Beans, grains and nuts
Assess piece size, oil, surface condition and hopper volume. Combination weighing may improve target selection where portions remain stable.
Separate the product forms
Beans, leaves, grains and powders do not share one universal filling method.
Whole coffee beans, many grains and some loose teas can form stable portions for weighing. Ground coffee, powdered ingredients or fine drink mixes can aerate, compact or change bulk density and may be better suited to an auger filling route. A product trial should include normal variation and refill conditions.
Loose tea and light products
Low bulk density can fill available volume quickly. Check feeder control, static, leaf damage and the full product drop.
Ground coffee and fine blends
Check aeration, dust, bulk-density change and refill behaviour before deciding whether weighing or auger dosing is appropriate.
Pack and quality considerations
Test the product and pack as one commercial application.
| Application factor | Why it matters | Trial evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Product aroma and residue | Retained product and cross-flavour can affect changeover requirements | Inspection after emptying and the agreed cleaning method |
| Fragile leaves or pieces | Vibration and drop height can alter product quality | Before-and-after sample comparison |
| Pack format | Pouches, jars and bags have different opening and settling needs | Real-pack trials and finished presentation |
| Fine particles | Dust can enter seals, controls or surrounding equipment | Sustained run, housekeeping and seal inspection |
| Product changeover | Beans, blends and flavours may require controlled release | Retained product, elapsed time and first acceptable pack |
VFFS or pre-made pouches
A VFFS line forms the bag from film and requires precise dose timing. A pre-made pouch line requires reliable pouch presentation and opening. The weigher discharge should be assessed with the chosen pack route.
Information for Lancing
Provide the product form, target weights, pack style, output, available height, cleaning expectations and whether the line will handle multiple blends or flavours. Include representative product and empty packs for the trial.
Trial plan
Measure weight control without losing product quality.
Record individual weights, giveaway, output, breakage, retained product, dust, seal quality and changeover observations. The test should include normal product variation and enough running time to reveal build-up or feeding changes.
Coffee and dry-food enquiry
Send the product form, target and selected pack.
Lancing can review whether combination weighing, linear weighing, auger filling or another route is the most practical starting point.
Request machine adviceBuyer questions
Frequently asked questions about this application.
Is the same machine suitable for coffee beans and ground coffee?
Not necessarily. Beans and grounds behave differently, so combination weighing may suit beans while ground coffee can require controlled auger dosing.
Can loose tea be weighed automatically?
Potentially, but low bulk density, leaf fragility, static and hopper volume must be checked with the real tea.
Should the trial use the final retail pack?
Yes. The pack opening, product settling and seal area influence the mechanical and timing requirements.
How are flavour changeovers considered?
Define the cleaning method, acceptable retained product and the evidence needed before the next blend or flavour is released.
Related guidance
All guidesContinue through the relevant machine and buyer resources.
Keep product condition consistent across weighing comparisons
Describe the material actually presented to the weigher, such as whole beans, ground product or loose leaf. Keep these as separate trial entries even when they share the same retail brand. For blends, state whether the supplied mixture is expected to remain uniform through feeding and discharge and how that will be checked.
Photograph the finished pack with the agreed fill quantity so that volume and headspace can be assessed alongside weight. A target weight alone does not describe whether a bulky product leaves enough room for the intended sealing operation.
- Sample identity
- Record the product lot and storage condition with each test. Include any approved change in roast, cut, particle size or blend that affects the proposed format range.
- Product appearance
- Agree how breakage, dust and visible separation will be judged. Retain an untreated sample for comparison with the discharged product.
Can one trial cover beans and ground coffee?
Treat them as distinct product conditions and assess the dosing route for each. Similar target weights do not establish equivalent feeding or cleaning behaviour.