Loss-in-Weight Feeder Guide: Principle, Types, Applications, and Supplier Selection

What Is a Loss-in-Weight Feeder and How Does It Work?

A Loss-in-Weight Feeder operates by continuously measuring the weight reduction of its hopper using a high-precision load cell. The system calculates the actual feed rate by monitoring the rate of weight loss and adjusts the feeding mechanism—typically a screw, twin-screw, or agitator—through a closed-loop PID controller. This ensures stable and accurate material flow even under variable conditions.

At High Dream, our feeders’ feeding precision ±0.5% adjusted feeding. This level of precision makes the system ideal for automated dosing of powders, granules, and other dry bulk materials.

Structural Design for Industrial Adaptability

High Dream’s Loss-in-Weight Feeders are built to meet the operational demands of modern factories:

High Dream’s Loss-in-Weight Feeders are engineered to meet the diverse needs of different production processes and materials:

• Flexible Feeding Modes

  : The system supports both continuous feeding and batch feeding, allowing operators to adapt to production speed and precision requirements.

• Versatile Feeding Mechanisms

  : Multiple feeding options are available to handle different material types and flow characteristics, including:
  
  

  Ø Single Screw Type for free-flowing granules
  
  

  Ø Twin Screw Type for powders and pellets
  
  

  Ø Vibratory Type for gentle, low-impact feeding of delicate materials
  
  

  Ø Belt Type for high-capacity particle or blended feed
  
  

  Ø Liquid Type for liquid materials
  
  

• Wide Flow Rate Range

  : Systems support a wide range of feeding flow rates to accommodate various material types. For example, Micro-flow Single Screw Type allows a minimum continuous or batch feeding rate of 0.1L/h, while Belt Type B-500, designed for large and fragile materials, supports up to 26,000L/h.

• Operational Safeguards

  : To prevent issues such as material bridging or inconsistent flow, High Dream systems can be equipped with accessories such as agitators, air pulse systems, and anti-stick coatings to ensure reliable, uninterrupted feeding.

Solving Industry Feeding Challenges

Industry Applications

• Food & Beverage

  – Deliver accurate feeding of powdered mixes such as coffee, protein blends, and seasonings while reducing ingredient overuse.
  

• Chemicals & Plastics

  – Feed pigments, colorants, and additives into extruders or mixers with high repeatability and flow consistency.
  

• Agricultural Feed & Fertilizer

  – Handle dusty or lightweight powders in micronutrient delivery systems, with anti-bridging mechanisms built-in.
  

• Packaging Lines

  – Integrate into multi-line setups to enable synchronized micro flow control of material formulations.

Smart Integration and Support

All High Dream Loss-in-Weight Feeders support smart manufacturing with:

• PLC and Ethernet compatibility
• Recipe memory and trend display on touchscreen control panel
• Remote monitoring and firmware upgrades
• One-year calibration service after startup

We provide full support from installation through long-term use, helping you maximize the value of your investment.

Maintenance and Calibration Best Practices

To maintain long-term accuracy and minimize downtime, High Dream recommends:

• Routine Cleaning of hoppers and screws to avoid buildup
• Load Cell Checks to ensure weight stability
• Screw and Agitator Replacement when wear impacts dosing consistency
• Scheduled Calibration at least once annually, or more frequently in highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and food
• Firmware Updates to keep PID tuning and diagnostics accurate

Is a Loss-in-Weight Feeder Right for You?

Choose High Dream’s system if your production involves:

• Precise batch dosing of sensitive or high-value materials
• Continuous feeding of powders or cohesive materials
• Frequent product changeovers and hygiene compliance

When precision and control matter, Loss-in-Weight Feeders deliver where volumetric systems fall short.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What’s the difference between loss-in-weight and volumetric feeders?

A: While a volumetric feeder delivers a set volume over time, a loss-in-weight feeder goes further—using real-time weight loss feedback to ensure unmatched accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in every feed.

Q2: How do I choose between single-screw and twin-screw designs?

A: Single-screw is better for free-flowing granules; twin-screw is ideal for granular or bad-flowing powdered materials.

Q3: What types of materials can be accurately dosed with a loss-in-weight feeder?

A: Loss-in-weight feeders are ideal for dosing a wide range of materials including powders, granules, pellets, and even liquids. They are particularly effective for materials that require consistent, high-precision dosing, such as food ingredients, plastic resins, fertilizers, and formulated powders.

Q4: How often should calibration be performed?

A: At least once per year, but more frequent calibration is recommended in industries with strict compliance requirements.

Partner with High Dream for Precision Feeding Solutions

High Dream's Loss-in-Weight Feeders are precision-engineered systems designed to meet the needs of today's complex, data-driven production lines. They combine accuracy, hygiene, modularity, and automation-readiness—making them a smart choice for scalable growth.

Contact our team today to learn how we can tailor a feeding solution to fit your product and production requirements.