If your line runs wet-clean or high-hygiene, choose a weighing indicator that withstands aggressive washdown, supports FSMA/CGMP recordkeeping, and integrates cleanly with your PLC/MES.
Compliance snapshot for food manufacturing
- CGMP (21 CFR Part 117): equipment must be designed, constructed, and installed so it can be adequately cleaned and maintained—reducing harborage and contamination risks.
- FSMA Preventive Controls: documented hazard analysis and risk-based controls drive demand for traceable, audit-ready weight records.
- Hygienic design frameworks (EHEDG | 3-A): smooth surfaces, sealed interfaces, and cleanable geometries that speed sanitation and support GFSI-aligned programs.
Why IP69K stainless matters in washdown
IP69K indicates complete dust protection and resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets from close range—ideal for foam-and-rinse sanitation. In practice, that means fewer moisture-ingress failures, less corrosion, and faster turnarounds between product runs.
Pros & cons we see on food lines—and how to address them
Common weaknesses
- Ingress risk: light ratings (e.g., IP65) struggle under hot, close-range spray.
- Manual records: clipboards aren’t audit-proof; you need digital logs.
- Sanitation downtime: exposed seams & unsealed glands slow SSOPs.
What to look for
- IP69K stainless enclosure with sealed cable glands.
- Network & PLC connectivity (Ethernet, serial, or fieldbus) for traceability.
- Alibi/data archive to secure and retrieve approved weight records.
WT1 — Essential washdown weighing indicator for manual stations
Best for bench/floor scales, packing, QC/checkweigh, and receiving—where ruggedness, speed of cleaning, and straightforward networking matter.
- Hygienic build: stainless housing with IP69K protection.
- Traceability: optional data archive (~1,000,000 entries) to replace paper logs.
- Connectivity: analog/digital scale inputs plus Ethernet/USB/serial and simple digital I/O.
WT3 — PLC-ready weighing controller for batching, checkweigh & automation
Ideal for batch/fill stations, automated checkweighers, and networked lines that talk to PLC/SCADA.
- Hygienic build: stainless housing with IP69K for harsh washdown zones; bright operator HMI.
- Fieldbus options: native PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, plus classic Ethernet/serial.
- Applications: standard apps for checkweighing, simple filling, and networked data capture.
Quick chooser: WT1 vs. WT3
| Requirement | Choose WT1 | Choose WT3 |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitation (foam & rinse, close-range spray) | IP69K stainless for washdown workstations | IP69K stainless + larger HMI for harsh zones |
| Audit trail / records | Optional W&M-approved data archive | Network logging + PLC data exchange |
| PLC / fieldbus integration | PC/peripheral connectivity & simple I/O | Native PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP |
| Use case examples | Bench, floor, checkweigh, receiving | Batch/fill, automated checkweigh, truck/vehicle scales |
Start with your line type
Implementation checklist for food plants
- Specify IP69K stainless in wet-clean areas; include sealed cable glands.
- Plan the data path: archive weights (alibi/data archive) and push to PLC/MES via fieldbus or Ethernet.
- Document the SSOP step: note wipe → foam → dwell → rinse and post-wash re-cal checks.
FAQ
Is IP69K overkill for my area?
If you use hot, high-pressure spray or caustics near the indicator, IP69K significantly reduces ingress failures and cleaning downtime vs. lighter specs.
Will WT1/WT3 integrate with my PLC?
WT3 offers native PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP. WT1 connects to PCs/peripherals and suits manual workstations.
Do these help with FSMA/HACCP?
They provide the cleanability and data capture building blocks; your food-safety plan ties them into preventive controls, monitoring, and corrective actions.
More to explore: washdown weighing indicator for food processing, IP69K PLC-ready indicator, FSMA-ready weighing controller.
