Product profile: making multihead weighing easier for operators

For many food manufacturers, improving productivity isn’t just about running faster. It’s about making equipment easier to operate, easier to clean and simpler to maintain, so operators can spend less time making adjustments and more time keeping production moving.

The latest generation of Ishida CCW-AS multihead weighers are designed with these priorities in mind, combining weighing performance with features that simplify operation, streamline sanitation and reduce the need for manual adjustments.

Simplifying day-to-day operation

The CCW-AS features a redesigned 15.6″ touchscreen human–machine interface (HMI) with an intuitive, tablet-style display that simplifies set-up and day-to-day operation.

Smart automation features, including automatic feeder adjustments, help reduce routine operator intervention by continually optimising machine performance throughout production.

“It’s not just about standing in front of the machine and operating it,” said Heat and Control Business Manager, Packaging and Inspection Systems, Robert Marguccio.

“Operators have other responsibilities across the production line, so these features help them spend less time making routine adjustments while maintaining efficient operation.”

Faster cleaning and changeovers

With food safety an ongoing priority across the industry, hygienic equipment design and ease of sanitation are key considerations when selecting packaging equipment.

The CCW-AS has been redesigned to simplify cleaning and maintenance, including a hopper design that allows components to be removed and reassembled with one hand.

“The updated design makes it much easier to remove and reinstall the weigh buckets,” Marguccio said. “It’s a simple change that can make a real difference during cleaning and changeovers, especially the fact that the new design also gives you positive location, stopping the issue of buckets appearing to be engaged but in fact are not.”

The redesigned drive units also support hygienic design by making the weigher easier to clean, helping manufacturers meet food safety requirements while reducing the time spent on routine sanitation.

Helping operators achieve more

The CCW-AS has also been designed to reduce the number of routine adjustments operators need to make throughout a production run.

Automatic timing continually adjusts the weigh hopper’s open and close interval based on product flow, eliminating a task that previously required manual adjustment.

Optical charge control (OCC) continuously monitors product levels in each radial feeder and automatically adjusts feeder performance in real time, helping maintain consistent product flow and weighing performance throughout production.

Together, these intelligent automation features reduce routine operator intervention, allowing operators to focus on keeping the broader production line running efficiently.

Supporting users beyond installation

Heat and Control supports its users with remote diagnostics, troubleshooting, production assistance and training tailored to individual applications.

“We’re able to support customers every step of the way, from troubleshooting and set-up to production assistance and training,” Marguccio said.

As manufacturers continue looking for ways to improve efficiency without increasing operational complexity, equipment that is easier to operate, easier to clean and simpler to maintain can make a meaningful difference across the entire packaging line.

Image caption: An updated design on Ishida’s CCW-AS multihead weighers makes it easier to remove and reinstall the weigh buckets. This simple change makes a big difference during cleaning and changeovers. Image: Supplied