Auger, multihead weigher or volumetric cups: dosing powders and granules
Short answer
Use an auger filler for powders, a multihead weigher for irregular or fragile pieces and when weight accuracy matters most, and volumetric cups for uniform free-flowing granules where budget matters more than tight weight control.
Key takeaways
- Auger fillers dose powders by screw revolutions.
- Multihead weighers combine buckets to hit target weight.
- Volumetric cups are the simplest and cheapest.
- Product flow behaviour decides the system — test it.
Auger fillers
A vertical screw turns a set number of revolutions to deliver a volume of powder, calibrated to weight. Servo drives make the dose repeatable. Augers suit milk powder, coffee, flour, spices, protein and chemicals — anything that does not flow freely. Our 420F and GD210F both use augers.
Multihead weighers
Ten or fourteen weigh buckets each hold part of a dose. The computer picks the combination of buckets closest to target and releases them. Because it weighs rather than measures volume, a multihead weigher handles irregular pieces — chips, nuts, candy, frozen food — and keeps giveaway low.
Volumetric cups
Telescopic cups on a rotating plate are filled level and dropped into the bag. Accuracy depends on consistent bulk density, so cups suit rice, sugar, salt, seeds and beans. They are mechanically simple and the most affordable option, as on the 420L.
Comparison
| Auger | Multihead weigher | Volumetric cups | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Powders | Irregular pieces, granules | Uniform granules |
| Measures | Volume (calibrated) | Weight | Volume |
| Typical accuracy | ±1% | Tightest of the three | Depends on density |
| Relative cost | Medium | Highest | Lowest |
Signs you chose the wrong system
- Powder bridging in the hopper — add an agitator or switch to a better auger design.
- Large weight swings with cups — your bulk density varies; consider a weigher.
- Broken chips — reduce drop height and use a gentler infeed.
FAQ
Can an auger filler handle granules?
It can for small, uniform granules, but a multihead weigher or volumetric cups usually perform better on granular products.
Why is a multihead weigher more expensive?
It has many load cells, hoppers and a combination computer. The cost is often recovered through lower product giveaway.
Can I add a checkweigher after any of these?
Yes. A checkweigher downstream verifies every pack and rejects off-weight bags regardless of dosing method.
