Question 1

What are GMP practices?

Accepted Answer

GMP is the acronym for Good Manufacturing Practices, a set of guidelines and regulations that establish minimum requirements to be met during the production, packaging, quality control and distribution of drugs, medical devices, food and other regula...

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Accuracy in a checkweigher refers to the device’s ability to determine the weight of products with great accuracy and consistency against a pre-set reference value. This feature is critical to ensuring that each product meets the required weight stan...

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There are different types of load cells, each designed to meet specific weighing needs. In conveyor belt scales, which are devices used to automatically weigh and classify products during the production or packaging process, two main types of load ce...

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The price of a checkweigher can vary greatly depending on the type of model chosen and several factors, such as the type of ejection desired, the dimensions and characteristics of the products to be weighed and the level of accuracy required. However...

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Certifying an industrial machine as "Industry 4.0" means guaranteeing its compliance with the requirements and technological characteristics defined for Industry 4.0. This certification allows companies to access tax incentives or benefits, such as o...

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Food safety is essential to ensure the protection of consumer health. For this reason, the European Union has introduced a series of strict regulations aimed at controlling and regulating all stages of the food chain, from production to distribution,...

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Pharmaceutical manufacturing is a highly regulated industry, where compliance with strict standards and norms is essential to ensure product safety, efficacy and quality. These standards are established by various international and local authorities ...

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The IP protection rating (Ingress Protection) is a key parameter to determine the resistance of an electrical device or machinery to intrusion of solid particles, dust and liquids (such as water). This parameter is defined by the international standa...

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A load cell is a transducer that can convert an applied force (such as the weight of an object) into a measurable electrical signal. Basically, it transforms the mechanical deformation caused by weight into data which can be read and interpreted by a...

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FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) is a fundamental test that is performed at the manufacturer’s plant before a weighing machine or system (such as a checkweigher, a weigh price labeler or an industrial metal detector), be delivered to the customer for fi...

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The term "industrial automation" refers to a set of technologies and processes used to control and manage industrial machines and systems, with the aim of performing production operations in an autonomous or semi-autonomous way, reducing human interv...

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MID certification (Measuring Instruments Directive 2014/32/EU) is a European regulation that sets out a set of essential requirements that measuring instruments must meet in order to be placed on the market and used in the EU. Manufacturers must foll...

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Question 2

What is accuracy in a checkweigher?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy in a checkweigher refers to the device&#x2019;s ability to determine the weight of products with great accuracy and consistency against a pre-set reference value. This feature is critical to ensuring that each product meets the required weight standards, minimizing errors that could lead to regulatory compliance issues, waste or customer dissatisfaction. To fully understand what is meant by accuracy, it is useful to clarify the difference between accuracy and precision, two terms often used interchangeably but which, in reality, describe different aspects of weighing.Accuracy refers to the ability of a checkweigher to provide a weight value that is as close as possible to the actual or desired value. In other words, a checkweigher ensures high accuracy when its weight measurements are very close to the actual value, with minimal margin of error. Accuracy is therefore related to the correctness of measurements against a reference standard. Precision, on the other hand, refers to the consistency and reproducibility of the measurements made by a checkweigher. A device is accurate if it can give the same or very similar results when performing repeated measurements of the same object, even though these results may not be exactly correct to the actual value. In practice, a device may be accurate but not precise if it repeatedly shows the same wrong measurement. The accuracy of a checkweigher can be influenced by a number of factors. These include the calibration of the device, which must be carried out regularly to ensure that measurements are always correct; the speed of the conveyor belt, which if too high may introduce errors in the measurements; and the environmental conditions, such as vibrations or temperature changes, which could affect the performance of the device. In many industrial applications, especially in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals or manufacturing, the accuracy of the checkweigher is essential to meet strict quality and regulatory standards. For example, in the food sector, a checkweigher must ensure that products are packaged with the right weight to avoid penalties or consumer dissatisfaction. In the pharmaceutical industry, accuracy is even more important as inaccurate doses can have serious consequences for consumers' health.In addition to the regulatory importance, accuracy has a direct impact on operational efficiency and production costs. An insufficiently accurate checkweigher could cause overdoses or underdosages of product that, over time, could result in significant costs for the company.

Question 3

How many load cell types are there?

Accepted Answer

There are different types of load cells, each designed to meet specific weighing needs. In conveyor belt scales, which are devices used to automatically weigh and classify products during the production or packaging process, two main types of load cells are generally used: strain gauge load cells, which use strain gauges to measure the deformation caused by the weight of the product. This deformation is converted into an electrical signal proportional to the weight. Strain gauge load cells are the most commonly used in checkweighers due to their accuracy, reliability and ability to handle variable weights at high speeds. They allow to maintain high precision even in industrial environments with vibrations and interference. In addition to the high precision, among their advantages are the robustness and the ability to easily integrate the signal with the sorting machine&#x2019;s control systems; piezoelectric load cells, whose functioning is based on the piezoelectric phenomenon, which measure weight by generating an electrical charge proportional to the force applied to the sensor. Less common, more expensive and more delicate than strain gauge cells, they can be used in situations where high sampling speed is required. High response speed and sensitivity are the main advantages of this type of load cell. Strain gauge load cells are typically the primary choice for most checkweighers because of their combination of precision, cost and robustness. In contrast, piezoelectric load cells can be used in special applications but are less common in standard checkweighers.

Question 4

How much does a checkweigher cost?

Accepted Answer

The price of a checkweigher can vary greatly depending on the type of model chosen and several factors, such as the type of ejection desired, the dimensions and characteristics of the products to be weighed and the level of accuracy required. However, a checkweigher is usually an investment that pays off within a few months, depending on the type of product being processed. Weighing the product with extreme precision means in fact avoiding unnecessary waste and, depending on the cost of the product per gram, it is easy to calculate how much you can save by inserting a sorting machine into the production process.  Simply multiply the cost of the product per gram with the amount currently being overdosed in the packaging to know how much waste is generated for each package. Then multiply the value by the number of pieces per minute at which the production/packaging line travels and calculate the daily and monthly loss. Comparing the loss with the cost of the weight sorter, it is easy to see how many months it will take for the investment to be fully paid off. With our simulator you can accurately calculate the potential savings that could be achieved by installing a Nemesis checkweigher within your production line.

Question 5

How to certify a 4.0 machine?

Accepted Answer

Certifying an industrial machine as Industry 4.0 means guaranteeing its compliance with the requirements and technological characteristics defined for Industry 4.0. This certification allows companies to access tax incentives or benefits, such as over-depreciation or other tax benefits. The technological requirements to obtain a machine 4.0 certificate are as follows:  interconnection: the machine must be connected to production or supply chain management systems. It must be able to exchange data bidirectionally, in real time, with other devices and systems; integration with the information system: the machine must be integrated with the company&#x2019;s information system, for example with ERP, MES or SCADA software; automation and remote control: it must be possible to monitor and control the machine remotely through management systems; remote maintenance and/or diagnosis: the possibility of remote maintenance and diagnosis of the machine must be provided; data collection capabilities: the machine must be able to collect and transmit process and state data; adaptability and modularity: it must be adaptable to production requirements with minimal modifications and must be compatible with the intelligent factory philosophy. To certify a Nemesis weighing system industry 4.0 it is sufficient to install the DATA MANAGER and OVERWATCH software packages, which allow the machine to be connected to the company&#x2019;s internal management system, to be remotely controllable with 15 other machines simultaneously and to collect data and produce analysis reports.

Question 6

What are the regulations governing food safety?

Accepted Answer

Food safety is essential to ensure the protection of consumer health. For this reason, the European Union has introduced a series of strict regulations aimed at controlling and regulating all stages of the food chain, from production to distribution, up to the sale of food products. These regulations are designed to ensure that food is safe, meets specific hygiene standards and is properly labeled, thereby protecting consumers from potential risks and ensuring transparency of information.The main European food safety regulations include:  Regulation (EC) 178/2002, which entered into force on January 1, 2006. This regulation sets out the general principles and requirements for food law, including food traceability. Traceability is a mandatory requirement that all food business operators must be able to identify the origin of food and its final destination. This system allows any food to be tracked along the entire chain, facilitating the withdrawal of non-compliant products and preventing potential health risks. Regulation (EC) 852/2004 on food hygiene, which is another key element of the European legislation, establishing general principles of hygiene that must be respected by all operators in the food sector. This regulation applies to every stage of food production, processing and distribution, requiring that all processes are carried out in accordance with high hygiene standards. Operators must take preventive measures to avoid contamination of food, ensuring that facilities, equipment and personnel comply with health standards. Article 5 of Regulation (EC) 852/2004 also requires food companies operators to implement a self-monitoring system based on the principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). This system involves the identification and analysis of potential risks throughout the production chain and the definition of critical control points (CCP) where it is possible to prevent, eliminate or reduce risks to acceptable levels. The HACCP system is fundamental to ensure food safety, as it allows for continuous monitoring and control of production processes, ensuring that products placed on the market are safe for consumption.As regards prepacked foods, Directive 1976/211/EEC, establishes the rules relating to the net weight indicated on the packaging. This regulation requires manufacturers to comply with strict tolerances on declared weight, which must be verified and certified by legal measuring instruments such as MID legalized checkweighers. The declared net weight must be clearly marked on the packaging with the symbol &#x212E;, guaranteeing to consumers that the product complies with the indicated quantities. Nemesis checkweighers - alone or combined with metal detectors or labelers - are essential tools to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and traceability. These devices, designed for dynamic weight control, are able to verify precisely that the declared net weight on prepackaged products actually corresponds to the actual amount of food present in the package. Thanks to their high accuracy and reliability, they allow discrepancies to be identified quickly, thus preventing the distribution of non-compliant products.

Question 7

What are the regulations governing pharmaceutical production?

Accepted Answer

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is a highly regulated industry, where compliance with strict standards and norms is essential to ensure product safety, efficacy and quality. These standards are established by various international and local authorities and organizations, and cover every aspect of production, from the design of plants and manufacturing processes to the final distribution of products. The main regulations governing pharmaceutical production include: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Good Manufacturing Practices are the cornerstone of pharmaceutical production regulation. GMP is a set of guidelines describing the procedures, processes and conditions necessary to ensure that pharmaceutical products are manufactured and controlled consistently according to appropriate quality standards. The GMP covers a variety of aspects, including staff training, cleaning of facilities, quality control, documentation, equipment maintenance and risk management. GMP standards are adopted internationally, with specific versions in different countries, such as the European Union, the United States (regulated by the FDA), Japan and other jurisdictions; Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) are another set of fundamental guidelines that govern the conduct of pre-clinical trials necessary for drug development. The GLP sets out requirements for study organization, personnel management, equipment maintenance, data collection and analysis, and documentation of results. Compliance with GLP is crucial to ensure that pre-clinical data are reliable and reproducible, and can be used to support new drug marketing applications; European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations: in Europe, EMA is the regulatory body that oversees scientific evaluation, supervision and monitoring of drug safety. EMA sets out detailed guidelines that pharmaceutical companies must follow to obtain marketing authorisation for new drugs within the European Union. In the US, the FDA plays a similar role, with a series of regulations and guidelines covering the entire life cycle of pharmaceutical products, from research and development to production and marketing. Both agencies require compliance with GMP, GLP and other specific standards. Nemesis offers advanced pharmaceutical quality control and weighing solutions designed to meet the stringent regulatory standards required for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Nemesis checkweighers allow you to check the level of filling of the packages, ensuring that each product is within the established weight limits. These devices not only check the weight, but also help to ensure the integrity and completeness of the packaging, ensuring that no essential components are missing. Furthermore, Nemesis checkweighers are critical to ensuring product traceability, a critical aspect of the supply chain. Nemesis also offers tailored solutions and combined machines that integrate checkweighers with metal detectors, allowing to detect and remove any contamination from metals. This combination ensures even more stringent quality control, maintaining the integrity and quality of products throughout the production chain. These technologies enable pharmaceutical companies to significantly improve their operational efficiency, reduce the risks associated with non-compliant products and ensure compliance with international regulations.

Question 8

What does IP protection mean?

Accepted Answer

The IP protection rating (Ingress Protection) is a key parameter to determine the resistance of an electrical device or machinery to intrusion of solid particles, dust and liquids (such as water). This parameter is defined by the international standard IEC 60529, which was issued by CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization). In practice, the IP degree of protection is expressed by a code consisting of the acronym IP followed by two digits and, in some cases, an optional letter. The first digit of the code indicates the level of protection against ingress of solid particles, on a scale from 0 to 6, where 0 represents the absence of protection and 6 indicates the maximum protection against dust. The second digit, on the other hand, concerns protection against liquid ingress on a scale of 0 to 9, where 0 means no protection and 9 represents maximum protection, even against high pressure and temperature water jets.Conveyor belt scales, used in production environments that often have high humidity conditions, direct contact with food or need intensive sanitization, must be designed with an appropriate IP protection degree. For example, a IP54 rated checkweigher such as the Nemesis C-series checkweigher is dust resistant and can be cleaned with a damp cloth or light water spray.  In particularly wet production environments, such as meat or fish processing, it is essential that conveyor belt scales are constructed with an IP66 degree of protection. The G-series checkweigher, for example, offers complete protection against dust and water, but also the possibility of cleaning all machine components, including belts, with powerful water jets. When working in extremely harsh environments, such as the canning industry, where machines must be completely sanitized with high pressure and temperature water jets, an IP69K protection rating is required. This level, guaranteed by the R-series checkweigher, represents the highest possible protection and requires advanced technical solutions such as chain belts, a protective cabin for the control panel and pressurized motors.

Question 9

What is a load cell and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A load cell is a transducer that can convert an applied force (such as the weight of an object) into a measurable electrical signal. Basically, it transforms the mechanical deformation caused by weight into data which can be read and interpreted by a control system. Operation is based on the change in electrical properties of certain materials when subjected to deformation. Most load cells use strain gauges, which are electrical resistors whose resistance changes with elongation or compression. When an object is placed on the weighing platform, its weight translates into a force that is transmitted to the load cell, causing slight deformation. The strain gauges installed inside the cell, deform with it, altering their electrical resistance. An electronic circuit measures this variation and converts it into an electrical signal proportional to the applied force. Finally, the control system processes the electrical signal and converts it into a weight value, displayed on the weighing machine&#x2019;s indicator. Load cells are essential components in automated weighing systems. In particular, in checkweighers they are crucial to weigh products accurately and sort them according to their weight. The accuracy and reliability of these cells are critical to ensuring accurate sorting, optimizing production and minimizing waste. All Nemesis checkweighers are equipped with robust load cells, coated with special protections to prevent possible damage caused by impacts or overloads of the cell, ensuring a long life and maximum accuracy in weighing products.

Question 10

What is FAT testing? How is it different from SAT?

Accepted Answer

FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) is a fundamental test that is performed at the manufacturer&#x2019;s plant before a weighing machine or system (such as a checkweigher, a weigh price labeler or an industrial metal detector), be delivered to the customer for final installation. The main objective of FAT is to verify that the machinery meets all the required technical and operational specifications, ensuring that it functions properly in all its parts before being put into service. FAT testing follows a structured procedure, performed by certified entities, which involves several verification steps, both with regard to the mechanical and electronic components, as well as for the weighing software. This test gives the customer confidence that the machine will function exactly as intended, minimizing the risk of malfunctions or problems once the system is in operation. In addition to FAT, there is also the SAT test (Site Acceptance Test), which takes place after delivery and installation of the machine at the customer&#x2019;s site. While FAT focuses on the manufacturer&#x2019;s verification of the system, SAT is intended to test the equipment in the actual operational context where it will actually be used. Both tests are essential to ensure the quality and reliability of systems, but they operate in different stages and contexts of the product life cycle.

Question 11

What is industrial automation?

Accepted Answer

The term industrial automation refers to a set of technologies and processes used to control and manage industrial machines and systems, with the aim of performing production operations in an autonomous or semi-autonomous way, reducing human intervention. Industrial automation systems are used in a variety of sectors, such as manufacturing, energy, chemicals and many others. Among the main features of industrial automation are: automatic control: machines, robots and production systems are automatically controlled by control systems which may include PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), DCS (Distributed Control System) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition); reduction of human intervention: industrial automation aims to reduce or eliminate human intervention in repetitive, hazardous, or complex operations, thus improving safety and efficiency; system integration: involves the integration of various systems and technologies such as sensors, actuators, management software and communication systems to create an intelligent, interconnected production process; efficiency and productivity: one of the main objectives of industrial automation solutions is to increase productivity by reducing cycle times, minimizing errors, and optimizing the use of resources; flexibility and adaptability: automated systems can be programmed and configured to adapt to different production needs, allowing for rapid changes and reducing downtime.Automated weighing systems play a crucial role in industrial automation, especially in the food, chemical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. These systems integrate load cells and other weight sensors with programmable logic controllers (PLC) and management software, allowing the automated and continuous weighing of raw materials, intermediate and finished products. The precision of automated weighing systems ensures that dosing, packaging and quality control operations are performed with maximum accuracy, minimizing human errors and production waste. In addition, the integration of these systems with the rest of the automation infrastructure allows real-time monitoring of weighing processes, improving operational efficiency and allowing for optimized resource management.

Question 12

What is MID certification in metrology?

Accepted Answer

MID certification (Measuring Instruments Directive 2014/32/EU) is a European regulation that sets out a set of essential requirements that measuring instruments must meet in order to be placed on the market and used in the EU. Manufacturers must follow specific conformity assessment procedures to demonstrate compliance with MID 2014/32/EU, which may vary depending on the type of instrument and the level of risk associated with its use. These procedures include internal production control, quality system approval and audits based on internal production control. Once compliance has been demonstrated, the measuring instruments must be marked with the CE mark indicating that they meet all applicable EU requirements. In addition, instruments subject to the MID shall also bear an additional metrological marking consisting of the letter M and the last two digits of the year in which the marking was affixed. The MID certification applies to all metric instruments for legal value measurements, including automated weighing systems and therefore checkweighers, regulating the control and weighing of pre-packaged products. It provides many benefits for both producers and end consumers: it facilitates trade by harmonizing the requirements for measuring instruments throughout the EU, guarantees quality and safety by ensuring that weighing systems placed on the market are reliable, accurate and safe to use, and protects consumers by ensuring that they receive accurate and transparent information on the performance of measuring instruments.  Nemesis checkweighers with MID certification are designed and manufactured in full compliance with European standards to ensure accurate and reliable weight measurements, essential for quality control and consumer security.

FAQ

What are GMP practices?

What is accuracy in a checkweigher?

How many load cell types are there?

How much does a checkweigher cost?

How to certify a 4.0 machine?

What are the regulations governing food safety?

What are the regulations governing pharmaceutical production?

What does IP protection mean?

What is a load cell and how does it work?

What is FAT testing? How is it different from SAT?

What is industrial automation?

What is MID certification in metrology?