Flowability and refill behaviour
Check whether the product feeds consistently at both a full and low hopper level. A stable result must survive refill, pauses and normal batch variation.
Choose by product behaviour
Free-flowing granules and fine powders often need different dosing principles.
A free-flowing granule can normally be divided into stable portions and weighed. Fine, aerated, compressible or cohesive powders may bridge, flood, dust or change bulk density during refill, so a controlled auger route can be more appropriate. The decision should be based on a representative product trial rather than the product name alone.
Target weight and portion size
Combination weighing depends on useful portions being available below and around the target. Very small powder doses can require a different mechanism and tooling.
Pack opening and dust control
The outlet, chute and container opening must accept the product cleanly. Dust entering a pouch seal area can become a quality and housekeeping problem.
Selection comparison
Use the simplest technology that controls the real product reliably.
| Observed behaviour | Likely starting route | What must be proven |
|---|---|---|
| Free-flowing granules, pellets or seeds | Combination or multihead weighing | Stable distribution, useful portion population, clean discharge and pack timing |
| Regular free-flowing product at moderate output | Linear or multi-lane weighing | Fine-feed control, repeatability and sustainable output at the target |
| Fine, cohesive or dusty powder | Auger filling | Tooling fit, refill behaviour, bulk-density variation, dust and cleaning |
| Product formed into a bag from film | VFFS integration | Dose timing, bagger-ready logic, seal protection and finished-pack quality |
Product information to provide
- Representative product from normal production
- Minimum, normal and maximum target weights
- Bulk density if known and any batch variation
- Dust, aeration, clumping or moisture sensitivity
- Pack opening, pouch or film specification
- Required finished packs per minute
Trial evidence to retain
Record individual weights, mean, spread and giveaway together with feeder behaviour, refill events, dust, retained product, stoppages and finished-pack results. A short demonstration with a carefully prepared sample may not represent normal production unless the sample reflects real product variation.
For hazardous or potentially harmful powders, the product safety data sheet and a site-specific COSHH assessment are needed before the handling and cleaning method is confirmed. See the HSE guidance on COSHH assessment.
Quotation checklist
Define the product path from bulk feed to the finished pack.
The quotation should state how product reaches the dosing machine, how the dose transfers into the pack, what controls are exchanged and how operators access the equipment for cleaning and changeover. Include any elevator, vacuum transfer, hopper, platform, timing hopper, conveyor, bagger or pouch machine already selected.
Product trial
Send a representative sample and the real pack format.
Lancing can use the product, target and pack details to identify the most appropriate weighing or dosing route and the evidence needed before a final specification.
Discuss the applicationBuyer questions
Frequently asked questions about this application.
Can a multihead weigher handle powder?
Some free-flowing granular or coarse powder products may be suitable, but fine, dusty, aerated or cohesive powders often need controlled auger dosing. A product trial is required.
What causes inconsistent granule weights?
Common causes include unstable feeding, changing bulk density, insufficient fine-feed control, product bridging, vibration transfer and discharge timing.
Should the machine be tested with the real pouch?
Yes. The outlet and product drop must be checked with the actual pouch, container or film format because the opening and seal area affect the result.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Provide the product, target range, acceptable tolerance, pack type, output, cleaning requirement, available footprint and line interfaces.
Related guidance
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