A multihead weigher is an important automatic weighing machine used in modern food processing and packaging lines. It helps manufacturers achieve fast, accurate, and consistent weighing while reducing manual labor and product giveaway.
But how does a multihead weigher work?
Understanding the working principle of a multihead weighing system can help food manufacturers choose the right equipment for improving production efficiency and packaging accuracy.
What Is a Multihead Weigher?
A multihead weigher, also known as a combination weigher, is an automatic weighing machine that uses multiple weighing heads and intelligent combination weighing technology to achieve accurate target weights.
Unlike traditional weighing methods that rely on a single weighing unit, a multihead weigher uses multiple independent weighing hoppers and a control system to calculate the best weight combination.
This technology is widely used in food processing industries, including:
- Seafood processing
- Poultry and meat processing
- Frozen food production
- Fruit and vegetable processing
- Snacks and granular products
- Food packaging
How Does a Multihead Weigher Work?
A multihead weigher mainly works through five key steps.
1. Product Feeding
The product is first delivered into the multihead weigher through a feeding system.
A vibration feeder distributes products evenly into multiple weighing hoppers.
Stable feeding is important because it directly affects weighing accuracy, production speed, and overall machine performance.
2. Individual Weighing
Each weighing hopper measures the amount of product it contains.
For example, a 16-head multihead weigher has multiple independent weighing units that can measure different product portions at the same time.
The weight data from each hopper is collected and sent to the central control system.
3. Combination Calculation
This is the key advantage of a multihead weighing system.
The intelligent controller analyzes different weight combinations in a short time and automatically selects the combination closest to the target weight.
For example, if the target package weight is 500 g, the system calculates which weighing hoppers should be combined to achieve the most accurate result.
This process improves weighing accuracy and helps reduce product giveaway.
4. Product Discharge
After selecting the best combination, the selected weighing hoppers open and discharge the product into the packaging system.
The process is fast and synchronized, allowing continuous production.
A multihead weigher can be integrated with:
- Vertical packaging machines
- Premade bag packaging machines
- Conveyor systems
- Checkweighers
- Metal detectors
to create a complete automatic weighing and packaging line.
5. Continuous Operation
After discharge, the weighing hoppers are refilled and the next weighing cycle begins.
This continuous process allows multihead weighers to maintain high production efficiency and stable weighing performance.
Main Components of a Multihead Weigher
A typical multihead weighing system includes several important components.
Weighing Hoppers
Weighing hoppers are responsible for measuring individual product portions.
The number of weighing heads affects the available weight combinations, production flexibility, and weighing performance.
Common configurations include:
- 12-head multihead weigher – suitable for standard food weighing applications requiring stable accuracy and efficiency.
- 16-head multihead weigher – widely used for medium and high-speed food processing and packaging lines.
- 20-head multihead weigher – suitable for applications requiring higher production capacity and more weighing combinations.
- 26-head multihead weigher – designed for high-speed production lines requiring excellent weighing flexibility and efficiency.
Load Cells
Load cells measure the weight inside each hopper with high precision.
Reliable load cell performance is essential for maintaining consistent weighing accuracy.
Control System
The intelligent control system calculates weight combinations and manages the complete weighing process.
Operators can adjust parameters according to different products and production requirements.
Feeding System
The feeding system controls how products enter the weighing hoppers.
Different products may require different feeding solutions depending on size, shape, moisture, and product characteristics.
Why Is Combination Weighing More Accurate?
The main advantage of a combination weigher is the intelligent weight calculation technology.
Traditional weighing methods usually depend on one measurement point, while a multihead weigher uses multiple weighing units and automatically selects the best combination.
This provides:
- Higher weighing accuracy
- Lower product giveaway
- Faster production speed
- Better package consistency
For high-value products such as seafood and meat, improving weighing accuracy can significantly reduce production costs.
Multihead Weigher Applications in Food Processing
Multihead weighers are widely used for different food products.
Seafood Processing
Suitable for products such as shrimp, fish, squid, and other seafood products.
Important requirements include waterproof design, stainless steel construction, and easy cleaning.
Meat and Poultry Processing
Used for products requiring hygienic handling and stable weighing performance.
Frozen Food Processing
Suitable for frozen vegetables, frozen meat products, and other frozen items.
Fruit and Vegetable Processing
Used for products requiring gentle handling and consistent portion control.
Why Choose Longreat Multihead Weighing Solutions?
Longreat Automation Equipment provides automatic weighing solutions and complete food processing automation systems.
Our multihead weighing systems are designed for food manufacturers requiring accurate weighing, high efficiency, and reliable performance.
Our solutions can be integrated with:
- Conveyor systems
- Packaging machines
- Checkweighers
- Metal detectors
- Robotic palletizing systems
to create complete automated production lines.
We provide customized weighing solutions based on:
- Product characteristics
- Target weight
- Required production speed
- Production environment
- Factory layout
Final Thoughts
A multihead weigher works by combining multiple weighing units with intelligent calculation technology to achieve fast and accurate automatic weighing.
By understanding how a multihead weighing system works, food manufacturers can better select suitable equipment to improve production efficiency, reduce product giveaway, and increase automation levels.
For companies looking to upgrade their food processing and packaging lines, Longreat Automation Equipment provides reliable weighing and automation solutions.
Longreat Automation Equipment – Your Trusted Partner for Complete Food Processing Automation & Hygienic Solutions.