Weighty matters

UK-based firm Ishida Europe is launching a new weigh price labeller, specifically designed for the European market and particularly suitable for fresh meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and fruit and vegetables. The new Ishida WPL 5000 builds on the success of Ishida's existing weigh price labeller, introduced in 2001.

The company claims that the product offers faster speeds - with a label printing speed of up to 255mm/sec for even awkward shaped products or labels - and a host of innovative enhancements to make the machine even more flexible and user-friendly. These include a unique label cassette system that allows changeover of labels in 10 seconds. The cassette simply slots into place on the weigh price labeller.

Another advance is the option to label both the top and bottom of the same pack, with the label cassettes interchangeable for maximum flexibility.

The original Ishida Weigh Price Labeller was designed to label even the most awkward shaped products, including whole chickens. Ishida believes that the new model builds on this and is in fact an improvement.

The machine's side guide and printer automatically moves to the correct labelling position for each individual product, based on that product's PLU as entered into the memory. This, in conjunction with the label cassette, allows several short runs of different products to be completed with minimum downtime for re-adjustment.

Nine air cylinder arms ensure accurate placement of each label at high speed, while the under labeller incorporates a final blast of air after application to ensure that even on convex shaped packs, each label is securely attached.

A colour touch screen provides fast and easy set up and control including a WYSIWYG label formatting screen, which minimises programming and reduces label waste. And a built-in Ethernet means the WPL 5000 can be monitored in real time by both local supervisors and from a central control point.

Product information can be revised and entered remotely as can any diagnosis for on-going monitoring and maintenance of the system. Optional label formatting software also enables designs and revisions to be carried out and implemented centrally.

The WPL 5000's conveyors can be quickly dismantled without tools for fast and easy cleaning. Exterior parts are manufactured in hygienic stainless steel and the innovative design of the stand helps to prevent a build up of food or dust.

Ishida Europe​ is a global player in the design, manufacture and installation of complete weighing and packing line solutions for the food industry. Appreciating and understanding the evolving challenges faced by manufacturers, Ishida Europe uses its unique expertise and experience to develop advanced automated systems for weighing, packing, labelling and handling food products.