The food processing industry operates at high speed in a high-stake environment where precision, quality, and hygiene are at the top of the priority funnel. Ingredients are being cleaned, equipment requires frequent cleaning, and there are chances of spillage all the time, especially if you are dealing with liquids. Amid so much hassle, everything must adhere to strict health and safety standards to avoid the risk of contamination and spoilage.
What do you do, especially for the part of the process where you are required to measure each ingredient time and again, repeatedly in a sequence, to ensure consistency in the product? Bring a waterproof weighing scale in your setup. Here’s why.
What is a Waterproof Weighing Scale?
Before we explore the ‘why,’ let’s understand ‘what.’
Waterproof or washdown scales are basically dirt-proof and water-tight scales, suitable for use in a variety of settings, such as in water and mud dust. The reason why they are often called the unsung heroes of the food processing industry is because they can withstand liquids, water and dust from getting inside the scale and damaging it.
What Makes Them Indispensable in the Food Processing Industry?
#1: Enhanced Durability
Waterproof scales are designed to withstand harsh conditions. Talk about water, mud, dust, dampness, and sticky conditions. Given that the food processing industry often involves exposure to liquids, spills, and cleaning agents, these robust scales are well-suited to meet the requirements. Additionally, these scales are corrosion-resistant, ensuring a longer lifespan compared to normal scales.
#2: Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
Hygiene is paramount and non-negotiable in the food industry. Waterproof scales can be washed and clean as per your needs. Since they are designed to be washed after use, there is no risk of the machine malfunctioning. Consequently, you stay compliant with food safety regulations and minimize the risk of contamination.
#3: Accuracy in Wet Environments
Conventional scales are not designed to sustain or give you accurate measurements in wet environments. Waterproof scales are engineered in a way that makes them suitable to deliver precise accuracy in weighing ingredients or finished products with absolute accuracy.
#4: Compliance
The food processing industry requires you to meet industry compliance regulations like the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point). To maintain transparency with consumers, regulatory bodies require you to clearly label the products with nutritional information such as the serving size, calorie content, and nutritional value. Accurate measurements make sure that the contents of the products match the details on the labels.
#5: Reduced Downtime
What if your conventional scale breaks down after a liquid spillage? Worse. You have a conventional scale, and in order to avoid machine malfunction, it takes you longer to weigh the ingredients or the processed product. This significantly increases the time you spend doing a job that could be done faster if you had the right equipment.
The waterproof weighing scale is that very equipment. It minimizes the risk of breakdowns caused by liquid exposure, leading to fewer interruptions and helping maintain smooth production lines.
#6: Cost Savings
Believe it or not, getting a machine fixed frequently adds up significantly to the total costs. You may not realize it while you are getting it repaired, but when you look back, it may be a pretty huge amount.
While waterproof scales require a significant investment upfront, their durability and reduced maintenance needs help you save in the long run. Businesses save on frequent replacements and repair costs, making them a smart investment.
#7: Improved Productivity
Environment affects the reading of the scales. Something as simple as placing the scale on an irregular surface or dust on the pan can lead to faulty readings. With waterproof scales, you and your employees can rest assured that the readings are accurate because that’s exactly the environment these scales are built for. As a result, this reduces the need for rework due to inaccurate readings.
#8: Workplace Safety
We all know the relationship between electronics and moist or damp environments. There are high chances of accidents caused due to electrical malfunctions. Waterproof or washdown scales reduce this chance. Their safe operations ensure everyone who’s using it is safe, helping you adhere to workplace safety protocols.
Features That Make Waterproof Weighing Scales Stand Out
#1: Sealed Design
What makes a waterproof weighing scale actually ‘waterproof’ is its sealed design. For instance, the keypads are sealed and color-coded, the junction box is stainless steel, and there is an anti-slip adjustable levelling foot. Some even have encapsulated load cells for even better protection. This feature not only protects the scale but also ensures uninterrupted operation in damp conditions.
#2: Stainless Steel Construction
Many waterproof scales are made of stainless steel, a material known for its resistance to rust and corrosion. This makes them perfect for exposure to environments where they’re exposed to water, oils, and cleaning chemicals. Moreover, the material gives the scale a professional look.
#3: High IP Rating
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating refers to a device’s resistance to solids and liquids. Waterproof scales often have high IP ratings like that of IP67 or IP68, which provide superior protection against dust and water. This means you can focus on your process of weighing rather than worrying about the welfare of the scale, which could eventually increase the time it takes for you to complete the process.
#4: User-Friendly Interfaces
These scales typically have color-coded keys or large displays that make it easier to use them with wet or gloved hands or when the display is covered in water.
One Scale, Multiple Roles
Food processing is not a one-step process. It has multiple touchpoints and a waterproof weighing scale will come in handy at each step. Here’s a quick breakdown.
- Raw material procurement: The weighing scale will help you measure raw materials from the suppliers for weight and quality control. This can range from dry ingredients to fish, meat, and other liquid and semi-liquid ingredients.
- It helps with ingredients for recipe formulations as well as batch monitoring in terms of weight to prevent variations and maintain consistency.
- At the packaging stage, the scales aid in determining the final weight for cost-efficient shipping and accurate labelling of products to meet regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
Waterproof weighing scales are a game-changer in the food processing industry, aiding in accurate weighing without worrying about the scale’s well-being. Their durability, safety for use, and compliance with industry regulations make them a reliable partner.Explore Accurate Meezan’s range of waterproof weighing scales to find the perfect fit for your food processing needs. Visit Accurate Meezan today and take the first step towards precision and hygiene in your operations!