Getting ahead of the curve in packaging product inspection

Billions of consumer packages flow from assembly lines every day, each one required to state the precise net weight, volume or number of pieces of its contents. To avoid consumer and legal issues that may arise if net weights fall below specifications, manufacturers often overfill bottles, jars, tubes, boxes and cans, incurring significant costs from unnecessary product giveaway. By implementing a robust statistical quality control (SQC) system, manufacturers can cut losses and enhance compliance. Mettler Toledo clarifies the benefits of SQC systems in its white paper, entitled ‘Package Quality Control - Net Content Control’.

SQC systems apply statistical methods to process control, accurately calculating mean and standard deviation values as well as legally defined tolerance limits. Using a data management framework based on SQC, it provides packagers with real-time assessments of production quality, detecting and correcting variations that occur during the packaging process. Mettler Toledo’s white paper provides guidance on how a data management framework based on SQC can realise a return on investment within 12 months following implementation.

SQC systems are claimed to be easy to operate, optimise production and require minimal training. Through random sampling of data, SQC systems generate comprehensive quality control information, providing accuracy and repeatability which is claimed to be comparable to 100% product inspection with dynamic checkweighers. An SQC framework offers reliable and objective data for determining optimum filling quantities regardless of control systems that are in place. It also minimises costly product giveaway caused by excessive overfilling, and ensures that batches meet legal requirements.

The white paper also addresses critical design considerations when implementing a quality control system. Systems should have intuitive and flexible interfaces, data connectivity with industry standard ethernet and TCP/IP protocols, and easy access to production parameters. Also included is a five-step approach for gaining quality information through a well-designed solution.

To download a copy of the white paper, go to: www.mt.com/ind-wp-package-quality-control.