HBM single-point load cells selected for weigh blending systems

TSM Control Systems of Dundalk in Ireland manufactures weigh blending systems that measure a recipe of different plastic granules by weight and then blend the resulting mix so that it can be used in different types of plastic processing. Examples include packaging material such as food wrap or the internal wrapping bags in cereal boxes.

The company has been manufacturing gravimetric blending systems for 25 years and its machines vary in capacity from a maximum batch weight of 0.5kg up to 32kg; the larger machines can take up to 12 different material components to make the final mixture. Most of the machines are fitted with a single HBM SP4M load cell but some of the larger models have two units.

Each batch comprises different types of plastic granules mixed by weight with about 60-80 per cent of the mixture being virgin granules while the remainder comprises recycled material and maybe additional additives and colouring.

TSM prides itself on ensuring accurate blend ratios and consistent batch homogeneity to give superior performance over competitive blenders. This makes it very important to specify a highly accurate and reliable load cell that can deliver the performance required to meet customers' expectations and ensure consistent batch accuracy and repeatability. The company has been using the SP4M single-point load cell for over five years. Michael McKiernan, a Design Engineer at TSM Control Systems, comments: "We like the open construction of the SP4 load cells since there are no guards. This prevents granules from getting lodged around the load cell, which is a big advantage when working with plastic granules."

HBM's SP4M single-point load cells have maximum capacities from 1kg up to 200kg and are available in C6 quality models to give the highest measurement accuracy currently possible using strain-gauge technology in mass-production. Load cells with C6 accuracy enable legal-for-trade scales with a permissible number of 6000 verification intervals to be produced. McKiernan adds: "The HBM load cells are accurate and very reliable and do exactly what we need them to do."

Contact HBM if you have a weighing application for which you require load cells or data acquisition.