Distribution area
The central distribution component spreads incoming product towards the radial feed paths. Product level and supply rate must remain within a useful operating window.
Direct answer
Why does product distribution matter on a multihead weigher?
Product distribution determines the portions that are available for weighing and combination. If the feed system gives some hoppers too much product and others too little, the controller has fewer useful choices. Stable output therefore starts with controlled bulk supply, balanced movement across the feed trays and clean transfer into the feed and weigh hoppers.
Feed positions
Feed trays and feed hoppers create and hold the next portions. Vibration, geometry and surface condition affect the portion delivered to each weigh hopper.
Weighing positions
Weigh hoppers measure the available portions. Their population and portion spread determine the combinations the controller can evaluate.
What does the dispersion cone do?
The dispersion cone or central distribution surface directs bulk product towards the individual feed trays. Its shape, movement and product level influence how evenly the machine is supplied. Large pieces, sticky product or an off-centre upstream feed can produce uneven loading even when the controller settings appear balanced.
What do the feed trays do?
Feed trays meter product from the distribution area towards each feed hopper. Their vibration and geometry influence portion size, movement and separation. Increasing vibration may move more product, but it can also create bounce, segregation or damage. Settings should be changed after observing the real symptom rather than as a universal response.
What is the difference between a feed hopper and a weigh hopper?
A feed hopper holds the next portion ready to transfer; a weigh hopper measures the portion used by the combination calculation. Separating these functions allows an emptied weigh hopper to be refilled while other measured portions remain available. The exact arrangement varies by machine, so the supplied configuration should be confirmed.
What causes starved or overfilled hoppers?
Common causes include unstable upstream supply, uneven distribution, unsuitable vibration, bridging, retained product, inconsistent piece size and contact surfaces that do not release the product cleanly. The correct diagnosis uses hopper-population observations over a sustained run, not a single photograph or one cycle.
How does the upstream feed system affect weighing?
The upstream system must maintain enough product for the weigher without flooding the distribution area. Large surges can overwhelm the radial feed paths, while long gaps leave too few portions available. The bulk feeder, level control and weigher demand signal should be included in the line test because they influence sustainable output.
Can product segregate before it reaches the weigh hoppers?
Yes. Mixed size, density or shape can separate during conveying and vibration, which may change both portion weight and mix composition. The trial should inspect the product at the infeed, on the trays and in finished packs. A stable total weight does not by itself prove a stable component mix.
What should be recorded during a distribution trial?
Record the upstream feed condition, product level, feed settings, hopper population, waits, overfills, retained product, product damage and finished-pack result. Video of the product path can be useful when authorised. Repeat the observation after warm-up, a restart and a representative product variation rather than accepting only the first stable minute.
| Observed symptom | Possible areas to investigate | Evidence to collect |
|---|---|---|
| Many empty hoppers | Bulk supply, product level, tray movement, bridging | Hopper-population trend and upstream demand response |
| Some hoppers repeatedly heavy | Uneven distribution, tray balance, product path | Per-position portion weights and visual flow |
| Output falls during the run | Build-up, temperature, coating, feeder supply | Time-based settings, residue and waiting-state record |
| Product damage increases | Vibration, impact, drop height, transfer points | Before-and-after samples and damage classification |
Feed-path review
Show how product reaches, moves through and leaves the weigher.
Send representative samples and information about the upstream feeder, target weights and downstream packer.
Review the product feed pathRelated guidance
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