The new FIT5X digital load cell technology for rotary filling excellence 

Join us for an exclusive interview with Mark Gao, Weighing Technology Product Manager, on the occasion of the launch of our latest innovation, FIT5X – digital load cell technology for rotary filling excellence.

In this interview, Mark discusses how FIT5X continues the legacy of precision and reliability by integrating innovative solutions for Industry 4.0. He highlights the key differentiators and features that set FIT5X apart, addressing the specific needs of filling/dosing machine manufacturers.

Finally, discover how FIT5X aligns with current market trends, adapting to the dynamic preferences of the filling/dosing machine industry. 

Given HBM’s global renown for providing weighing solutions that are benchmarks for precision, safety, reliability, and quality for over seven decades, how does the merger of HBM with HBK ensure the continuity of expertise in the field of weighing?
The merger combines the strengths of two market leaders to ensure the continuity of our expertise in weighing. HBM has been globally recognised for seven decades for its strain gauge technology and test and measurement solutions, while Brüel & Kjær was a world leader in advanced sound and vibration measurement technology.

HBK, born from the union of HBM and Brüel & Kjær, reinforces our excellence in weighing and provides new capabilities for engineers to innovate at every stage of product development. HBM’s weighing solutions have been global benchmarks for precision, safety, reliability, and quality and our R&D team continues this legacy by developing innovative and cost-effective solutions that anticipate the needs of Industry 4.0.

Our weighing sensors, built on strain gauge technology and developed in HBK factories, leverage innovative technologies initiated by HBM, ensuring the legacy of precision and reliability. In addition to the sensors, HBK also provides essential weighing electronics and all necessary accessories, offering an integrated approach to weighing solutions.

With production facilities in Germany, the United States, China, and Portugal, HBK maintains a global presence in over 80 countries, facilitating access to our expertise and solutions. This extensive reach ensures that our merged entity continues to uphold the high standards established by HBM over its seven decades of excellence in weighing technology.

How does the FIT5X specifically continue the company’s legacy of precision, safety, reliability, and quality that has been established over the past 70 years?
The introduction of the FIT5X builds upon the well-established design principles of FIT5A, not only preserving its core features but also incorporating enhanced and robust mechanical structures. Proudly certified with OIML C3 class, FIT5X ensures an impressive 10 times overload protection. Its fully hermetically-sealed stainless steel body guarantees an IP68/IP69K rating, specifically tailored for liquid filling and dosing packaging applications. Significantly, FIT5X maintains compatibility with the existing FIT5A installation footprint, enabling machine manufacturers to seamlessly transition without the need for structural redesign. This underscores our commitment to offering a smooth upgrade path for our esteemed customers.

How does FIT5X address the demands of Industry 4.0?
The FIT5A digital load cell is equipped with RS485/CANOpen/DeviceNet communication, ensuring seamless integration into modern PLC systems. At HBK, we are actively developing Industrial Ethernet communication protocols, such as ProfiNET and Ethernet/IP, to cater to evolving industry standards. Additionally, we are considering launching a project in the direction of IO-Link, recognising its growing popularity. These initiatives underline HBK’s unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of Industry 4.0 development, demonstrating our dedication to innovation and meeting the dynamic needs of our customers.

What differentiates FIT5X from its predecessors and other products in the market?
The primary distinction between FIT5X and its predecessor, FIT5A, lies in the mechanical structure. Historically, FIT5A encountered occasional challenges with contaminants affecting the exposed sensing and safety stop area, leading to issues with measurement accuracy and linearity. With FIT5X, the introduction of a fully hermetically sealed body addresses and eliminates these concerns. This unique design ensures that such issues are now a thing of the past, reinforcing our commitment to delivering solutions that enhance performance and reliability

How does FIT5X cater to filling/dosing machine manufacturers, particularly in liquid packaging industries?
First of all, the stainless steel body ensures stable operation in liquid packaging industries, particularly for condimental liquids like soy sauce and vinegar. Additionally, the embedded filling/dosing algorithm serves as a robust tool for the majority of machine manufacturers. The complimentary PanelX software empowers customers to precisely analyze and adjust all filling/dosing parameters, ensuring seamless compatibility with their machines. Furthermore, the hardware’s digital input/output function facilitates real-time process control of the filling valves, simplifying operations. These combined features position FIT5X as a dedicated solution for filling/dosing machine manufacturers.

In the context of current market trends, how does the FIT5X align with the needs and preferences of customers in the filling/dosing machine industry?
At HBK, we are constantly improving our filling/dosing algorithm by incorporating valuable feedback from our customers. Our goal is to streamline the visualisation of parameter settings more effectively. As mentioned earlier, we are also developing communication protocols for leading-edge Industrial Ethernet and Cloud solutions. Our proactive approach to adapt to our customers’ evolving needs is a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction.