4 Key Features of an IP69 Washdown Checkweigher for Harsh Food Production Environments

Food manufacturers operating in poultry, meat, dairy, and ready-meal environments rely on equipment that can withstand aggressive sanitation routines while maintaining weighing accuracy and uptime. As cleaning standards tighten and plants face more scrutiny around contamination control, the need for true washdown-rated checkweighers to weigh packaged and unpackaged products has become critical.

With the 2026 IPPE Poultry Show approaching, this is a good time to look at the core features that define a modern washdown checkweigher and why these systems matter for high-sanitation applications. SEPKG with Mettler Toledo PI, will have the C-Series IP69-rated Washdown Checkweigher systems on display at the show for processors to evaluate this class of equipment in person.

Below are four features that set a washdown-ready checkweigher system apart.

1. Hygienic Construction Designed for High-Pressure Sanitation

True IP69 construction means the system can withstand high-temperature, high-pressure washdown up to 80°C and 100 bar for intervals of 30 seconds without compromising electronics, motors, or weighing performance. With our washdown systems, all critical components—including the HMI, enclosures, conveyor motors, load cell, and pneumatic system—are fully sealed and comply with IP69 to prevent water ingress during sanitation cycles.

Key hygienic design choices include:

1. Stainless steel 304 construction, closed round tubing with all welding fully polished, etched and cleaned (minimizes harbor points)
2. Open frame design with only four feet and sloped surfaces throughout that prevent liquid retention and speed drip-drying
3. Belts are driven via IP69 Engel motors using fully sealed rolling bearing assemblies with stainless steel drive covers
4. Components certified for resistance to common caustic and acidic detergents (per ECOLAB testing)

These design elements help support compliance with BRCGS, IFS, SQF, FSMA, and FDA safety standards.

2. Smart Belt Design & Quick-Release Cleaning Features That Minimize Downtime

One of the biggest operational pain points in poultry and protein plants is cleaning-related downtime. Washdown-rated systems solve this with fast-access features built specifically for sanitation crews.

The IP69 checkweigher platform takes approximately 30 seconds to dismount the conveyor belt and the gliding plate for quick cleaning routines. It includes tool-less quick-release mechanisms and design features to facilitate:

1. Removing conveyor belts, idle rollers, and glide plates in seconds allowing sanitation to clean below the belt without dismantling the frame
2. Reinstalling components following Poka Yoke principles—meaning they cannot be reassembled incorrectly, protecting weighing accuracy
3. Glide plates contain holes so that friction is reduced, sticking belts are avoided, and higher accuracy is achieved
4. Automatic belt tensioning and alignment occurs after belt has been changed with option for manual belt/frame adjustment

These features support both daily wipe-downs and full foam cleaning routines while improving line uptime.

3. Precision Weighing Technology Built for Wet Environments

Achieving high weighing accuracy in a washdown environment is difficult, especially when exposure to water, chemical agents, and temperature swings can affect load-cell performance.

Our washdown systems use electromagnetic force restoration (EMFR) technology rated to IP69, ensuring stable performance even in harsh conditions.

Additional performance characteristics include:

1. FlashCell™ technology, delivering fast and accurate weighing at high throughputs
2. Infeed and outfeed conveyors transport products to and from the production line, controlling timing and product spacing
3. 24 V high power motor can move up to 12 kg total transport load capacity, with maximum load on weigh conveyor at 7 kg

This combination of ruggedized construction and precision load-cell design ensures compliance without sacrificing throughput.

4. Configurable Metal-Detection & X-ray Integration for Critical Control Points

Many processors prefer a single footprint that combines checkweighing and contaminant detection. The washdown series includes optional integration with IP69 rated metal detector and x-ray system, allowing manufacturers to address CCP requirements in a compact, hygienic package.

With a combination metal detector or x-ray checkweigher system, we can achieve simultaneous weighing and detection up to 250 products per minute while still meeting IP69 washdown standards.

Product recipe changeover can be facilitated from one central control screen or via PLC for improved automation and ease of use.

For plants seeking to reduce floorspace and downtime, a combined metal detector or x-ray checkweigher platform offers both operational efficiency and enhanced food-safety compliance.

See the IP69 Washdown Checkweigher at IPPE

SEPKG will have the C-Series IP69 Washdown Checkweigher on display at the upcoming 2026 IPPE Poultry Show. This is an opportunity for processors to evaluate:

1. Hygienic design and material construction
2. Ease of cleaning and fast component access
3. Precision EMFR load-cell technology
4. Integrated metal-detection options
5. Application-specific configurations for poultry, meat, dairy, and prepared foods

If you’re attending the 2026 IPPE Poultry Show, we’ll be available to walk through the system and discuss how washdown checkweigher systems fit into your production lines.