New Single-Point Load Cell Tailored for Filling Applications

METTLER TOLEDO’s new SLP85xD load cell is made for automated weighing and is ideal for dynamic weighing applications in filling machines and conveyors. Its compact design saves manufacturers costs for engineering and installations.

Greifensee, Switzerland. August 2016 – METTLER TOLEDO is pleased to announce the launch of its new compact, single-point SLP85xD load cells. Their speed and ability to be built into large networks enhance productivity when multiple bottles, cans or drums are weighed within a fraction of a second simultaneously and in parallel.

Fully integrated electronics can capture 1,200 weight values per second, making them ideal for multi-line filling and checkweighing applications. Quick connectivity via EtherNet/IP, PROFINET IO RT or PROFIBUS DP is incorporated into the compact unit for easy integration and start up. It also minimises efforts for wiring and requires less material, which saves costs for the machine manufacturer.

Due to comprehensive overload protection the product service life is extensive. The protection safeguards the module from outside forces regardless of direction of origin, protecting the accuracy of the module both during normal operation and equipment malfunction events.

SLP85xD load cells are hermetically sealed (IP69K), meaning they can be cleaned with high-pressure water jets. This fulfils Clean-In-Place requirements and reduces downtime for the cleaning process.

The load cell can be used either to control the entire filling process with its digital outputs or as a sensor only to provide fast weight results to the control system. In both cases, a fast update rate of the weight values ensures the fastest reaction times for controlling the filling valves.

Along with fast weight values, the load cell also transmits diagnostic information to the control system about its own health status and about the status of the filling application.

This information can be used for predictive maintenance to minimise downtime. Status LEDs on the load-cell body also display this diagnostic information, which is a visual signal that is always present, even when there is no communication with the load cell.