''Clippers'': Packing with or without weighing

In this line, the produce is not weighed. Each bag is filled with a set amount of onions, potatoes or other produce.

If the produce has already been graded by size, we can know the weight of each bag with a fair degree of accuracy, therefore eliminating the need for a multi-head weigher.

In the photo to the right (scroll down on mobiles) you can see the clipper infeed. The (red) onions are lined up and drop one by one into the infeed tube, down into the bag. The operator in the photo below lets the required number of onions fall into the tube and then cuts it. Now that the bag is formed, the machine seals and labels it.

Here is a video demonstration of this sizeable facility.

In this line, the produce is weighed using a multi-head weigher. The multi-head weigher is the only system which is precise enough to create batches with the right weight, combining some larger units into the batch to achieve the desired weight.

If the produce is already well graded by weight and size, then a multi-head weigher is not necessary.

The produce arrives from the storage facility, passes through an inspection table, and is elevated to the infeed of the multi-head weigher. The weigher forms the batches and transports the selected units to the funnel or filling tube. The packaging material is around the outside of the tube's mouth. Once a batch is dropped off, the bag is formed and the machine cuts, seals and labels each one.

Finally, the bags pass through a weight control, where the bags which are too light are removed. The rest of the bags arrive at a round table, where they are placed into boxes to go to market.