How to Troubleshooting When Checkweigher Weight Readings Fluctuate

A checkweigher is an online weighing device used to inspect product weight and automatically reject non-conforming products. When a fault occurs during operation, troubleshooting should be carried out based on the identified problem.

Abnormal weight fluctuations may occur when the checkweigher is either idle or running.

Part 1: Weight Fluctuation While Idle

If weight fluctuation occurs while the machine is stationary, there are typically two possible causes:

1. External interference
2. Incorrect calibration weight

1. External Interference

If the checkweigher displays unstable weight readings while idle, first inspect the operating environment. (Some checkweighers are highly accurate, so they are sensitive to interference.)

Common sources of interference include:

• Airflow from an air conditioner or fan
• Installation in an area with strong or unstable air currents
• Vibration caused by other operating equipment

Thus, do not put an air conditioner or fan toward the weighing platform. And install the chekcweigher in a stable environment with minimal vibration and airflow.

2. Incorrect Calibration Weight

If the displayed weight does not match the calibration weight placed on the weighing platform, simply recalibrate the machine using the correct calibration weight.

(Youtube Search: General Measure

Refer to previous calibration tutorial)

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Part 2: Weight Fluctuation During Operation

If weight fluctuation occurs while the machine is running, there are typically five possible causes:

1. Dynamic calibration has not been performed.
2. Something on the load cell base.
3. Loose mounting screws beneath the weighing platform.
4. Sticky residue on the conveyor belt.
5. Load cell malfunction.

1. Dynamic Calibration Has Not Been Performed

Open the Product List page and check the calibration status of the selected product.

If the calibration is invalid, perform dynamic calibration again.

(Youtube Search: General Measure

Refer to previous calibration tutorial)

2. Something On the Load Cell Base

If abnormal weight readings suddenly occur during production, first inspect whether product has fallen around the load cell mounting area.

If fallen material is found, stop the machine and clean.

If no fallen material, continue checking the mechanical structure.

3. Loose Mounting Screws Beneath the Weighing Platform

Before inspecting the mechanical structure, stop the checkweigher.

Remove the weighing platform and check whether the mounting screws have become loose.

• If any screws are loose, tighten them securely.
• If all screws are secure, inspect whether the load cell mounting is loose or improperly installed.

Open the load cell module and check whether:

• The load cell is securely mounted.
• The limit position of load cell is contacting the load cell base.

After confirming everything is properly installed, restart the checkweigher and test with products.

If weight fluctuations still persist, continue with the next troubleshooting step.

Note:

If the limit position of load cell contact the load cell base, adjust it immediately.

If the load cell is deformed or of damage, replace it promptly.

4. Sticky Residue on the Conveyor Belt

Another common situation occurs when weighing products with sticky characteristics, such as: bagged liquid pharmaceuticals, milk, nutritional drinks, bottled juice

If product leakage occurs during inspection, sticky residue may remain on the weighing belt, affecting weighing accuracy.

Solution

• Clean the conveyor belt.
• Perform regular cleaning and preventive maintenance.
• If necessary, improve the upstream production process to prevent liquids or moisture from reaching the checkweigher.

5. Load Cell Malfunction

If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, the load cell may be faulty.

Please contact the General Measure Technical Support team for further assistance.

Tip: Fill in the contact us form to reach General Measure: https://www.gmweighing.com/contactus

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That's all for this video!

If you'd like to learn more about our checkweighers, feel free to contact General Measure.