[Article]: What Are Checkweighers? Types and Benefits of Automatic Weight Verification Systems

Checkweighers, also known as in-line weight verification systems, are essential components in modern production lines. They automatically check whether a product's weight falls within a pre-set target range and reject any underweight or overweight items. This ensures quality control, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction—especially in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and logistics.

What Is a Checkweigher?

A checkweigher is an automated scale typically installed on a conveyor belt. As products pass through the system, their weight is measured in real-time without stopping the production flow. If the item does not meet the set weight criteria, it is automatically diverted or rejected using pushers, air jets, or diverters.

Why Are Checkweighers Important?

• Quality Assurance: Ensures each product meets the required weight specifications.
• Legal Compliance: Required for pre-packaged goods in many countries to comply with weights and measures regulations.
• Cost Control: Prevents product giveaway by identifying overfilled packages.
• Production Optimization: Provides real-time feedback for filling and packaging systems.

Main Types of Checkweighers

Checkweighers come in several forms depending on the industry, environment, and specific application. Here are the most common types:

1. In-Line Checkweighers (Dynamic Checkweighers)

Use: Continuous production lines with moving products

Features: High-speed operation, integrated reject systems, real-time data

These are the most common type, used in food processing, cosmetics, and packaged goods industries.

2. Static Checkweighers

Use: Manual or low-volume processes

Features: Items are placed on the scale by hand, no moving conveyor

Ideal for warehouses, batch processing, or manual quality control checks.

3. High-Precision Laboratory Checkweighers

Use: Pharmaceutical, chemical, or high-accuracy environments

Features: Sensitive to milligram-level differences, often enclosed for stability

Used for weighing pills, small vials, or components in cleanroom conditions.

4. Heavy-Duty Checkweighers

Use: Weighing large items like boxes, crates, or pallets

Features: Rugged construction, high capacity (up to several hundred kg), shock-resistant

Common in logistics, warehousing, and industrial packaging.

5. Combination Checkweighers with Metal Detectors or X-Ray

Use: Simultaneous quality checks (weight + foreign object detection)

Features: Saves space and increases safety by combining inspection functions

Popular in food production and pharmaceutical industries where safety is critical.

6. Washdown Checkweighers

Use: Hygienic environments (meat, dairy, seafood)

Features: IP69K rating, stainless steel construction, easy to clean

Designed for environments with strict sanitation requirements.

How Checkweighers Improve Efficiency

Modern checkweighers do more than just weigh. They integrate with ERP and MES systems to:

• Provide real-time data for process optimization
• Enable traceability and production reporting
• Trigger alarms or corrective actions when out-of-spec patterns occur
• Reduce waste and increase profitability

Conclusion

Checkweighers are indispensable tools for businesses that rely on accurate, reliable, and fast weight verification. Whether you're packaging snacks, shipping parcels, or manufacturing pharmaceuticals, there's a checkweigher tailored to your process. Investing in the right system not only protects your brand but also ensures compliance and efficiency across your production line.

Looking for the right checkweigher to your production or packaging system?

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