7 stages of accurately weighing plastics
In plastic parts industries, accurately weighing and counting every component is imperative in enhancing productivity and improving quality levels.
Every piece of plastic contributes to profits.
Weighing effectively can contribute to improved reliability and traceability, and can also contribute to increased productivity and time and cost savings.
This 7-step guide will take you through the process: from the stage where materials are received through to shipping.
Stage 1: Meet weight specifications at the raw materials stage
By using bench and floor scales effectively, you can ensure suppliers are meeting specifications and you are not receiving fewer parts than expected. By using scales capable of recording each weight reading, you can feed results into your systems.
A counting scale like the MSS with the JWI indicator means that you can verify the quantities of small, lightweight parts. Floor scales and platform scales are suitable for larger items and quantities. The MSS-JWI can be connected to a printer, or populate an Excel spreadsheet with readings.
Recommended scale: MSS
Stage 2: Meet weight limits in quality control
Reliable weighing instruments are needed in quality control, to ensure that the product is error-free. Accurate weighing ensures that production parameters are within specific limits. If the weight checks take place too late in the process, a large number of products could fail to meet specification.
Stage 3: Stay on top of stock when warehousing
By using counting scales at the warehouse stage, you can ensure stock movements are tracked and out-of-stock situations are avoided. Choosing a scale with battery power means that it can be used anywhere across the warehouse.
By connecting a counting scale to internal systems via data transfer it can be compared to previous weight data, as well as working alongside other systems to control stock.
Alternatively, using pallet truck scales in warehouses means that large items or palletised goods can be transported and weighed, which saves time and space.
Recommended scale: JCE, PT-500
Stage 4: Speed up processes on production lines
By using a weighing scale to automate product processes it can reduce human error, improve time efficiency and enhance productivity.
When manufacturing on a contract basis, any extra piece - caused by inaccurate counts or unreliable equipment - that is produced equates to additional costs. The HSS-I-500 can be set up for so it switches off a feed when a weight target is reached. The functionality of each HSS-I-500 is bespoke to the customer, so yours can be built to your individual needs. For example, so it stores weight information in an internal memory, than can be later exported to a central database or tracking sheet.
Recommended scales: HSS with the I-500 indicator
Stage 5: Spot damaged goods when quality checking
A reliable process is paramount to ensure high quality products and delighted customers. By using highly precise weighing equipment, damaged or incomplete products can be discovered.
Weighing scales offer a practical method of checking whether packages contain enough products. Highly accurate bench scales can be used to ensure small qualities of lightweight items can be monitored.
Stage 6: Hit weight targets when packing goods
As the product nears completion, the packaging stage provides another opportunity for accurate plastic weighing. Many Marsden scales can be connected to a printer, meaning labels can be printed out and added to the product.
When it comes to automated packing, use a scale with a hi/lo alarm so that a preset target number can be reached, and a feed switched off by the scale.
Stage 7: Meeting weight regulations in shipping
For shipping goods, orders must be complete and documented for traceability. If you are selling a good at this stage based on its weight, legally the scale must be Trade Approved.
For freight regulation such as SOLAS container weighing regulations, a weight must be provided from a verified weigher who has used an Approved scale.
Recommended scales: Mild Steel Platform with the DI-620P-APP, AP-200
For more information and to help you choosing the right scales for accurately weighing plastics, call 01709 364296 or contact us here.