Multihead Weigher

Over the past years, fixed-weight batching has become an increasingly important part of many poultry processing operations worldwide, based on the demand by more and more large retail and fast food chains, as well as caterers. Fixed-weight packs are good business for them, and it can be the same for poultry processors – when it’s done right. 

For all main IQF poultry products Marel can offer a Multihead Weigher that has been developed specifically to meet the performance requirements of the poultry industry.  It is ideal for producing two of the most essential fixed-weight jobs in poultry processing: retail bags and export bags.

How it works

Through an infeed system products are loaded automatically into the Multihead Weigher’s 14 weighing hoppers. The exact weight of each product load is registered, after which the weighing hopper releases the product into one of the memory hoppers below. The Multihead Weigher then calculates the best possible combination of the weights in the holding hoppers, in order to put together a final batch with the exact predetermined target weight.

Retail packs

Bags of frozen whole legs, leg-quarters, thighs, wings or drumsticks are some of the most common retail packs produced by poultry processors around the world. They all are relatively small (between 500g and 1kg) and they all are part of in-line production.

Export packs

Processors who additionally produce export packs (usually bags of 2 – 8kg) can profit from the optional Multi-job software. 

Multi-job software

As an optional module, the Multi-job software is available for all of the Multihead Weighers from Marel. It allows processors to run up to six different jobs simultaneously, while prioritizing one job over the other(s). This will result in higher product utilization, a significantly lower reject rate and higher throughput. Read more about the Multi-job software.

• Flexible infeed
  Products can be transported to the Multihead Weigher directly from a freezing unit or from a buffer tank on the ground.
• Large 12-liter hoppers
  The large-capacity 12-liter hoppers are highly versatile and can handle batch sizes of all kinds and almost all IQF poultry.
• User-friendly interface
  The operating interface for the Multihead Weighers has been designed together with end users; it’s identical to other Marel equipment.
• Distribution tools
  Marel designs and builds distribution tools according to the needs of poultry processors. 
• Multi-job Software
  The optional Multi-job software allows Multihead Weighers to process several jobs – even with different packaging – at the same time.
• Robust design
  The machine’s hygienic stainless steel construction is particularly robust, ensuring consistent, accurate batching of the frozen poultry products. The linear vibrator provides evenly distribution of the product.
• Self-adjusting hoppers
  The effective vibratory feed system utilizes Marel’s Automatic Feeder Adjustment (AFA) technology. The vibrating feeders automatically adjust themselves to their own specific resonance frequency, allowing the unit to operate at maximum capacity with consistent weighing precision.
• Flexible packaging
  The Multihead Weigher can easily be set up to handle manual or automatic packing.

Benefits of Marel Software for Multihead Weighers

• Real-time monitoring and control reduces giveaway
• Data collection gives insight to optimize processing
• Integration with full line optimizes OEE
• Enhances batch traceability and quality assurance

Monitor and control batching

The Marel Software solution for Multihead Weighers lets you monitor and control your batching operation in real time. The software provides live dashboards showing data for key performance indicators such as giveaway and throughput. They give you a clear overview of actual production and highlight where improvements can be made or whether any corrective action needs to be taken to ensure production is running optimally. Remote program management allows you to control the Multihead Weigher settings directly from the office.

Get operational insight

Information about all batches produced is collected and stored in the software database. Standard reports can then be created giving you an insight into operational performance on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. This statistical analysis takes away the guesswork and allows you to make data-driven decisions to optimize your batching.

Connect your business

Marel Software can be implemented stand-alone with your Multihead Weigher or it can be integrated with other Marel processing equipment across a full-line solution. This gives you central control over production, leading to optimized processing, higher yields and complete traceability for each and every batch produced.

Marel offers a range of service solutions to prevent failures, maximize performance or in case of unexpected breakdowns remote or onsite assistance.

Marel has offices in 30 countries across all regions, and a global network of highly skilled professionals that provide remote as well as onsite service support. We provide quality spare parts and customized service agreements for our customers to ensure optimal performance of Marel equipment.