Weighing and packing system counts as well

A combined counting, weighing and packing system offers substantial savings over traditional manual solutions when handling hardware and rationalises supply chains.

A combined counting, weighing and packing system that offers substantial savings over traditional manual solutions and rationalises supply chains.

Bradford based WLT, is introducing a new combined counting, weighing and packing solution that offers substantial savings over traditional manual solutions.

The equipment, which is manufactured by precision Swiss manufacturer Willi Maschinenbau and distributed by WLT, is ideal for hardware items.

The decision by WLT, to target the hardware sector arises from a recent installation at KVT, a European supplier who stocks 16,000 items and carries 4,000 spare parts for toolmakers.

Prior to the installation of a Willi Maschinenbau all inclusive packaging line, KVT had no automated packing solution and relied on the manual weighing, counting and hand packing into cardboard boxes of the rivets, nuts and bolts stocked.

This manual proccedure was highly time consuming and was preventing KVT expanding any further.

The solution resulted in the installation of a Willi Maschinenbau counting, weighing and packing machine, with integrated software and conveying facilities which enabled KVT to fully rationalize its supply chain.

The equipment supplied comprised a table ZWT, a bag forming, filling and sealing machine, the W22 plus specially modified software.

KVT's goods reception manager, Roger Burger said that a standard solution could not have accomplished what was required.

"I had very clear ideas of what the machine would have to be able to do.

It would need to use our existing software and the data stored in it.

Data is stored in a database that interfaces with the company's existing ERP solution.

Current labels are printed out from the software and it was important that the W22 could interface with this.

Fortunately, since Willi Maschinenbau not only build machines but also provides software programs, the company was able to accommodate KVT's requirements.

The goods receipt documentation has a barcode, which is scanned using a hand-operated device, in order to commence the order processing.

The machine recognises the item number, quantities etc that should be packed into each container.

Following the scanning of the data, the operator places the parts onto the counting-weighing table of the machine by hand.

The required quantity per pack is automatically determined using pre-stored weight data of each component part.

The component weight is multiplied by the quantity thereby calculating the required total weight automatically.

A signal light indicates to the operator whether the counting and weighing table is under or over filled and the operator adjusts accordingly.

An integrated conveyor belt then transfers the parts to the packing machine automatically.

The Willi W22 bagging machine prepares a mini-grip bag to the required size to accommodate the picked parts.

After bag forming, a thermal printer puts onto the pack size details as per information held in the database.

Summarising Burger said: "Not only has the equipment met all the requirements regarding software integration, but the custom made special technical solutions are impressive.

Thanks to the flexible counting, weighing and packing we can now guarantee immediate delivery, despite on-going expansion of the business.

WLT's director Mike Essler believed that by offering a Willi Maschinenbau combined solution they are onto a real winner.

"Numerous UK distributors and manufacturers should benefit from this latest breakthrough and we will be contacting them over the coming months to highlight the benefits.

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