Stable feed and clean cut-off determine the quality of a weigh-fill cycle.
A weigh filler controls mass, but the product still has to reach the weigh hopper in a predictable way. Vibratory amplitude, feeder geometry, gate timing, coarse and fine feed and the distance to the pack affect cycle time and final variation. Test the product at the smallest and largest target and after normal hopper replenishment.
Bulk density is still relevant because it influences hopper capacity, feed rate and the volume discharged into the pack. A low-density product may reach the pack-volume limit before the target weight, while dense granules may create impact or bounce. Supply the pack volume and available headspace as well as the target mass.
Check breakage, segregation and static as well as weight.
Fragile pieces can be damaged by vibration, transfer height or repeated recirculation. Mixed sizes may separate in the hopper or feed tray. Light particles can cling to surfaces or miss the pack because of static or air movement. Inspect the product before and after the trial and record any visible change in composition or presentation.
| Product behaviour | Machine setting or layout to review | Acceptance evidence |
|---|
| Free-flowing, uniform granules | Coarse/fine feed, gate cut-off, target weight and discharge timing. | Fill statistics and sustained cycle using the intended pack. |
| Fragile pieces | Vibration intensity, drop height, contact surfaces and discharge path. | Product inspection and agreed damage boundary before and after filling. |
| Mixed particle sizes | Hopper residence time, feeder distribution and risk of segregation. | Samples from different points in the run and finished-pack consistency. |
| Light or electrostatic product | Surface finish, grounding approach, air movement, discharge control and pack opening. | Observation of cling, loss, dust and clean pack entry. |
Report the actual target and product condition beside any accuracy figure.
Record every fill in the agreed sequence and calculate the mean, minimum, maximum and standard deviation. Identify any over-target or under-target result, refill event, adjustment and rejected pack. A published margin without the product, target weight, feed settings and sample sequence is not enough to define acceptance for a new application.
Plan cleanout through feeders, hoppers and discharge chutes.
Check for retained pieces in corners, gates, weigh hoppers, chutes and static-prone surfaces. Define the removal and cleaning method, then prove that the first product cannot carry into the next. For deeper weight-based machine selection, use Weigh Fillers UK; for combination weighing, use Lancing Combiweigh.
