Fortress Technology has launched the Raptor Flex, a compact automated checkweigher designed for food processors looking to reduce product giveaway and strengthen weight compliance without investing in a larger, more complex system.
The new system is aimed particularly at small and medium-sized food manufacturers handling packaged products weighing up to 4kg, including confectionery, bakery products, cooked meats and nutrition bars.
The Raptor Flex is a modular, standalone checkweigher intended for installation at the end of inspection lines. According to Fortress Technology, the system has been developed to provide affordable automated checkweighing while retaining the precision required for regulated food production environments.
One of the main commercial points behind the launch is delivery speed. Fortress Technology said it can streamline production by offering standard machine sizes and configurations, while manufacturing the full system, including reporting and connectivity software, in-house.
“This quick turnaround helps food processors to promptly upgrade or adapt their quality control processes, supporting operational efficiency and responsiveness to market demands,” said Phil Brown, European Sales Director at Fortress Technology.
Built from stainless steel, the Raptor Flex is designed to fit into existing HACCP inspection lines. It features two wipe-clean, lift-out conveyors and can deliver high-speed weighing at up to 200 packs per minute.
The system also includes flexible input/output electronics to support installation and integration with Fortress Technology metal detection and x-ray systems. It can also be programmed to provide trend feedback to automated upstream filling, portioning and packing equipment.
For operators, the checkweigher is equipped with a 10.1-inch colour HMI touchscreen and a top-mounted status beacon visible from multiple angles. Live performance data, batch statistics and KPIs are displayed to help production teams identify operational issues and upstream inefficiencies.
The Raptor Flex includes 500 pre-programmed product categories, intended to reduce set-up and training time. A secure multi-level password system is designed to prevent operators from overriding instructions, helping to reduce human error and associated production bottlenecks.
Batch reports can be collected by USB or automated using Contact 4.0. For processors with more advanced data requirements, optional OPC UA and Ethernet/IP communication adapters support networked data integration and real-time information sharing across production systems.
Fortress Technology said processors can choose from three conveyor widths — 100mm, 200mm and 300mm — as well as several reject station options, including air blast, diverter paddles and kickers. Lift-off covers are available as an optional feature.
“With its rapid lead time and adaptable configuration options, the Raptor Flex delivers an ideal solution for processors seeking to enhance their quality control measures while maintaining operational agility and meeting tight production deadlines,” Brown said.
