While checkweighers and scales both measure weight, they serve different purposes within production and packaging operations. Here are some key distinctions:
Speed
Checkweighers are designed to rapidly weigh moving products on a conveyor at rates up to 120 items per minute. Scales provide slower static readings.
Accuracy
Checkweighers provide precise measurements within 0.1g for quality control. Scales have lower 0.5g accuracy, adequate for basic units of measure.
Connectivity
Checkweighers feature integrated controls and interfaces to reject outliers automatically. Scales are mostly standalone devices without production line integration.
Consistency Checks
Checkweighers compare weights to set targets and historical averages, flagging deviations. Scales simply display single weights.
Data Logging
Checkweighers record production metrics over time for statistical process control. Scales lack performance tracking abilities.
Placement
Checkweighers are incorporated inline within packaging machinery. Scales are usually stationary benchtop models for ad-hoc or pre/post-production weighings.
Purpose
Checkweighers ensure strict weight specifications during high-speed production runs. Scales supply weights as needed without regulating automated operations.
So in summary, while similar, checkweighers and scales differ in the level of integration, speed, precision and quality control role they play within industrial packaging and manufacturing settings.
