Announcing WeightLinkTM: A New, Innovative Weight Verification System for Traceable Balance Testing

METTLER TOLEDO is pleased to announce the launch of WeightLink™, a new system that streamlines and error-proofs periodic balance testing.

The new system makes test weight verification easy via the scanning of a unique identification code on every WeightLink™ weight. This code links the weight to its calibration data. In this way, the system verifies that the correct test weight is being used. All weight-related data is recorded along with results to ensure the traceability of balance testing.

Balance calibration is normally performed by qualified service technicians. Routine balance tests, on the other hand, are typically carried out by a user on a schedule prescribed either by internal operating procedures or industry guidelines such as Good Weighing Practice GWP^®. When performed properly, these ongoing tests help to prevent weighing errors. However, ensuring these tests are carried out according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) can be difficult and time-consuming.

Up until now, pitfalls encountered by operators during balance testing include accidentally choosing the wrong test weight, having to maintain multiple weight sets in an effort to ensure correct use, and errors resulting from inaccurately transcribing the test weight’s tiny engraved or embossed serial number. Manually recording these identifiers along with test results also takes time and invites error.

WeightLink^TM has improved this onerous process by automating test weight identification and data-capture. Using a combination of WeightLink^TM weights, a dedicated scanner, and balance firmware, a user first scans the weight’s accompanying eData card, which contains calibration information and the weight’s unique identification number. Once the calibration data has been verified, a second scan—this time, of the unique data matrix code (DMC) engraved on the bottom of the test weight, securely links the test weight to calibration data and allows automatic transfer of weight parameters into balance firmware. If the wrong test weight has been chosen, the test procedure halts until the correct weight is scanned. This eliminates the possibility that a balance has been tested using the wrong weight. Test reports that include all weight-specific and results data can be easily printed for effortless traceability.

The advantage of using a DMC is that more information can be stored than can be captured using strictly alphanumeric characters. This not only enables scanning but also allows the use of a truly unique serial identifier. This helps to avoid weight mix-ups caused by serial number duplication at the point of manufacture and can, under certain conditions, allow a single weight set to be used across multiple balances to reduce the number of weight sets an organization must store and maintain.

Plugging the DMC scanner into a WeightLink™ compatible balance is quick and easy, making the technology highly portable to enable testing of multiple balances.