Before buying a multihead weigher, ask how the proposed configuration was selected, which product and pack conditions support the recommendation, how output and weight performance will be measured, what interfaces and access are included, and what the product trial and FAT must prove. A comparable quotation needs evidence and defined exclusions.
Ask for the evidence connecting the real product and pack to the proposed configuration. The supplier should explain the feed and hopper arrangement, trial conditions, measurement method, sustainable line output, interfaces, cleaning and access assumptions, acceptance criteria and exclusions. The machine description is not enough if the product and complete packing process have not been defined.
| Buying area | Question to resolve | Evidence to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Product suitability | Which normal and difficult product conditions support the recommendation? | Sample identification, observations and trial result |
| Weight performance | How will target, tolerance and giveaway be calculated? | Individual readings, method and operating conditions |
| Output | What finished-pack rate is sustainable with the complete line? | Timed run, waits, bottleneck and recovery record |
| Integration | Which mechanical and control interfaces are included? | Layout, I/O or functional sequence and exclusions |
| Acceptance | What must the trial, FAT and site test prove? | Agreed protocol, results and open-action list |
The supplier should request representative product, the target-weight range, product-size range, pack opening, required output and known handling problems. Difficult batches, coatings, temperature, dust and fragility should be included where relevant. A recommendation made without the real operating window should be treated as preliminary rather than proven.
Output should be defined as a finished-pack result under stated product and line conditions, not only as an isolated theoretical cycle rate. The quotation or acceptance plan should identify normal waits, the downstream packer, product fall time and the basis of measurement. Sustainable output and short peak output are not the same commercial promise.
Agree the scale, tare method, sample size, target, tolerance and calculation before the trial. Retain individual readings together with the mean, minimum, maximum, rejects and excess product above the target. A single best pack or an unspecified average cannot support a fair supplier comparison.
Ask why the proposed head count and hopper volume suit the real target range, product dimensions, bulk behaviour and output. More heads or a larger hopper are not automatically better. The supplier should explain the portion strategy, expected hopper population and any operational effect on access, cleaning, height or changeover.
Confirm the upstream feed, working height, discharge route, timing hopper, packer-ready sequence, dose-complete signal, fault states and responsibility for integration. The quotation should distinguish supplied equipment from customer or third-party equipment. Layout and functional sequence should be agreed before the frame and chute design are finalised.
Ask which product-contact parts are removed, how they are identified, where they are cleaned, what tools or access are required and how release back to production is confirmed. A quoted changeover time is meaningful only when the named product or pack change, cleaning standard, operator count and first acceptable pack are defined.
Provide the product, cleaning method, environment, utilities, access needs and any application-specific hazard information available to the project. Final suitability and compliance depend on the actual machine, product and site risk assessment. General catalogue wording should not replace a competent review of the installed application.
Confirm the supplied manuals, electrical and pneumatic information, recommended spares, software or recipe backup, training scope, remote-support assumptions and responsibility for third-party equipment. The buyer should also understand which consumable or wear parts are application-specific and how a replacement is identified after handover.
The FAT should use agreed product and pack conditions and should cover normal running, weight data, sustainable output, product quality, interfaces, alarms, stops, restarts, cleaning access and documentation. Where the real upstream or downstream machine is unavailable, the simulation method and the checks deferred to site acceptance should be listed.
The quotation should define the machine and options, product and pack basis, support frame and access, feed and discharge scope, controls interfaces, documentation, trial assumptions and responsibilities outside supply. Unknown product performance should be stated as requiring trial rather than hidden behind an unconditional figure. Clear exclusions make competing proposals easier to compare.
Send the product, pack, output and integration information so Lancing can identify the evidence needed before quotation.
Prepare a buying brief