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At MODEX, WIPOTEC–OCS to Debut Predictive Maintenance Capabilities for M&L Catchweighers

Press release from the issuing company

Solution uses historical analytics to predict component performance, streamlining and customizing maintenance for decreased downtime.

Lawrenceville, GA – WIPOTEC-OCS, a leading manufacturer and supplier of precision in-motion weighing, track and trace/anti-counterfeiting solutions and X-Ray scanning equipment, will introduce new predictive maintenance functions for its line of high-precision catchweighers at MODEX Booth #B7232, March 28-31 in Atlanta. The analytics-driven solution allows parcel processors to proactively predict when its catchweighers will need maintenance, resulting in well-planned tune-ups that minimize downtime.

The new tools essentially allow catchweighers operators to “see the future,” providing a more accurate picture of when maintenance will be needed. The result is a data-driven ability to anticipate when a component actually needs repair or replacement, rather than the comparative guesswork of general guidelines and recommendations.

With WIPOTEC-OCS’ predictive maintenance solution, a potential part failure can be detected at an early stage, then proactively prevented without interrupting operations – a downtime minimization that quickly meets and exceeds the cost of investment. The system also allows parts to be utilized for their actual lifespan rather than their recommended one. The resulting additional usage for any number of components can amount to significant spare parts savings. Finally, much of the data obtained from implementing predictive maintenance software – including optimal throughput for the most accurate checkweighing – can be applied to boost overall equipment effectiveness and productivity.

WIPOTEC-OCS catchweighers feature the company’s signature Electro-Magnetic Force Restoration (EMFR) weigh cells, a next-generation technique that guarantees optimal weighing results even at high line speeds. The machine features a revolving weighing system that segregates each product, weighs it independently, and returns it to the line, providing exemplary accuracy even at high speeds. The resulting precision helps eliminate reputation-damaging underfills or costly overfills.

WIPOTEC has consistently been at the technological forefront for quality control solutions in the materials & logistics sectors. For example, the company’s HC-FL-T Triple Scale Catchweigher combines three hardware scales into six virtual ones, each capable of operating independently – a feature permitting product gaps as narrow as 10” (250mm).

The HC-FL-T’s triple scale design delivers a 60% throughput increase at the same speed as a double scale design, while guaranteeing first-class performance and durability. Depending on product length, the triple scale catchweigher can weigh as many as three products simultaneously. The HC-FL-T can accurately weigh up to 19,000 parcels/hr at transport speeds up to 3.4 m/s (670 ft/min). The use of a high-tech electro-magnetic force restoration (EMFR) weigh cell delivers NTEP weighing accuracy of 50g even when running at top speed.