capabilities. In addition to the ability to detect a broad range of foreign bodies, the systems can be taught to recognise and ignore approved and critical product components, such as measuring scoop and sauce sachets, thereby reducing false rejects and providing an additional layer of quality assurance.
At the end of each line is an Ishida DACS-GN series checkweigher, which provides precise weight verification together with production data reporting, trend analysis and feedback control to the upstream dosing equipment.
Results
Since installation, the Ishida systems have provided Huel with the accuracy, flexibility and reliability required to support fast-moving production environments and ongoing product innovation. operational needs, ensuring the investment continues to deliver value as the business grows.
Matthew Iredale, Automation Project Engineer at Huel UK, said:“ The flexibility of the Ishida equipment has been particularly valuable for our business. As we continue to develop new products and enter new markets, the systems have been able to adjust alongside our needs. The equipment is highly reliable, so unexpected downtime very rarely occurs. I’ d even go as far as saying the multihead weigher is our most reliable machine in the
factory. They’ re also easy to operate and train, and deliver the accuracy and inspection performance we need to maintain high-quality standards across all our production lines.
“ What also really stands out to me is Ishida’ s service. Service engineers are always on hand to help, the design and software team are also so knowledgeable and their collective support is what has helped us to grow, hit our OEE targets and enable us to expand our offering.”
For more about Ishida Europe, visit www. ishidaeurope. com
The X-ray and checkweigher systems can be changed over between products in as little as five minutes, including completion of all critical control point checks. This allows production teams to respond quickly to changing schedules, SKUs and product requirements.
The Ishida multihead weigher incorporates intelligent features that automatically adjust feeder settings following cleaning procedures or production restarts, helping to maintain consistent performance while minimising operator intervention. The ability to fully open hoppers enables efficient cleaning.
HMI of Ishida’ s DACS-GN checkweigher, which provides traceability and automatically rejects underweight packs
Across all lines, the inspection equipment operates reliably in a multi-shift pattern. Optimum production speeds are achieved while maintaining stringent quality standards and contamination detection capabilities.
The equipment’ s ability to be customised and altered after being installed has also enabled Huel to adapt to evolving production requirements. After Huel decided to switch from larger packs containing 13 servings to single-serve sachets to suit market demand, Ishida worked closely with Huel to modify the original multihead weigher configuration to support changing
Just as every system is bespoke, so is the approach to delivery, installation and testing
28 FDPP- www. fdpp. co. uk