AVC – The latest evolution in dynamic weighing technology
Filtering out vibrations three dimensionally with AVC
Proprietary Active Vibration Compensation (AVC), is a sensor-based measurement technology that compensates all types of vibrations in production processes. AVC sensors are available separately to complement our Weigh Cells but they are also installed as standard components in Weigh Cells, which in turn are based on milled aluminum monoblocks. As a result, the combination of Active Vibration Compensation (AVC sensor) and Weigh Cell guarantees reliable and accurate measured values even when exposed to severe vibrations, as may occur in production plants. The Active Vibration Compensation (AVC) sensor provides you with accurate measured values, without any loss of time or quality, even in demanding production environments.
This is made possible by the ability of the Active Vibration Compensation (AVC) sensor to filter out one-off impulse forces acting on the Weigh Cell, such as those reached in feed axes due to high accelerations or disturbing forces which often act on the foundations of a production line.
But that’s not all: The sensor for Active Vibration Compensation (AVC) effectively filters out even the smallest vibrations, such as those caused by machine drive units or due to imbalance forces, at the Weigh Cell.
Technically, this is achieved as follows: Active Vibration Compensation sensors detect tilting to the left and right, backwards and forwards and all upward and downward movements. All three axes of the sensor for active vibration compensation (AVC sensor) are covered.
Active Vibration Compensation (AVC) takes the pressure off you as a company because there is no need to include parameters such as shocks and vibrations in the planning, design and implementation of a production plant. In fact, even at the planning stage you can rely on exact measured values and be sure that regional environmental parameters such as geographical vibrations are taken into account. This also applies to the floor condition of a hall, the physical structure of buildings or simply factors that cannot be planned for, such as a forklift passing a line.
All in all, the technologies behind the Weigh Cell and Active Vibration Compensation always guarantee an accurate weighing result – both at high speeds and with difficult environmental parameters. You can rely on the best product quality, delivered in black and white: as real production data, minus all disruptive influences. If you want to weigh quickly and precisely in high-vibration environments, Wipotec is the right choice.
Disruptive factors in sorting centres: Why vibrations are often unavoidable
In ideal circumstances, dynamic weighing systems can be mounted directly on the concrete at floor level. In many sorting centres, however, this space is needed for internal freight traffic which (for reasons including safety) relies on clear routes. Essential machines therefore end up on raised work platforms which again are mounted by vertical steel supports.
In this respect, vibrations are unavoidable, as such constructions are particularly sensitive to many of the regular work processes: It is inevitable that disruptive vibrations will occur when a parcel is transported at high speed by weighing belts which are several metres off the ground. On the other hand, the measured values may be distorted even if the platforms are decoupled, as operating the sorters results in further vibrations.
How the AVC module works
AVC relies on an active vibration compensation system designed exclusively by Wipotec and perfected specifically for catchweighers. This module contains two separate Weigh Cells which work together to isolate various interference signals. The end result does not include any vibrations caused by the platforms or sorters. All that remains is the actual weight of the parcels.
With an AVC module, your systems will therefore operate within the specified calibration values at all times without compromising the transport speed. These results are made possible using electro-magnetic force restoration (EMFR) which is only available in the weighing systems of Wipotec. Thanks to EMFR each of our catchweighers works wear-free, needs no maintenance and has an interface for AVC.
You can find out more about how our technology works in an e-paper available for download at the bottom of this page.
Determine the Potential for Improving Weighing Accuracy in Advance
Our experts have developed the D-Box, a unique mobile diagnostic system, to spot possible improvements in weighing accuracy that can be achieved with AVC technology. The innovative tool analyses the influence of vibrations and other parameters, such as throughput rates, speed, type of conveyor belts and preferred consignment sizes, on the weighing results.
Our software then determines the accuracy or calibration values for scales with or without AVC and reliably compares the results with each other. Our specialists carry out this analysis on the spot on a laptop connected to the D-Box. You don't have to do a thing. Your company's decision-makers can then use the measurements of the D-Box to work out the weighing system suitable for your specific application and its ideal positioning.
Achieving competitive advantages with AVC
For companies whose business model is based on the smooth operation of sorting systems or freight centres, there are several economic arguments in favour of using AVC.
First of all, companies in these industries have to consider legal requirements which mean that weighing systems must be calibrated and verified. The precision of the weighing results achieved with the aid of AVC not only helps to comply with these targets but at the same time saves significantly on costs and effort by avoiding penalties.
Incorrect invoicing of transport charges is also associated with various, sometimes hidden, costs. Consignments are recorded regularly with a lower weight if the AVC module does not filter out certain interference signals. In these cases, instead of the transport goods being invoiced within the correct, more expensive category, as the carrier, you stand to lose potential profit.
These additional revenues can amount to several thousand euros a day in the parcel sector.
Measurably more quality by compensating for vibrations
While relocating production abroad used to be the best option for companies to improve efficiency, economic policy decisions may reverse this trend at any time. The basic premise for relocations is that the costs for dismantling, transport and logistics, commissioning, validation and qualification of the production plant must remain low. This white paper explains how Weigh Cells and proprietary Active Vibration Compensation (AVC) speed up the installation and operation of a manufacturing facility and guarantee precise weight acquisition. Read how the Weigh Cells not only filter out all kinds of vibrations but also compensate them effectively, further improving your production processes in terms of quantity and quality.