Industrial scales.

Why accuracy makes the difference between success and failure.

Industrial scales are indispensable in a variety of industries. Whether in production, retail or logistics, they ensure that processes run precisely and efficiently. However, to ensure that industrial scales deliver reliable and standardised results, they are subject to strict regulations. These regulations can vary greatly depending on the region and area of application, and ensure both accuracy and safety in the respective industries. Indust-rial scales such as Combics® and Signum® from Minebea Intec fulfil the highest international and local standards to meet the requirements of a wide range of markets.

In modern production processes, precise measurement often de-termines success or failure. From dosing and filling to fill level control and simple weighing, there are specific guidelines for the use of industrial scales depending on the area of application and industry.

International guidelines: OIML and IECEx .
The OIML (Organisation Internationale de Métrologie Légale) sets global standards for measuring instruments, including industrial scales. These guidelines determine how scales must be tested and certified in order to be used globally. "Internationally active com-panies often rely on OIML-certified scales," explains Eren Sagdas, Product Manager Industrial Scales at Minebea Intec. "Certification facilitates export and ensures that our devices can be used reliably worldwide."

IECEx certification is another global standard that applies specifi-cally to devices in potentially explosive atmospheres. This certification guarantees the safe operation of devices in potentially explosive environments, such as those found in the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries.

The industrial scales in the Combics® and Signum® series fulfil both the OIML guidelines and the IECEx specifications. This international conformity makes them the ideal choice for companies that operate globally and rely on uniform safety standards in different regions. In addition to their certifications, both scales are characterised by numerous other advantages.

Industrial scales Combics® : Versatility and robustness.
The bench and floor scale Combics® from Minebea Intec impresses with its combination of robustness and precision, making it the ideal solution for a wide range of industrial applications.

The floor scale plays a particularly important role in the phar-maceutical industry, for example in the exact dosing of active ingredients. Thanks to its smooth surfaces and easy cleaning, the Combics® floor scale fulfils the strict hygiene requirements that are essential in this industry. With its high measuring accuracy, it ensures that even the smallest deviations are avoided - crucial for pharmaceutical production and other highly sensitive processes.

The Combics® floor scale is also widely used in logistics, for examp-le for weighing heavy pallets and freight. These measurements are essential for the precise calculation of shipping costs or the opti-misation of warehouse capacities. The high load capacity and durability make the scales particularly suitable for continuous use in warehouses or loading zones. In the food industry, the Combics® floor scale is used in production lines to precisely measure the weight of raw materials such as flour or sugar. Thanks to its robust stainless steel construction, it can withstand the harsh conditions in production halls, including high humidity and strong cleaning agents.

The versatile application options, coupled with the robust design and precise measurement technology, make the Combics® floor scales an indispensable tool in a wide range of industries that de-pend on reliability and accuracy.

Signum precision scales® : Maximum accuracy for demanding weighing applications The Signum® precision scale from Minebea Intec shows its strengths particularly in industries where maximum measuring accuracy and fast response times are essential. A good example is the pharmaceutical industry, where even the smallest differences in weight can have a major impact. In the manufacture of medicines, where precise dosing of active ingredients is crucial, the Signum® industrial scale delivers precise measurement results down to the milligram or even microgram range. Its fast measuring time makes it possible to organise production processes efficiently without compromising the quality of the measurements. 

"We are happy to advise our customers on the selection of diffe-rent material designs, load ranges and readabilities to fulfil spe-cific requirements," says Eren Sagdas.

The Signum® industrial scale is also used in cosmetics production, where strict hygiene standards and precise formulations must be adhered to. In the production of creams or lotions, the scale can measure the exact quantities of ingredients such as oils and fragrances. Because of its robust design, the Signum® is also ideally suited to the demanding cleaning processes in this industry, which emphasises its durability and reliability.

Ideal weighing and inspection solutions for strictly regulated markets.
Industrial scales such as the Signum® precision scale and the Com-bics® bench and floor scale offer companies worldwide reliable solutions that fulfil international, regional and industry-specific regulations. Thanks to their exceptional precision, flexibility and robustness, they are the preferred choice in industries that require the highest standards of accuracy and reliability while com-plying with strict legal regulations.

@SartoriusCH @OimlBiml #PAuto #Pharma

The importance of metrology in modern industry.

On the occasion of World Metrology Day on May 20, 2024, Bruno Martin, Director Quality Management & Director Metrology at Minebea Intec, gave an expert interview. In this interview he sheds light on the fundamental role of metrology in modern industry and explains why precise measu-rements are essential for product quality assurance and reliability.

Bruno Martin

What is metrology and why is it so important for the industry?
Metrology establishes traceability, accuracy, and reproducibility, which in turn provides stability. It’s there in the background of every industry, establishing a foundation upon which producers & consumers can establish trust. It provides guiding principles that power commerce, fuel innovation, and ensure safety. As techno-logy & industries continue to advance & evolve, metrology will remain in position as the cornerstone that provides support for so many aspects of civilization, and we will develop even more ways to utilize this science. Metrology is the scientific study of measu-rement, which is fundamental to ensuring accuracy and consis-tency in production processes. In industry, precise measurements are crucial for maintaining product quality, compliance with stan-dards, legal aspects and operational efficiency.

What role does metrology play in quality assurance and how does it contribute to the reliability of products?
Metrology is central to quality assurance as it ensures that all measurements are accurate and consistent, which is essential for producing reliable products. By implementing precise measure-ment systems, companies can detect deviations and defects early in the production process, thus preventing faulty products from reaching the market. At Minebea Intec, our advanced metrology solutions, such as high-resolution platform scales and load cells, provide the accuracy needed to maintain the highest standards of product quality and safety.

What technologies and instruments are used in modern metrolo-gy and how have they evolved in recent years?
Modern metrology employs a wide range of advanced technolo-gies, including digital sensors, automated inspection systems, and sophisticated software for data analysis. Over the past few years, there has been significant progress in enhancing the precision and speed of these instruments, driven by innovations in electronics and data processing. Minebea Intec continually invests in the de-velopment of cutting-edge technologies, such as our X-ray inspec-tion systems and metal detectors, ensuring that our customers benefit from the latest advancements in metrology. >p> How does Minebea Intec support companies in implementing precise measurement processes in production?
Minebea Intec offers comprehensive solutions that integrate high-precision weighing and inspection technologies with expert ser-vices. Our products, such as the Combics® weighing indicator and the Inteco® load cell, are designed to provide accurate and reliab-le measurements under various industrial conditions. In addition, our Engineering Support and Partnership Program ensure that customers receive tailored advice and assistance, from initial in-stallation to ongoing maintenance, ensuring optimal performance throughout the product's life cycle.

What future trends and challenges do you see in the field of met-rology and how is Minebea Intec preparing for them?
The future of metrology is shaped by trends such as Industry 4.0, digitalization, and increasing demand for real-time data and analy-tics. These trends present challenges in terms of integrating com-plex systems and ensuring data security. Minebea Intec is actively preparing for these challenges by investing in research and deve-lopment to create innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our commitment to continuous impro-vement and our focus on German Quality position us to lead the way in the metrology field, providing reliable, cutting-edge tech-nologies that deliver ‘the true measure’ of excellence.

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The future of checkweigher operation has arrived!

New user interface increases checkweig-her efficiency with smart features.

New standards are been set by Minebea Intec with its latest innovation, the "Blue HMI" user interface for checkweighers. The interface enables intuitive operation and thus offers maximum user-friendliness. The new generation of Minebea Intec checkweighers can be configured, controlled, tested and audited more easily with Blue HMI.

Dynamic checkweighers are used in various branches of industry, particularly in production and logistics. They are used to detect deviations in the weight of products during the manufacturing or packaging process, to identify faulty products and to ensure com-pliance with weight regulations and quality standards. Minebea Intec offers a broad portfolio of high-precision checkweighers and, with the new Blue HMI, has further developed the user interface for the entire product range with a view to the future.

Smart functions of the new user interface.
Whether you need to introduce a new product, adjust line para-meters or define a batch report: The new Blue HMI user interface makes working with checkweighers easier and more efficient. Thorsten Vollborn, Head of Product Management Inspection & Digital Services at Minebea Intec, emphasises the advantages of this technology: "The design concept of Blue HMI is based on what we know from our daily work with high-tech devices. The user-friendly menu navigation and new workflows simplify operation considerably and shorten the familiarisation period.

In addition to user-friendliness, data security and flexibility also take centre stage. For administrators, Blue HMI offers new and extensive setting options for user and group management. To enable ergonomic working on the system, all checkweighers - including the Synus® , Flexus® and EWK product series - are now also available with a movable display variant.

Maximum control.
Blue HMI enables advanced monitoring and analysis functions for checkweighers for better quality control and process optimisati-on. "The operating unit displays the overall system effectiveness and other statistics based on the current weighing results. It also has various logging functions that make it ideal for audits," says Dr Thorsten Vollborn. As checkweighers are often located at the end of a production line, the integrated overall equipment effec-tiveness provides a clear overview of the efficiency of the produc-tion line. All of this is displayed in a new dashboard or "control centre" via new widgets and diagrams.

In addition to the checkweighers, the combined versions of the Vistus® metal detectors also support the new workflows. Here, the clear visualisation improves the complex, but in many industries indispensable, foreign object detection.

Versatile interfaces enable optimum integration into the line.
With the new user interface, Minebea Intec fulfils the needs and increases the flexibility of its customers by equipping the check-weighers with flexible interfaces such as industrial fieldbuses, Ethernet/IP, Profinet or the company's own SPC@Enterprise. OPC UA is fully integrated in accordance with specification 40200 (Companion Specification Weighing) and is optionally on board. The interface can also be expanded to include the PackML specifi-cation 30050 (Companion Specification PackML according to OMAC). "The new 'Browser Remote View' function particularly demonstrates the advanced technology of the Blue HMI," says Thorsten Vollborn. "Similar to an internet router at home, the interface can be loaded like a website in a browser on an authori-sed client." The technology used is platform-independent and can therefore be used from any device with a browser, be it a PC, a mobile phone, a tablet or a TV in the meeting room.

The elegant stainless steel housing of the Blue HMI not only stands for durability, but also for easy cleaning and modern aest-hetics. These features make it ideal for hygienic industrial en-vironments. With a full HD 15" touch display and a powerful BOX PC, the Blue HMI offers a clear and detailed display.

Familiar state-of-the-art technology.
The electronics of the new generation of scales have also been completely revised. The in-house Minebea Intec load cells are also used in all systems. This not only offers many advantages for high-speed applications, but also improves the service of the sys-tems. All checkweighers are approved for legal-for-trade operation and therefore support customers in the legally compliant manu-facture of food products.

With over 75 years of experience in building checkweighers, Mi-nebea Intec has developed the perfect assistant for customers' daily dynamic weighing tasks and compliance with regulations. The new generation is based on the familiar and proven design, combined with proprietary load cells and a brand new user inter-face, at the heart of every checkweigher. The new Blue HMI not only controls the machine, but transforms final inspection into a new way of optimising production.

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Weighing in EX areas.

Switch on, weigh, done: the operation is self-explanatory.

The Midrics® 1 Ex weighing indicator from Minebea Intec, offers a new solution for viewing weighing results in hazardous (Ex) areas. Users benefit not only from the affordable price, but above all from the reliability and intuitive operation of the product. 

Whether in the plant sector or as a solution for the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries: the intrinsically safe Midrics® 1 Ex weighing indicator is suitable for a wide range of applications such as counting, checking or pre-packaging inspection. Thanks to the use of high-quality materials, it is the optimal choice for quality managers, mechanical engineers and technical engineers who are looking for a durable indicator solution for hazardous areas.

Minebea Intec presents a strong addition to its Ex portfolio with this instrument. The weighing electronics, specially designed for weighing processes in hazardous areas, meets all relevant current international requirements such as ATEX Zone 1/21; IECEx Zone 1/21; FM/CSA Class I, II, III Div. 1 (USA/Canada). In addition, the Midrics® 1 Ex weighing indicator can also be connected to data acquisition systems in non-hazardous areas via its digital communication interface.

When developing the user interface, the focus was on convenience for the user: the optimised interface makes relevant information visible at a glance. The Midrics® 1 Ex weighing indicator scores with a resolution of up to 30,000d, which offers precise measurement results for a wide range of applications. The measured values are visible on the display instantaneously. In addition, the operating elements have been reduced to five tactile buttons to ensure ease of use. The intuitive use thus ensures a reduction of the learning time. In addition, the product design of the Midrics® 1 Ex weighing indicator ensures an exceptionally long service life for the electrical system and therefore a high level of investment security. 

The housing design convinces with a tightness according to protection class IP 66, which enables quick and uncomplicated cleaning. In addition, the indicator is made of stainless steel, which makes the product extremely robust and durable.

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