The Science Behind 10 Head Combination Weigher: Properties, Production, and Applications

Types of 10 Head Combination Weighers

A 10 head combination weigher is a highly advanced packaging machine designed for precision weighing and rapid product dispensing. Utilizing ten independently controlled weighing buckets arranged in a circular configuration, it calculates the optimal combination of bucket weights to achieve the target fill weight with exceptional accuracy and speed. This makes it ideal for high-volume production lines across food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries.

These machines are engineered to minimize product giveaway, reduce waste, and maintain consistent portion control. The different types of 10 head combination weighers are tailored to specific product characteristics—such as size, fragility, flowability, and packaging requirements—ensuring optimal performance across diverse applications.

Vibrating Component Weighers

Utilize vibratory trays and chutes to gently and evenly distribute products into the 10 weighing buckets. Controlled vibrations ensure smooth product flow and precise metering.

Advantages

• Excellent for small, uniform items (e.g., candies, nuts, granules)
• High-speed operation with consistent feed
• Low product damage due to gentle handling
• Easy to clean and maintain

Limitations

• Less effective for sticky or irregularly shaped items
• Vibration may cause segregation in mixed products
• Requires stable mounting to prevent interference

Best for: Snacks, confectionery, grains, and free-flowing dry goods

Rotating Component Weighers

Feature a rotating head mechanism that sequentially fills and discharges buckets. The rotation ensures continuous product flow and synchronized timing with packaging machines.

Advantages

• High throughput and consistent cycle timing
• Excellent for medium to large-sized items
• Reduced risk of product bridging or clogging
• Smooth integration with vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) systems

Limitations

• Higher mechanical complexity and maintenance needs
• May not suit fragile or delicate products
• Larger footprint compared to linear systems

Best for: Frozen foods, vegetables, hardware, and larger packaged components

Stop and Vibrate Weighers

Combine intermittent bucket stopping with controlled vibration to fine-tune product loading. Each bucket stops briefly to allow precise dosing before releasing its contents.

Advantages

• Superior accuracy for critical weight applications
• Minimizes overfill and product waste
• Ideal for high-value or regulated products
• Adaptable to variable product densities

Limitations

• Slightly slower than continuous systems
• Increased cycle time due to stop/start mechanism
• More complex control programming required

Best for: Pharmaceuticals, premium foods, and applications requiring tight weight tolerances

Dual Component Weighers

Equipped with two independent weighing systems (e.g., 5+5 or 6+4 bucket configurations), enabling simultaneous weighing of two different products for combined packaging.

Advantages

• Enables mixed-product packaging (e.g., trail mix, seasoning combos)
• Eliminates need for secondary mixing equipment
• Maintains precise ratios between components
• Increases packaging versatility and product variety

Limitations

• Higher initial investment and setup complexity
• Requires more floor space and controls
• Calibration must be managed for both systems

Best for: Mixed snacks, multi-ingredient meals, seasoning blends, and combo packs

Variable Speed Weighers

Feature adjustable vibration intensity and feed speed for each bucket, allowing real-time optimization based on product behavior and line requirements.

Advantages

• Highly adaptable to diverse product types on the same line
• Optimizes flow for sticky, fragile, or inconsistent items
• Reduces product degradation and clumping
• Supports quick changeovers and flexible manufacturing

Limitations

• Requires skilled operators for optimal tuning
• Software complexity may increase downtime
• Potential for inconsistent performance if not properly calibrated

Best for: Multi-product facilities, seasonal items, and R&D or pilot production lines

Fourier Component Weigher

An intelligent system that uses advanced algorithms—inspired by Fourier analysis principles—to predict and calculate the most efficient bucket combinations for target weights, significantly improving speed and accuracy.

Advantages

• Ultra-fast computation for optimal weight combinations
• Minimizes product giveaway and maximizes yield
• Self-learning capabilities improve over time
• Ideal for complex packaging with tight tolerances

Limitations

• High cost and specialized technical support required
• Limited availability and vendor dependency
• May require integration with proprietary software

Best for: High-end automation lines, precision packaging, and industries with strict regulatory compliance

Type	Speed	Accuracy	Versatility	Best Application
Vibrating Component	High	High	Medium	Free-flowing dry goods, snacks, granules
Rotating Component	Very High	Medium-High	Medium	Frozen foods, vegetables, hardware
Stop and Vibrate	Medium	Very High	Medium	Precision weighing, pharmaceuticals, high-value items
Dual Component	Medium-High	High	High	Mixed products, combo packs, seasoning blends
Variable Speed	High	High	Very High	Multi-product lines, flexible manufacturing
Fourier Component	Very High	Exceptional	High	High-precision automation, regulated industries

Expert Tip: For optimal performance, regularly calibrate your 10 head combination weigher and clean the buckets and feed trays to prevent product buildup, which can affect accuracy and cause cross-contamination.

Industrial Applications of a 10 Head Combination Weigher

A 10 head combination weigher is a highly advanced and versatile packaging solution widely adopted across multiple industries due to its precision, speed, and reliability in handling bulk products. Designed to weigh and dispense products into packages with minimal human intervention, this machine significantly enhances productivity in high-volume production environments. By combining inputs from ten independent weighing heads, it calculates the optimal combination of weights in milliseconds, ensuring accurate portioning while minimizing product giveaway.

Key Advantages of 10 Head Combination Weighers

High Speed & Efficiency: Capable of processing hundreds of weighments per minute, ideal for fast-paced production lines.

Precision Accuracy: Advanced algorithms ensure consistent weight control within tight tolerances (±0.1–0.5g depending on product).

Versatility: Handles a wide range of product types—from fragile snacks to dense hardware components.

Reduced Waste: Minimizes overfilling and underfilling, improving yield and reducing material costs.

Automation Integration: Easily integrates with vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS), horizontal packaging, and conveyor systems.

Major Industrial Applications

Food Processing Industry

The food industry is the largest user of 10 head combination weighers, leveraging them for precise portioning of dry and free-flowing products such as nuts, candies, snacks, grains, dried fruits, and powdered milk. These machines ensure compliance with food safety standards while maintaining high throughput—often exceeding 150 bags per minute. Their hygienic stainless-steel construction and IP66-rated components make them suitable for washdown environments, ensuring long-term durability and contamination control.

Pharmaceutical Packaging

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, precision is non-negotiable. Combination weighers are used to package tablets, capsules, and granular medications into blister packs or bottles with exceptional accuracy. The system ensures dosage consistency, critical for regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA, GMP). Integrated checkweighers and metal detection systems further enhance quality assurance, reducing the risk of recalls and ensuring patient safety.

Automotive Manufacturing

The automotive sector utilizes 10 head weighers for kitting and packaging small components like bolts, screws, washers, and connectors. These machines ensure that each assembly kit contains the exact number and weight of parts required, minimizing errors on the production line. With durable construction and resistance to metal dust and vibration, they perform reliably in harsh industrial environments.

Chemical Industries

Chemical manufacturers rely on combination weighers for accurately dispensing powders, pellets, flakes, and granules used in industrial formulations. Whether packaging additives, catalysts, or specialty chemicals, these machines maintain batch consistency and adhere to strict regulatory requirements. Sealed hoppers and anti-static linings prevent cross-contamination and dust explosions, making them safe for hazardous environments.

Agricultural Seed Weighing

Seed producers use 10 head weighers to package seeds in precise quantities for retail or agricultural distribution. Whether handling tiny vegetable seeds or larger grains like corn or soybeans, the machine ensures uniform weight across packages, supporting fair pricing and planting accuracy. Gentle product handling prevents seed damage, preserving germination rates and product value.

Building Materials Packaging

From cement powder and sand to sawdust and small hardware, combination weighers streamline the packaging of construction materials. Their robust design allows them to handle abrasive, heavy, or dusty products without degradation in performance. This ensures consistent bag weights for consumer trust and compliance with labeling regulations, especially in pre-bagged home improvement products.

Industry	Typical Products	Weight Range	Throughput (Bags/Min)
Food Processing	Nuts, candies, snacks, powders	10g – 2kg	60 – 180
Pharmaceuticals	Tablets, capsules, granules	1g – 500g	40 – 100
Automotive	Bolts, screws, washers	50g – 3kg	50 – 120
Chemicals	Powders, pellets, flakes	100g – 5kg	30 – 90
Agriculture	Seeds, grains	20g – 1kg	70 – 150
Building Materials	Cement, sand, sawdust, fasteners	500g – 10kg	20 – 60

Considerations for Optimal Performance

Product Characteristics: Flowability, size, fragility, and moisture content affect feeding and weighing accuracy. Vibratory feeders and hoppers should be customized accordingly.

Maintenance Schedule: Regular cleaning and calibration are essential to maintain accuracy and prevent buildup, especially with sticky or dusty products.

Integration with Packaging Lines: Must be synchronized with baggers, conveyors, and labelers for seamless operation.

Control System: Modern weighers feature intuitive touchscreen interfaces with recipe storage, data logging, and remote diagnostics for improved operational control.

Important: While 10 head combination weighers are highly versatile, selecting the right model depends on your specific product and production needs. Incorrect setup or poor maintenance can lead to inaccurate weighments, increased waste, and downtime. Always consult with equipment manufacturers for proper configuration and training to maximize ROI and ensure compliance with industry standards.

10-Head Combination Weigher: Advanced Specifications & Key Features

The 10-head combination weigher is a high-performance, precision packaging solution designed for automated weighing and portioning in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. Engineered for speed, accuracy, and durability, this machine ensures consistent product distribution while minimizing waste and maximizing throughput.

Specification	Detail
Number of Weighing Heads	10 heads (optimized for dynamic combination calculations)
Maximum Output Speed	Up to 60 weigher packs per minute
Weighing Range	10 to 1,000 grams (ideal for small to medium-sized products)
Bucket Capacity	Up to 3 liters per head – suitable for granular, flaky, or irregularly shaped items
Machine Construction	High-grade stainless steel (food-safe, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean)
Control Interface	Touch display with intuitive UI for real-time monitoring and adjustments
Power Supply	Single-phase (1P), compatible with standard industrial power systems

Advanced Features for Precision and Efficiency

Equipped with intelligent technology and user-focused design, the 10-head combination weigher delivers superior performance across diverse production environments. Each feature is engineered to enhance accuracy, ease of use, and operational reliability.

ID MASS PROGRAMMING

Each of the 10 weighing heads can be individually programmed with specific target masses, allowing the system to adapt to variations in product size, density, and flow characteristics. This customization enhances weighing accuracy and reduces overfilling, improving both consistency and cost-efficiency.

TABLET PC CONTROL

The entire system is managed via an integrated Android tablet interface, offering a modern, responsive control panel. Operators can easily configure settings, monitor performance metrics, and troubleshoot issues in real time. The tablet-based system supports software updates and remote diagnostics, ensuring long-term adaptability.

FAST OUTPUT

With an optimized combination algorithm and high-speed discharge mechanism, this weigher achieves a maximum output of 60 packs per minute under ideal conditions. Ideal for high-volume production lines, it maintains precision without sacrificing speed, significantly boosting productivity.

SENSING GRAVITY LOAD CELLS

Precision-engineered electric load cells provide real-time, high-sensitivity weight measurements. These gravity-sensing components ensure accurate data collection during rapid filling cycles, minimizing errors and maintaining compliance with strict quality standards.

SMOOTH BUCKETS

The feeding buckets feature a polished, smooth interior finish that minimizes product adhesion and residue buildup. This design enhances material flow, reduces cross-contamination risks, and simplifies cleaning—especially important for hygienic or food-grade applications.

Pro Tip: For optimal performance, pair the 10-head weigher with a vibratory feeder system and定期 calibration routine. Regular maintenance of load cells and bucket surfaces ensures sustained accuracy and prolongs equipment lifespan.

Why Choose a 10-Head Combination Weigher?

• High Accuracy: Advanced algorithms calculate the optimal combination of weights from 10 heads for precise portioning.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for snacks, candies, frozen foods, hardware components, and more.
• Durable Build: Stainless steel construction resists wear, corrosion, and harsh cleaning agents.
• User-Friendly Operation: Tablet interface lowers training time and improves operator efficiency.
• Scalable Integration: Easily connects with automatic packaging machines, conveyors, and labeling systems.

How to Choose a 10-Head Combination Weigher: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Selecting the right combination weigher is crucial for achieving high accuracy, efficiency, and consistency in automated packaging lines. A 10-head combination weigher strikes an ideal balance between performance and cost for many medium-speed applications. This comprehensive guide outlines the five primary selection criteria—along with additional technical considerations—to help you make an informed decision tailored to your product and production needs.

Important Note: Incorrect weigher selection can lead to inaccurate portioning, product damage, downtime, and increased maintenance costs. Always conduct product testing with your supplier before finalizing equipment choices.

5 Key Factors in Choosing a 10-Head Combination Weigher

1. Item Properties (Product Characteristics)

   Understanding your product’s physical behavior is the foundation of weigher selection. Different items—such as fragile snacks, sticky powders, or irregularly shaped produce—require specific handling to ensure accurate weighing and smooth flow.

   • Fragility: Delicate items (e.g., potato chips, baked goods) need gentle feeders and reduced vibration to prevent breakage.
   • Flowability: Free-flowing granules (e.g., sugar, rice) work well with standard vibratory feeders, while sticky or cohesive products (e.g., cheese, wet pet food) may require auger or belt-fed systems.
   • Size & Shape: Uniform products are easier to portion; irregular shapes may require larger hoppers or specialized bucket designs.
   • Testing Recommendation: Conduct a product trial with your supplier to determine optimal head configuration, feeder type, and settings.
2. Speed Requirements (Output Capacity)

   The combination weigher must meet your desired packaging speed. Speed is measured in “combines per minute” (CPM)—the number of complete weight combinations delivered to the packaging machine.

   • Average performance for 10-head weighers: 20–60 combines per minute, depending on product and system setup.
   • High-demand environments (e.g., snack food, frozen vegetables) may require 80+ CPM, which often calls for 14- or 16-head models.
   • For optimal efficiency, ensure the weigher’s output matches or slightly exceeds the capacity of your packaging machine (e.g., vertical form-fill-seal machine).
3. Number of Weighing Heads

   The number of heads directly impacts accuracy, speed, and cost. A 10-head weigher is ideal for medium-volume operations.

   • 10 Heads: Best for medium-speed lines with moderate accuracy requirements. Offers a good balance of performance and affordability.
   • 14+ Heads: Used for high-speed applications requiring tighter tolerances and faster combination calculations.
   • Trade-off: More heads increase speed and precision but also raise equipment cost, footprint, and maintenance complexity.
4. Weighing System Integration

   Modern combination weighers rarely operate in isolation. Seamless integration with upstream and downstream systems is essential for a smooth production flow.

   • Common integrations: vibratory feeders, linear feeders, belt conveyors, auger systems, and packaging machines.
   • Ensure compatibility with your existing PLC or control system (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley).
   • Consider communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus) for data logging and remote monitoring.
   • Poor integration can lead to bottlenecks, product buildup, or inaccurate timing.
5. Discharge Hopper Capacity

   The discharge hopper temporarily holds the final combined product before it’s released into the packaging machine. Its size must match your production rate and product type.

   • Capacity should align with the size of the weighing buckets and expected discharge frequency.
   • Too small: Risk of overflow or frequent discharge cycles.
   • Too large: May cause product bridging or degradation (especially for perishables).
   • Material: Stainless steel is standard for hygiene; non-stick coatings may be needed for sticky products.

Additional Technical Considerations

• Bucket (Chuck) Types and Design

  The shape and surface of the weighing buckets (also called chucks or pans) significantly affect product handling.

  • Deep, ribbed buckets: Ideal for large, heavy, or irregular items (e.g., fruit chunks, meat pieces).
  • Shallow, smooth buckets: Best for small, delicate, or free-flowing items (e.g., candies, nuts, powders).
  • Custom bucket designs are available for specialized applications.
• Belt or Feeder Speed Control

  Proper speed management ensures consistent product flow without damage or jamming.

  • Moderate belt speed improves weighing accuracy and reduces product breakage.
  • Too slow: Can cause product clumping or feeding delays.
  • Too fast: May lead to inaccurate dosing or spillage.
  • Look for weighers with variable frequency drives (VFDs) for precise speed adjustment.
• Feeder System Interface

  The feeder system prepares the product for accurate portioning. Matching the feeder to your product is critical.

  • Vibratory feeders: Suitable for small, uniform, free-flowing products.
  • Linear feeders: Provide gentle handling for fragile items.
  • Auger feeders: Best for viscous, sticky, or semi-solid products (e.g., cheese, dough).
  • Ensure the feeder has an adjustable speed controller to synchronize with the weigher’s cycle time.
• Mass Range and Load Cell Sensitivity

  The load cells in each head determine the weigher’s accuracy and working range.

  • Select a weigher with load cells calibrated for your target weight (e.g., 50g–1kg, 1kg–5kg).
  • Narrower ranges offer higher sensitivity and better accuracy.
  • Check resolution (e.g., 0.1g, 1g) to ensure it meets your product’s tolerance requirements.
  • High-quality load cells with overload protection extend equipment life.
• Weigher System Compatibility and Footprint

  Ensure the combination weigher fits seamlessly into your existing production layout.

  • Measure available floor space, including clearance for maintenance and access.
  • Confirm discharge height matches the inlet of your packaging machine.
  • Verify power, air supply, and environmental requirements (e.g., washdown rating for food facilities).
  • Consider future scalability—can the system be upgraded or linked to additional weighers?

Selection Factor	Ideal for 10-Head Weigher	When to Consider More Heads	Key Questions to Ask
Speed (CPM)	20–60 combines/minute	60+ CPM	What is your target output per hour?
Product Type	Free-flowing solids, snacks, frozen foods	Sticky, viscous, or fragile items	Does your product require special handling?
Accuracy	±0.5% to ±1% of target weight	±0.1% to ±0.3%	What are your legal or customer tolerance limits?
Integration	Standard VFFS or pouch machines	Multi-lane or robotic packaging	Is your line automated or manual?
Budget	Mid-range investment	Higher capital allocation	What is your ROI expectation?

Expert Tip: Always request a product test from your weigher supplier. Running your actual product through the machine allows you to evaluate accuracy, speed, and handling before purchase. This step can prevent costly mistakes and ensure optimal performance from day one.

Final Recommendations

• Start with a clear understanding of your product, target weight, and production speed.
• Choose a reputable manufacturer with strong technical support and service availability.
• Ensure the weigher is built with food-grade materials (e.g., SUS304 stainless steel) if used in food, pharmaceutical, or chemical industries.
• Train operators on basic maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Consider optional features like touch-screen HMI, recipe storage, and fault diagnostics for improved usability.

Selecting the right 10-head combination weigher involves balancing performance, product compatibility, and budget. By carefully evaluating the factors outlined in this guide, you can ensure reliable, accurate, and efficient weighing that enhances your overall packaging operation. When in doubt, consult with an experienced supplier to match the best system to your specific application.

Frequently Asked Questions About 10-Head Combination Weighers

Q1: What does an operator need to do before using a 10-head combination weigher?

Before operating a 10-head combination weigher, the operator must follow a series of essential setup steps to ensure safe and accurate performance:

• Unpacking and Reassembly: Carefully unpack all components from shipping and reassemble them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This includes mounting the weigher on a stable surface and connecting hoppers, vibratory feeders, and discharge chutes.
• Quality Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of all mechanical and electrical components—check for loose screws, damaged wiring, or misaligned parts that could affect functionality.
• System Programming: Use the control interface (typically an Android tablet or touchscreen HMI) to program the weighing parameters such as target weight, tolerances, number of weighing cycles, and product settings to match the specific item being packaged.
• Power Connection and Initialization: Connect the machine to a stable power source, ensuring proper grounding. Power on the system and perform a diagnostic self-check to confirm all sensors and motors are functioning correctly.
• Test Run: Execute a test cycle with sample product to verify accuracy, speed, and consistency. Adjust settings as needed to optimize performance before full-scale production begins.

Proper setup not only ensures accurate weighing but also minimizes downtime and reduces the risk of equipment damage during operation.

Q2: Which items are commonly measured using a 10-head combination weigher?

A 10-head combination weigher is highly versatile and widely used across industries for accurately measuring a broad range of products. Commonly weighed items include:

• Food Products: Snacks like nuts, candies, chocolates, dried fruits, potato chips, and gummy bears. It's also effective for powders, granules, and small solid items packaged in sachets, pouches, or bottles.
• Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals: Tablets, capsules, and powdered supplements where precise dosing is critical.
• Industrial Components: Small mechanical parts such as screws, washers, springs, and electronic components that require fast, accurate counting and batching.
• Agricultural Goods: Seeds, grains, and fertilizers often benefit from high-speed, consistent weighing during packaging.
• Household and DIY Items: Nails, bolts, beads, and other small building or craft materials.

Despite a mention of “combination digital dial calipers” in the original text—which appears to be a misstatement—these are unrelated tools used for physical measurements, not product weighing. The 10-head weigher uses advanced load cells and microprocessors to calculate weight combinations from multiple hoppers, achieving high precision in milliseconds.

Q3: Are food items suitable for a 10-head combination weigher?

Yes, food items are not only suitable but are among the most common applications for 10-head combination weighers. These machines are specifically engineered for food processing environments with several key features:

• Food-Grade Construction: Made primarily from stainless steel (typically SUS304 or higher), the machine resists corrosion, withstands frequent washdowns, and prevents contamination.
• Hygienic Design: Smooth surfaces, minimal crevices, and easy-to-clean components help maintain compliance with food safety standards such as HACCP, FDA, and ISO 22000.
• Dust and Moisture Resistance: Sealed motors and IP-rated electrical enclosures protect internal components when handling powders or wet products.
• High-Speed Accuracy: Capable of processing hundreds of weighments per minute, these machines significantly boost productivity in snack, confectionery, and frozen food packaging lines.

Whether packaging gourmet nuts or bulk candies, the 10-head weigher ensures consistent portion control, reduces product giveaway, and supports sanitary production practices.

Q4: Is it easy to work on a 10-head combination weigher?

Yes, modern 10-head combination weighers are designed for user-friendly operation, thanks to advanced automation and intuitive interfaces:

• Android Tablet Control: Most models feature an Android-based Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that allows operators to monitor performance, adjust settings, view error logs, and switch between product recipes with simple touch commands.
• Smart Diagnostics: Built-in software detects issues like hopper jams, sensor errors, or imbalance, providing real-time alerts and troubleshooting guidance.
• Quick Changeover: Pre-saved programs enable fast transitions between different products, minimizing setup time and reducing operator training requirements.
• Automated Calibration: The system can auto-calibrate load cells and adjust vibration intensity based on product characteristics like size, density, and flowability.

While initial training is recommended, most operators become proficient within a short period. The combination of smart controls and mechanical reliability makes these machines accessible even in high-turnover production environments.

Q5: Are preventive measures needed for a 10-head combination weigher?

Yes, regular preventive maintenance is essential to ensure long-term reliability, accuracy, and hygiene—especially in demanding production settings:

• Daily Cleaning: After each shift, clean all contact parts (hoppers, trays, chutes) with approved sanitizers to prevent cross-contamination and buildup of sticky or dusty residues.
• Wear-and-Tear Inspections: Regularly check components such as vibration motors, silicone dampers, load cells, and seals for signs of wear, misalignment, or fatigue.
• Lubrication and Tightening: Lubricate moving parts as per the manual and ensure all fasteners remain secure to avoid operational imbalances.
• Calibration Checks: Perform periodic calibration using certified test weights to maintain weighing accuracy within tight tolerances.
• Component Replacement: Replace consumable or aging parts—like rubber gaskets, springs, or circuit boards—before they fail, based on usage hours or manufacturer recommendations.

Implementing a structured maintenance schedule not only extends the machine’s lifespan but also reduces unplanned downtime and maintains compliance with quality assurance protocols. Many manufacturers offer service plans and remote monitoring options to further support equipment longevity.