Custom Weighing Solutions and Special Applications

Why WPL can build custom weighing solutions

WPL Industries can build custom weighing solutions because it designs and manufactures its own weighing indicators, for both analogue and digital load cells. When the electronics and firmware are made in-house, the weighing part of a system can be adapted to the application instead of the application being adapted to an off-the-shelf terminal.

A custom solution usually combines three layers:

• Mechanics: a platform, hopper, frame or conveyor section with load cells, sized for the load.
• Electronics: a WPL indicator that reads the load cells and handles inputs, outputs and communication.
• Software: the application logic, from a simple threshold to registration, labelling and data exchange.

Some standard products are already a starting point. The W Series floor scale is available in other dimensions and capacities on request, and the R10 weighing indicator reads up to three platforms with analogue strain gauge load cells.

Programmable indicators and hardware extensions

Some WPL indicators are freely programmable with open-source C/C++ compilers, so application logic can run on the indicator itself. Many hardware extensions available on the market can be connected to the WPL indicator range. On the R10, a slot for Arduino Uno form-factor shields adds WiFi, Bluetooth or Ethernet, and flash data storage and fieldbus interfaces are options.

Extension	Typical use in a custom system
Bluetooth	Sending weights to a tablet or handheld device nearby
WiFi	Wireless connection where cabling is impractical
Ethernet	Fixed network link to a PC, server, ERP or PLC
Data storage	Keeping weighing records on the device
NFC	Identifying an operator, container or animal tag before weighing
Relay outputs and digital I/O	Starting and stopping feeders, gates or alarms

For software on a PC or tablet, WeightControl Base and its modules can be extended into a larger system; see scale API integration and scale interfaces for the connection choices.

Special weighing applications on request

WPL has built weighing solutions for sectors outside its standard product range. There are no product pages for these applications; each is supplied on request and specified per project.

Livestock scales and agricultural weighing software

For agriculture, WPL supplies livestock scales and custom solutions ranging from the application to the software. Typical questions in a project are the animal size, whether animals are weighed one by one or in groups, how the weighing area is cleaned, and how weights are linked to animal identification and farm records.

Belt scale systems for bulk, mining and construction

A belt scale system weighs material on a moving conveyor to monitor the material flow rate in bulk handling, mining and construction. Load cells under a section of the belt measure the load while the belt speed is recorded, so the system can report both flow and totalised quantity. WPL supplies heavy-duty equipment for this on request.

Luggage weighing platforms for aviation

WPL produces weighing platforms for the luggage weighing process at airports, and can build scales for other aviation purposes on request. Integration with check-in or baggage handling systems is part of the project specification.

Motion-compensated 4-load-cell systems for ships

For weighing at sea, WPL builds motion-compensated systems with four load cells to custom dimensions and capacities, such as weighing hoppers, processing lines on factory trawlers and conveyor sections. These belong to the marine range; see marine weighing. The industrial products on this site are not motion-compensated.

How a custom weighing project runs

A custom project moves from requirements to a tested and documented system, with the same steps whatever the sector.

1. Requirements. Define what is weighed, the maximum load, the readability needed, the environment, the connections to other systems and whether the weights have a regulated use.
2. Concept and prototype. Choose the mechanics, indicator and software, and test a prototype or first unit under realistic conditions.
3. Calibration. Every WPL scale can be supplied with an EURAMET cg-18 calibration certificate as an option.
4. Documentation. Agree the manuals, drawings, interface descriptions and test reports to be delivered.
5. Installation and service. Plan installation, training and periodic checks; see service.

If the weights will be used for a commercial transaction, verification under the NAWI Directive may apply; NAWI and MID directives explained describes when. Plan this early, because it affects the choice of components.

What to include in a request

A clear request shortens the path to a proposal. Include:

• the object or material weighed, with minimum and maximum load;
• the readability you need, in grams or kilograms (see capacity and readability);
• available space, mounting and environment, such as washdown, dust or outdoor use;
• the systems the weights should reach: printer, PLC, ERP or cloud;
• the number of units and the expected operating hours.

Send this through the quote form.

Related knowledge

• Industries overview
• Weighing solutions for logistics and warehousing
• Gravimetric filling
• IP ratings explained
• Total cost of ownership of a scale