Cosmetics production at the highest level

The cosmetics industry requires the highest levels of precision and quality control in the manufacture of products to ensure that exacting standards can be met. Minebea Intec, a global leader in weighing and inspection technologies, understands the challenges that cosmetics manufacturers face on a daily basis. Discover how technologies such as precision scales, weighing controllers, metal detectors, dynamic checkweighers and a smart software solution not only increase production accuracy but also boost efficiency, laying the foundations for success.

In the dazzling world of cosmetics, where the perfect colour of a lipstick or the optimum consistency of a skin cream determine the success of a product, precise dosing is essential. Even the smallest deviations in the quantity of ingredients can cause inaccurate results in colour tests, viscosity measurements or pH value analyses. Inefficient or incorrect filling not only leads to high costs and loss of image for manufacturers, but can also jeopardise the health of consumers. This forces producers to make complex and expensive adjustments, which can also result in large amounts of waste. So, what if there was a solution that not only increased the accuracy of pre-weighing, but also improved efficiency by minimising the number of readjustments required? The answer is the combination of the high-precision Signum® bench scale, the Maxxis 5 weighing controller and the ProRecipe XT® software from Minebea Intec.

High-precision and robust Signum^® bench scales

The centrepiece for improving accuracy in cosmetics production is the Signum precision scale^®. In contrast to conventional scales, which generally only measure in increments of a few grams or more, precision scales can weigh in the smallest units such as milligrams. In addition to its precision, the Signum^® industrial scale impresses with its short measuring times, flexibility and safety. It meets the demanding cleaning processes in cosmetics production with a robust design.

Models are available in Supreme, Advanced or Regular versions, depending on the level of precision required. Cosmetics manufacturers can also choose from a variety of configurations. "We are happy to advise our customers on the selection of different material versions, load ranges and readabilities to fulfil specific requirements," says Eren Sagdas, Product Manager Industrial Scales at Minebea Intec.

Intelligent recipe with ProRecipe XT^® for safe and efficient processes

The PC-based recipe management and weighing software ProRecipe XT® from Minebea Intec is used to efficiently utilise the high-precision weight values in the production processes. Thanks to the precise tracking and complete documentation of all ingredients, dosing errors are avoided, raw material consumption is optimised and product quality is increased. "ProRecipe XT^® offers enormous benefits for the highly regulated cosmetics industry," emphasises Lars-Henrik Bierwirth, Product Manager Software & Checkweighing at Minebea Intec. "With the software, manufacturers can ensure the correct mixing ratio right from the start and avoid costly, image-damaging product recalls. The intuitive user interface guides users safely through the process, minimises operating errors and saves valuable time."

An additional safety feature of the software are warnings that remind employees to wear protective masks when handling certain chemicals, for example. The optional ERP/MES interface also enables seamless data exchange and standardised processes - for maximum efficiency and process reliability in production.

Maxxis 5 weighing controller: versatility and seamless integration

Minebea Intec offers the Maxxis 5 weighing controller as a cost-effective alternative to production control. The controller is ideal for smaller production processes in the cosmetics industry where precision and efficiency are crucial. "Our smart Maxxis 5 weighing controller is suitable for a wide range of applications - from counting and multi-component dosing to single-component filling," explains Janine Nickel, Product Manager Process & Weighing Products at Minebea Intec. "Thanks to the numerous interface options, Maxxis 5 is compatible with almost any weighing solution, whether as a stand-alone solution or in conjunction with the comprehensive recipe management software ProRecipe XT^®."

Mitus® metal detector: foreign body detection in the cosmetics industry with MiWave technology

The cosmetics industry not only attaches great importance to the quality and effectiveness of its products, but also to their safety. Foreign bodies such as metal particles can unintentionally enter products during the manufacture of cosmetics, for example due to machine wear or human error. Such contamination can have serious consequences, both in terms of product safety and brand image. The Mitus^® metal detector from Minebea Intec with integrated MiWave technology offers an effective solution for foreign object detection. With its high sensitivity, the Mitus^® metal detector recognises even the smallest metal particles, even in larger product effects, and therefore makes a decisive contribution to ensuring that cosmetic products meet the highest safety and quality standards. This not only protects the end consumer, but also minimises the risk of expensive product recalls.

New Blue HMI for dynamic checkweighers: efficiency and precision in cosmetics production

Dynamic checkweighers also offer important protection against recalls in the cosmetics industry by ensuring at the end of the production chain that every finished product has the correct weight and therefore meets quality standards. This control is crucial to detect and correct errors before the products reach the market. With the introduction of the new Blue HMI for checkweighers, Minebea Intec is setting a new standard in user-friendliness and increased efficiency.

This advanced user interface offers numerous smart features to optimise production processes. "Our Blue HMI is characterised by intuitive user guidance and is therefore extremely user-friendly," says Lars-Henrik Bierwirth, Global Product Manager at Minebea Intec. "The operating unit displays the overall system effectiveness and other statistics based on the current weighing results. It also has various logging functions that make it ideal for audits." As checkweighers are often located at the end of a production line, the integrated overall equipment effectiveness provides a clear overview of the efficiency of the production line as a whole. In addition, the new Blue HMI offers Minebea Intec customers even more potential for automation and process optimisation thanks to a wide range of interfaces. These include interfaces such as industrial fieldbuses, Ethernet/IP, Profinet and the company's own SPC@Enterprise. OPC UA is fully integrated in accordance with the specification (Companion Specification Weighing) and is optionally on board. The interface can also be expanded to include the PackML specification (in accordance with OMAC PackML).

Products, advice and service from a single source

Minebea Intec offers a broad portfolio of weighing and inspection technologies. In addition to the products mentioned, The company also provides load cells, X-ray and visual inspection devices as well as automated price labelling systems. Our experienced and skilled team also provide comprehensive consulting and support services. This holistic and customised approach increases the efficiency and product quality of cosmetics companies and ensures their success. So that the cosmetics industry not only shines, but also remains profitable.

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