The newly-launched R Series range of multihead weighers have been designed to ensure that product giveaway is virtually eliminated while speeds of up to 200 wpm are achievable with a 14-head single discharge model.
Other enhancements include additional easy clean features, an improved drive unit design and a new automatic feeder driver system and self-tuning feeders to further enhance smooth handling of difficult products. The company claims that energy consumption is 50 per cent lower than previous models.
A major innovation is Ishida's development of a unique new algorithm to calculate weighing combinations, which can make calculations up to five times faster than before. This enables the weigher to fine-tune its selection of weigh hoppers to determine the optimum combination of weights.
As a result, the R Series improves weighing accuracy by a further 0.5 per cent over the best results achieved by current multihead technology.
A new high speed filter has increased top speeds over previous models by around 20 per cent. The single-discharge 14 head compact weigher, for example, can now reach 200wpm.
As well as offering immediate benefits for existing high speed product lines and extra throughput potential for mixed product applications, the R Series is also ready to respond to future line speed requirements as faster equipment is introduced elsewhere.
The new weighers feature a Windows XP operating system, which provides advanced networking capabilities and allows easy integration of the weigher with other packaging equipment. An enhanced remote control unit with intuitive 3D graphic screen and Start-Up Assistant ensures user-friendly operation.
"In today's competitive markets, maximising production throughput is more vital than ever but at the same time consumers and retailers can be very unforgiving if the finished product does not match up to their expectations," said Paul Griffin of Ishida Europe. "The new R Series gives manufacturers the reassurance of fast, reliable and accurate weighing to help ensure that pack quality and weighing consistency are never compromised."
Ishida Europe is a global player in the design, manufacture and installation of complete weighing and packing line solutions, particularly for the food industry. The firm develops advanced automated systems for weighing, packing, labelling and handling food products.
Headquartered in Birmingham, UK, the group is supported by four additional offices in mainland Europe, one in the UAE and one in South Africa. Ishida Europe's 2002 sales reached €60 million in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Ishida Europe is a subsidiary of Ishida in Japan.
Last year, the firm consolidated its presence in the German market through the establishment of a full subsidiary company, Ishida GmbH. The division, which became operational in July 2004, is responsible for Germany and Austria.
Ishida clearly believes that the German market for industrial processing machinery has good potential. Indeed, according to a recent report from market analyst Euromonitor, the market is forecast to grow by 18.9 per cent from 2002 to 2007 to reach a value of €3.3 billion in 2007.