Bulk feed and product level
Maintain enough product for stable distribution without overloading the dispersion system or allowing long periods of starvation.
Control sequence
Define every state between product demand and accepted finished pack.
The machine sequence should state what creates product demand, how the weigher confirms a dose, when the packing machine is ready, what happens if a pack is absent and how the line handles rejects or faults. This functional description should be agreed before the controls are built.
Distribution and weighing
Feed trays create portions, weigh hoppers measure them and the controller selects a suitable combination for the target.
Timing hopper and pack-ready state
The combined dose is held until the VFFS machine or pouch system confirms that a pack can receive it.
Discharge confirmation
Use the agreed signal or sensor sequence to confirm the dose has cleared before the next cycle is released.
Inspection, reject and recovery
Define how weight, seal, code or other rejects are handled and how the line restarts without sending product into a missing pack.
Bottleneck control
Measure sustainable finished packs, not isolated machine cycles.
The line output is limited by the slowest recurring stage. A weigher can wait for product feed, a bagger can wait for a dose, or downstream inspection can stop both. The FAT should record where waiting time occurs and whether the line recovers without repeated manual intervention.
| Interface | Questions to define | Evidence at FAT |
|---|---|---|
| Upstream feed | Who requests product and how is level controlled? | Stable operation at full and low product level |
| Weigher to packer | Ready, dose available, discharge and complete signals | No dose released without a ready pack |
| Faults and reset | Which machine stops the line and who controls reset? | Witnessed fault and safe recovery sequence |
| Reject handling | How are incomplete, underweight or failed packs identified? | Reject tracking and physical segregation |
| Data and diagnostics | Which alarms, counts and production values are required? | Agreed HMI, counters and diagnostic access |
Mechanical integration
Confirm gantry or frame access, outlet position, timing-hopper height, chute angle, pack opening, services and safe maintenance space. A small mismatch at the discharge can reduce output or cause product spill even when both machines work correctly alone.
Documentation and handover
The project should identify the responsible party for the functional design, electrical interfaces, risk assessment, guarding, software changes, FAT, site acceptance, training and support. Keep the final sequence and I/O schedule with the machine documentation.
Integration brief
Provide a layout, pack specification and line sequence before quotation.
Include the product source, feed method, target weight, packer type, pack dimensions, required finished output, available height, downstream equipment and any site standards for controls or data. Use the trial and FAT guide to define the acceptance test.
Complete-line enquiry
Ask Lancing to review the weighing and packing interfaces together.
Send the existing line details or proposed layout so the mechanical and control boundaries can be identified before the equipment is specified.
Discuss line integrationBuyer questions
Frequently asked questions about this application.
What is a timing hopper?
A timing hopper receives the combined dose and holds it until the downstream bagger or pouch machine confirms it is ready.
Which machine controls the line?
That depends on the project architecture. The functional specification should define the master sequence, demand, ready, fault, reset and reject responsibilities.
How is line speed accepted?
Measure sustained finished packs using the real product and pack, and record waiting time, stops, rejects and recovery rather than only isolated machine cycles.
What information is needed for integration?
Provide the layout, available height, product feed, packer details, target weights, output, I/O requirements, services and downstream equipment.
Related guidance
All guides