What Is a Weigh Feeder? – Continuous and Precise Material Flow

A weigh feeder is a weighing system used in industrial facilities to precisely control the flow of raw materials and provide feeding at a specified flow rate through continuous weighing. It is commonly preferred in sectors such as cement, chemical, fertilizer, iron-steel, food, mining, and energy.

LS Automation’s reliable gravimetric belt feeder systems enhance efficiency with high-precision weighing. For general conveyor weighing, see our industrial belt scale.

How Does a Weigh Feeder Work? – Smart Weighing and Automatic Adjustment

Weigh feeders calculate flow by measuring the weight of the material passing over the belt and the belt speed. The system consists of a conveyor belt with a weighing zone supported by load cells. Data received from the electronic weighing system is transmitted to the PLC. The PLC compares the target flow rate with the current flow and automatically adjusts the belt speed accordingly.

This ensures:

Accurate control of material feeding.
Prevention of unnecessary material loss.
Continuous and smooth weighing, increasing process efficiency.

Weigh Feeder Features – Efficient and Reliable Weighing Solutions

Touchscreen Operator Panel: Target values can be entered via a colored touchscreen or central control system.
Real-Time Data Monitoring: Instant flow data can be monitored both on the screen and from the central control system.
Advanced Fault Tracking System: Possible faults are recorded and monitored with date and time information.
Manual Control Option: Users can intervene manually when needed.
Standard Sensor Equipment: Belt misalignment, belt breakage, and slippage sensors are provided as standard.

Weigh Feeder Screen Indicators – What Data Can You Monitor?

Daily Counter: Displays the total amount of material weighed per day. (tons)
Reference Value: Shows the target flow rate. (tons/hour)
Instant Production Capacity: Displays the hourly capacity of the material currently passing through the feeder. (tons/hour)
Conveyor Speed: Measures belt speed via encoder. (m/s)

Advantages of Using a Weigh Feeder – Technology That Enhances Efficiency

Accurate and Continuous Weighing: Maintains balance in material feeding with uninterrupted weighing.
Automatic Adjustment: Detects flow rate deviations and automatically adjusts belt speed.
Efficient and Cost-Effective Usage: Optimizes energy consumption and reduces material loss.
Easy Integration: Can be easily integrated with central control systems.

Weigh Feeder Prices

Dosing scale / weigh feeder pricing depends on capacity, belt width, sensor package and PLC/SCADA scope. Request a quote with your target flow rate and material properties.

Process integration & further reading

Feeders are often integrated with PLC & SCADA for alarms, trends and shift reporting. Truck loading under silos uses our loading scale; general conveyor tonnage uses the belt scale.

Weigh feeder vs belt scale? Choose a dosing scale when you must hold a set mass flow; choose a belt scale for total throughput measurement without closed-loop speed control.

Same as gravimetric belt feeder? In project language, dosing scale / weigh feeder usually describes the same closed-loop feeding application.

Plant automation: Feeders are common on industrial automation and mineral processing lines — contact with target flow and material data.

Gravimetric Belt Feeder (Dosing Belt Scale)