that require stringent cleaning processes that use caustic cleaning agents to combat bacterial contamination risks, without compromising their weighing accuracy.

The ideal applications for the new washdown checkweighers include dairy products as, during the food production processes, liquid product ingredients could spill over and contaminate conveyor belts, or other parts of the machinery, which have direct or indirect contact with the product.

The new washdown checkweighers series feature sloped surfaces to discourage liquid and debris collection, avoiding bacterial contamination risks, while conveyor belts can be removed quickly and easily for cleaning. The series also features an open-frame design with four feet on the floor to provide easy access for washdown purposes.

The systems are IP69 tested and are resistant to most caustic detergents and disinfectants in line with the ECOLAB Material Compatibility Test. This includes the checkweighers’ touchscreens, which do not need to be removed or covered during cleaning procedures, resulting in reduced downtime for regular cleaning processes.

The washdown checkweighers adhere to global weighing regulations and the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID). The series also comply with regulations governing conveyor materials expected to come into contact with food, including Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and Regulation (EU) 10/2011, which supports the customer in their need to meet US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) standards.

"In the food production industry, there is nothing more crucial than keeping consumers safe from contamination – bacterial or otherwise," Dr Jürgen Kress, general manager at Mettler Toledo Garvens.

"It is extremely important that production equipment is able to stand up to the rigorous cleaning routines required to maintain a hygienic environment without sacrificing accuracy."

The series includes the following two new lines.

C33 PlusLine Washdown Checkweigher

The C33 PlusLine features self-adjusting elastic belts that remove the need for tensioning. If needed, cleaning with the parts in place is possible in most set-ups, while the flip-up design of the conveyors allows access to all critical areas.

The C33 PlusLine features a 12" touchscreen monitor at the front of the system to ensure worker safety. This is also IP69 rated, which means it does not need to be covered or removed during cleaning. The system provides runtime data and statistics in more than 30 languages, with additional accessibility and options available.

C35 AdvancedLine Washdown Checkweigher

The C35 delivers precise weighing on a stable weighing platform resistant to high-pressure washdown and most caustic detergents. The system frame is designed according to outlined hygienic principles, with easy access for cleaning and sloped surfaces to discourage liquid collection.

The system supports speeds of up to 250 packs per minute and a weighing range from 25g to 7 kg.

The C35 also reduces maintenance-related downtime as it takes less than a minute to remove the driving unit completely with the minimal use of tools. Its 15" touchscreen interface is also fully washable along with the rest of the system.

The weighing software supports IoT/Industry 4.0 initiatives using open interfaces such as OPC UA, Pack ML and Fieldbus.