12 Types of Combination Scales & Multihead Weighers: The Guide to Precision Weighing and Packaging
In today’s fast-moving industrial landscape, achieving the perfect balance between speed and precision is the key to profitability. Combination scales, also known as high-speed combination weighers, have revolutionized packaging lines by drastically reducing product giveaway and optimizing throughput. Whether you are handling fragile snacks or heavy industrial components, High Dream provides specialized weighing solutions tailored to your unique production requirements.
What Are Combination Scales?
A combination scale is a high-speed weighing system that uses multiple weighing heads—often referred to in the industry as a multihead combination weigher—each equipped with an individual load cell to measure product portions.
How They Work:
- Distribution: Product is fed into the scale and distributed among multiple hoppers.
- Calculation: Advanced machine’s processor identifies and selects the best combination of portions from different hoppers to precisely match the target weight.
- Efficiency: This intelligent combination logic ensures consistent results, minimizes waste, and significantly boosts throughput.
While the basic principle remains the same, different material characteristics—from sticky seafood to fragile snacks—require specialized engineering. Below, we break down the 12 types of High Dream combination scales designed to solve these unique production challenges.
The 12 Types of High Dream Combination Scales
In this ultimate guide, we explore 12 specialized types of combination scales designed to meet various production needs, from compact entry-level models to high-speed systems for complex mixing.
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(1)
4.0G Standard Weigher
A cost-effective, entry-level solution ideal for snacks, pet food, and general dry products.
4.0G 14-Head Combination Scale Details
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(2)
4.0G Plus Weigher
Offers higher performance and greater flexibility for cereals, chips, dry and wet products.
4.0G Plus 14-Head Combination Scale Details
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(3)
4.0G Plus Atlantic Weigher
Features a springless hopper and IP66 waterproof rating for superior hygiene and reduced noise.
4.0G Plus Atlantic 14-Head Combination Scale Details
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(4)
Memory Hopper Weigher
Supports ultra-high-speed mixing of 2 to 5 products simultaneously—perfect for mixed salads or trail mixes.
Memory Hopper 16-Head Combination Scale Details
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(5)
Compact Weigher
Space-saving design with high precision, ideal for tea, herbs, or small snack setups.
High Precision Compact 14-Head Combination Scale Details
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(6)
Super Precision Micro Weigher
Achieves ±0.03g accuracy for weights between 0.5–50g; Ideal for fine herbs, and small weight products.
Super Precision Micro 14-Head Combination Scale Details
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(7)
Large Volume Weigher
Equipped with 7.5L hoppers and strong motors for bulky frozen vegetables, fruits, and meat chunks.
Large-Volume-Salad 14-Head Combination Scale Details
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(8)
Potato Weigher
Specifically designed for gentle handling of heavy, bulky root vegetables like potatoes and onions.
Potato Linear 20-Head Combination Scale Details
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(9)
Anti-Sticky Weigher
Features scraper hoppers and smooth feeding to ensure clean discharge of fresh meat, seafood, and marinated foods.
Anti-Sticky 10-Head Combination Scale Details
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(10)
Screw Feeder Weigher
Utilizes mechanical screw feeding to avoid jamming with oily or tough-flow products like diced meat.
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(11)
Gentle Motion Weigher
Uses a low-drop design to minimize breakage of fragile products like wafers and crisps.
Anti Fragile 14-Head Combination Scale Details
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(12)
Stick-Shape Weigher
Engineered for smooth, accurate weighing of long, narrow products like sausages and breadsticks.
Stick-shape 14-Head Combination Scale Details
Quick Comparison of Highdream Models
| Model | Weighing Hopper | Typical Products | Max. Speed (packs/min) | Key Feature |
| 4.0G Weigher | 10 / 14 / 20 Heads | Snack foods,confectionery,cookies, beans, pet food,frozen food |
~70 (10H) ~110 (14H) ~60×2 (20H) |
Entry-level weigher |
| 4.0G Plus Weigher | 10 / 14 / 16 / 20 Heads |
~80 (10H) ~130 (14H) ~150 (16H) ~80×2 (20H) |
Higher performance, more functions | |
| 4.0G Plus Atlantic Weigher | 10 / 14 Heads |
~90 (10H) ~150 (14H) |
Springless hopper, less noise and hygiene | |
| Memory Hopper Weigher | 16 / 18 / 24 / 30 Heads | Mixed nuts, seeds, pet food, snacks, candy |
~80×2 (16H) ~60×3 (18H) ~55×4 (24H) ~60×5 (30H) |
For mixing 2–5 products, ultra high-speed |
| Compact Weigher | 10 / 14 Heads | Tea, herbs, CBD, small snacks |
~80 (10H) ~130 (14H) |
Compact design, high precision |
| Super Precision Micro Weigher | 14 Heads | CBD products, fine herbs | ~110 | Ultra-high precision |
| Large Volume Weigher | 10 / 14 / 16 Heads | Fresh produce, salad, frozen vegetables/fruits, meat chunks |
~60 (10H) ~80 (14H) ~100 (16H) |
Large hopper, IP66 waterproof |
| Potato Weigher | 10 / 20 Heads | potatoes, onions, citrus fruits |
~60 (10H) ~60×2 (20H) |
Gentle for heavy, bulky products |
| Anti-Sticky Weigher | 6 / 8 / 10 Heads | Fresh meat, pre made food, seafood, cheese, pickled foods |
~40 (6H) ~40 (8H) ~60 (10H) |
Anti-stick scraper hopper |
| Screw Feeder Weigher | 14 / 16 / 20 Heads |
~110 (14H) ~120 (16H) ~150 (20H) |
Screw feeding for tough-flow products | |
| Gentle Motion Weigher | 14 Heads |
Fragile food: Wafer biscuit, thin crisps, small tomato |
~60 | Gentle drop design to prevent breakage |
| Stick-Shape Weigher | 14 Heads |
Stick-Shape product: Salt stick, sausages, bread sticks, etc. |
~80 | Designed for stick-shaped products |
Why Choose Combination Scales?
Combination scales offer unmatched speed, precision, and flexibility across packaging lines. Here’s why manufacturers in food, pharmaceutical, and non-food sectors trust them:
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Reduce Product Giveaway
– Select models offer up to ±0.03g precision—ideal for fine and high-value products. -
Increase Line Efficiency
– Memory hopper models support mixing of up to 5 products for complex applications. -
High-Speed Performance
– Select memory hopper models can reach up to 300 weighments per minute, ideal for high-speed weighing requirements in demanding production environments. -
Hygienic design
– Built with food-grade stainless steel and available in IP64/IP66 waterproof level to support clean and safe operation. -
Smart control
– Intuitive touchscreen interface makes machine setup, monitoring, and maintenance easier for operators. -
Easy integration
– Integrates seamlessly with various packaging machines including VFFS, tray sealers, and conveyors.
Industry Applications: Targeted Solutions
Food Industry
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Snacks & Cereals
Stable feeding for potato chips, popcorn, and cornflakes using strong vibrators. -
Meat & Seafood
Waterproof construction for poultry portions and fish fillets. -
Vegetables & Fruits
Large 5.5L/7.5L hoppers for lettuce, salad mixes, and oranges.
Pharmaceutical Industry
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CBD & Herbs
Ultra-high precision weighing for high-value cannabis and dry herbs. -
Tablets & Pills
Automated counting and bottling for quality assurance.
Non-Food Industry
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Granules & Powders
Dust-proof solutions for fertilizers, seeds, and detergents. -
Laundry Capsules & Dishwasher Pods
Provides precise counting and consistent flow for gel pods and tablets, ensuring packaging integrity. -
Hardware & Small Parts
Wear-resistant hoppers for screws, bolts, and fasteners.
Related Reading: Not sure which technology suits you? Read our in-depth guide: Linear Weigher vs. Combination Scale: Which One Fits Your Application?
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Combination Scales
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How does a combination scale work?
A combination scale, or multihead weigher, uses multiple weighing hoppers equipped with load cells to measure product weight. The machine’s processor then calculates and selects the optimal combination of hopper weights that is closest to the target weight, minimizing giveaway and ensuring efficiency.
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What is the difference between a combination scale and a linear weigher?
Combination scales are generally faster and more accurate than linear weighers. While linear weighers drop product into a single bucket until the weight is met, combination scales combine multiple pre-measured portions to find the most accurate mix.
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Can combination scales handle sticky or wet products?
Yes, specialized models like High Dream’s Anti-Sticky Weigher use scraper hoppers and smooth surfaces to prevent products like fresh meat or seafood from sticking during the discharge process.
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How accurate are modern combination scales?
The accuracy of modern combination scales varies depending on the model and the type of product being weighed. In general, different scale types are designed to handle varying product weights and precision requirements:
- Large Volume Weighers are ideal for heavier items such as potatoes, oranges, or other bulk produce. They typically offer an accuracy range of ±1–8 grams.
- 4.0G High-Precision Weighers are better suited for medium-weight products like nuts, candies, and snacks, delivering accuracy within ±0.5–2 grams while maintaining high weighing speed.
- Super Precision Micro Weighers are designed for ultra-sensitive applications, such as weighing cannabis, medicinal herbs, or other high-value micro-weight items, achieving precision up to ±0.03 grams.
Choosing the right combination scale depends on your product weight, production requirements, and desired accuracy level. Selecting the appropriate model ensures consistent weighing performance, higher efficiency, and improved overall product quality.
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Do High Dream combination scales meet international food safety standards?
Yes. The combination scales are constructed from food-grade 304 stainless steel and sanitary designed in compliance with global safety and hygiene standards. Our IP66-rated models are specifically engineered for rigorous washdown environments to prevent cross-contamination.[5] [6]
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How often should a multihead combination weigher be calibrated?
For optimal precision, we recommend a daily zero-point check and a formal calibration every 6 to 12 months, depending on your production volume and industry regulations. [7] [8]
Ready to Choose the Right Weighing Solution?
Whether you're upgrading an existing line or setting up a new one, selecting the right combination scale can significantly improve your efficiency and product consistency.
Contact High Dream for a Tailored Combination Scale Consultation. Speak with our application engineers today to find the perfect weighing system for your exact production needs.