InterProcess Sp. z o.o. | Rozwiązania dla przemysłu
Role in the system
From the load cell signal to data in the plant system
The weighing electronics are the link between the load cells and the control system: they measure, run the batching process and pass the result on. Depending on the task, that means a simple DIN-rail transmitter, a panel indicator or a controller running the entire batching cycle.
1
Measurement
The transmitter (digitiser) converts the mV/V signal from the load cells into a stable weight value. Digital filtering damps out vibration from the structure, agitators and conveyors without slowing the measurement down.
2
Batching control
The controller runs the batching cycle: switching from coarse to fine feed, in-flight correction, setpoints, recipes and tolerances. The algorithm runs in the device itself, close to the measurement.
3
Communication and data
The result and the status reach the PLC, HMI and SCADA over Profinet, Profibus DP, Modbus TCP/RTU or Ethernet/IP, or through a 4–20 mA analogue output in simpler arrangements. Weighing data can be logged and reported.
Selection by type of weighing instrument
Which weighing instrument will the electronics serve?
The starting point is not the manufacturer but the type of instrument and its duty. Non-automatic instruments need an operator to read the result; automatic instruments — batching, checkweighing and belt — weigh in a cycle without an operator, and it is these that place the highest demands on the electronics in terms of speed and algorithms.
Hopper and platform scales
Non-automatic weighing: stock measurement in silos and vessels, floor and platform scales, level measurement by weight. Verifiable builds also available.
PENKO: 1020, SGM700, SGM800 · SIWAREX: WP231, WP321
Batching and filling
Automatic gravimetric filling instruments: weighing out recipe ingredients, filling sacks, packaging and big bags. Coarse/fine feed and in-flight correction keep give-away down.
PENKO: Flex, Flex2100, 1020 Filler, SGM800 Filler · SIWAREX: WP251, WP351
Weight checking (checkweighing)
Static and dynamic weight checking of products, including in motion on a conveyor. Narrow tolerance bands and control of e-mark prepackaging.
PENKO: 1020 CHK, Flex, SGM800 · SIWAREX: WP351
Belt scales and mass flow meters
Continuous measurement of the material stream on the belt: belt load, speed, flow rate and totalisers. The basis for trade settlement and production balancing.
PENKO: 1020 Belt, SGM800 Belt · SIWAREX: WP241, WP341
Loss-in-weight feeding
Continuous feeding based on the loss of hopper weight over time. Automatic switching to volumetric operation while the hopper refills keeps the stream continuous.
PENKO: Flex LIW · SIWAREX: WP361
Force measurement
Bidirectional measurement of tension and compression: ropes, chains, presses, and machine overload protection with a response in milliseconds.
PENKO: 1020 FMD, Flex Force
Core range
PENKO weighing electronics, supplied and integrated by InterProcess
PENKO Engineering (part of the ETC group) has been designing measuring electronics for the process industries for decades. What the whole family shares: 1600 readings per second, high internal resolution, up to 8 load cells per channel and OIML certification for automatic and non-automatic instruments alike. We have access to the source of the PENKO weighing applications, which lets us adapt the batching algorithm to a specific process.
PENKO software complements the hardware: Data Reporter logs weighing data for later analysis, E-Marking supervises e-mark prepackaging, and Cloud Solutions makes production data available remotely over MQTT.
Ask us to specify itWeighing inside the SIMATIC environment
Siemens SIWAREX weighing modules: the WP2x1 and WP3x1 families
On projects built around SIMATIC controllers we implement SIWAREX weighing electronics: modules that plug straight into the S7 system and are configured in TIA Portal. Weighing becomes part of the PLC program — no separate terminal, full diagnostics and a single engineering environment.
We configure SIWAREX modules in TIA Portal and SIWATOOL; automatic calibration allows a scale to be commissioned without test weights and a module to be replaced without re-adjustment.
Platform comparison
PENKO or Siemens SIWAREX?
Both platforms handle automatic and non-automatic instruments, but they differ in architecture and in where the weighing application lives. We choose the platform to suit the process and the plant’s automation standard, not the other way round.
| Criterion | PENKO | Siemens SIWAREX |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | standalone indicators and controllers; they also run without a higher-level PLC | a module within the SIMATIC system (S7-1200, ET 200SP); weighing as part of the PLC program |
| Automatic weighing application | open: we have access to the source code and adapt the batching algorithm to the process | the module is closed, but the process logic is freely adapted in the Siemens controller program |
| Cost of the solution | usually lower equipment and implementation costs | higher; justified where the plant standardises its automation on SIMATIC |
| Configuration and service | Pi Mach II, the device panel, web server | TIA Portal, SIWATOOL, the module’s web server; diagnostics within the SIMATIC system |
| Verification | OIML: automatic and non-automatic instruments | legal-for-trade builds of selected modules (WP231, WP251 and WP351 among others) |
| When we recommend it | machines and lines where measuring speed and a flexible batching algorithm matter | plants with a Siemens standard: one hardware, diagnostic and service platform |
Related solutions and services
The electronics are part of a larger system
Weighing automation and control systems
The overview page for the whole area: the architecture from load cell to higher-level system.
Back to the overview →PLC, HMI and SCADA control systems
Siemens S7-1200/S7-1500 controllers, visualisation and integration of weighing with the process.
View the page →Load cells and weighing hardware
Load cells, mounting kits, junction boxes and accessories — the other end of the measuring chain.
View the page →Integration, commissioning, calibration
Design, PLC/HMI programming, control panel build, commissioning, calibration and service.
Full scope of services →Weighing in the process
Hopper scales, platform scales and weighing systems in bulk solids installations.
See the applications →Feeding
Screw feeders, recipe weighing systems and batch feeding with a weighing function.
See the applications →FAQ