Fine or hazardous powders
Review the SDS, exposure route, containment, extraction, cleaning method and compatibility of product-contact materials before trial activity.
Material assessment
Start with the safety data and physical behaviour of the product.
Before a machine is selected, confirm whether the material creates harmful dust, is abrasive, hygroscopic, corrosive, electrostatic, oily or likely to bridge. General machinery guidance cannot replace a product-specific risk assessment, safety data review or specialist assessment where required.
Pellets and granules
Check bulk density, flow, dust, abrasion and whether the product forms stable portions for weighing.
Fasteners and components
Assess nesting, bounce, noise, wear, exact-count requirements and the relationship between weight and acceptable quantity.
Machine route
Use weighing for stable free-flowing materials and controlled dosing where product behaviour demands it.
A combination weigher or linear system may suit pellets, granules and small components. Fine, cohesive or aerated powders can require auger filling. The powder and granule guide provides a practical comparison.
| Material question | Design implication | Evidence needed |
|---|---|---|
| Does it create harmful dust? | Containment, extraction, access and cleaning method | SDS and site-specific COSHH assessment |
| Is it abrasive or hard? | Contact-surface wear, noise and maintenance | Sustained sample trial and wear-point review |
| Does it bridge or clump? | Hopper geometry, agitation or alternate dosing route | Full and low-level feed testing |
| Is exact count required? | Weighing may need validation against quantity or a counting method | Piece-weight distribution and acceptance rule |
| Can it contaminate another product? | Dedicated equipment or validated cleaning and segregation | Cleaning release standard and retained-product check |
Safety and maintenance
Machinery should be isolated and stored energy released before maintenance. HSE guidance explains the need for safe isolation and lock-off where equipment could restart unexpectedly. See HSE maintenance guidance.
Pack and line interface
Confirm whether the product goes into a pouch, sachet, jar, tub or box and whether the pack is presented manually or automatically. Hard parts can rebound from small openings, while powders can contaminate seal zones.
Industrial enquiry checklist
Provide material, safety and process information before a trial is planned.
Include the SDS where applicable, representative product, target range, acceptable tolerance, pack opening, output, cleaning method, utilities, environment and any site standards for controls, guarding or extraction.
Application review
Ask Lancing to review the material and process boundary.
The review can identify whether weighing, auger dosing or another route is appropriate and what evidence is needed before a final proposal.
Discuss the materialBuyer questions
Frequently asked questions about this application.
Can chemical powders be handled on a standard weighing machine?
Suitability depends on the product safety data, dust, flow, materials compatibility, containment and cleaning requirements. A product-specific assessment is required.
Can screws and components be filled by weight?
Yes where weight is an acceptable control for quantity and the components feed and discharge reliably. Exact-count requirements may need a counting system.
What should be supplied before a trial?
Provide representative material, the SDS where relevant, target weights, pack, output, cleaning method and site requirements.
Can the machine be integrated with a pouch or bagger?
Potentially, provided the mechanical outlet, pack opening, timing and control interface are designed for the selected downstream machine.
Related guidance
All guides