A multihead weigher is a dosing and weighing system that is suspended above a packaging machine. The weigher distributes your product across 10 to 14 weighing heads and selects, for each bag, the combination of heads whose total weight is closest to the target weight. This makes it both more accurate and faster than a single, standalone weighing device.
How Weighting Works
- At the top, a dish distributes the product to the heads via vibrating chutes.
- Each head fills to a target weight; a dedicated load cell measures the weight.
- The control system calculates which combination of heads comes closest to the target weight.
- The selected heads are discharged simultaneously into the hopper of the packaging machine, usually a vertical form, fill, and seal machine.
The secret lies in the memory: while a single-scale system has only one attempt, the multihead weigher selects from hundreds of possible combinations. As a result, the fill weight is typically within ±1% of the target weight, and even more accurate with free-flowing products.
Why that generates money: additional gifts
Overfill is the amount of product you pack beyond what the label specifies. For a fill weight of 500 g, an overfill of 1% means 5 g of product per bag. At 80 bags per minute, that amounts to 24 kg of product per hour that you’re giving away—which adds up to tens of thousands of kilograms per year.
A multihead weigher reduces overfilling without slowing down the production rate. That’s why the weigher pays for itself through product savings alone, not to mention the consistent bag weights your customers expect.
Which model is right for you?
| Implementation | Typical Application | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 10 load cells | Granules, simple bulk material | up to about 80 bags per minute |
| 12 load cells | Snacks, candy, assorted products | up to approximately 100 bags per minute |
| 14 load cells | High speed, low doses | up to approximately 120 weighings per minute |
Which products are suitable
Granules, snacks, candy, frozen foods, and animal feed pellets are their natural habitat. Also, a VFFS for granules A multihead weigher is mounted above the machine as standard.
If you’re not using a multihead weigher: powder does not flow freely and requires a screw feeder; liquids and pastes require a piston filler; for less than 20 bags per minute, a linear weigher is sufficient. If you’re filling large bags starting at approximately 10 kg, it’s better to choose a net weighing system.
Sustainability
Less overwrap means less product waste, and product carries more weight than film in sustainability considerations. 304 stainless steel for product contact is standard; for corrosive products, please inquire about a 316 stainless steel version.
A Four-Step Selection Process
- Determine the product properties: flow, particle size, and brittleness.
- Set the dosing range: smallest and largest bag, in grams.
- Connect the output to the downstream machine; the weigher must never limit the pace.
- Determine the hygiene class before selecting the model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What factors determine the investment in a multihead weigher?
Number of load cells, material construction, and speed. Please include the product, dosing range, and output in your request, and you will receive a customized technical quote.
Q: Will a multihead weigher fit on my existing machine?
In most cases, yes, provided the frame, drop height, and discharge hopper are compatible. The weigher operates above a VFFS and above machines for preformed bags.
Q: What level of accuracy can I expect?
Typically within ±1% of the target weight. The actual figure depends on the product, the dosing weight, and the flow rate.
Related pages
vertical form, fill, and seal machine | VFFS for granules | snack packaging machine | animal feed packaging machine | powder packaging solution
Request a technical proposal Please specify the product, bag size, and desired output.
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