Product
- Representative normal and worst credible condition
- Bulk density, particle distribution or flow description
- Temperature, particulates, foaming, dust or fragility where relevant
- Upstream storage, transfer and refill method
Dosing selection guide
Which dosing system should feed a VFFS machine?
The filler should be selected from the product behaviour, required dose, verification method, accepted output, cleaning boundary and the timing needed to release product into the formed bag.
Direct answer
VFFS is the bag-forming process; the dosing system must be matched separately.
Auger fillers are commonly assessed for powders, linear and multihead weighers for free-flowing granules and pieces, volumetric cups for stable products that fill a fixed volume consistently, and pumps for liquids and pastes. Counters can be used for suitable discrete components. The final choice depends on actual product samples and the complete production requirement.
Selection matrix
Compare the dosing principle before comparing machine options
The table is a qualitative starting point. It does not replace a product trial or guarantee a particular tolerance or output.
| Dosing route | Control principle | Often assessed for | Important limitations to test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auger filler | A controlled screw movement displaces a volume of powder. | Fine, cohesive and many controlled-flow powders. | Bulk-density change, screw charging, bridging, dust, compaction, cut-off and tooling range. |
| Linear weigher | One or more feed channels add product to a weigh hopper until the target is reached. | Free-flowing granules, seeds, pieces and dry particulates. | Vibration response, sticking, feed consistency, breakage, cut-off and practical cycle time. |
| Multihead weigher | Several partial weights are combined to approach the target. | Higher-output free-flowing pieces or granules that distribute consistently. | Distribution, minimum piece size, breakage, hopper refill, discharge timing and transfer height. |
| Volumetric cup filler | A fixed or adjustable cup volume is filled and discharged. | Stable, free-flowing products where density remains sufficiently consistent. | Density variation, product level, cup fill, range changes and weight verification. |
| Liquid or paste pump | A metering action transfers a controlled liquid volume. | Thin liquids, viscous products, gels, sauces and pastes with suitable product-contact design. | Viscosity, temperature, particulates, foaming, separation, drip or string control and cleaning. |
| Counter or component feeder | Products are separated and counted before discharge. | Suitable discrete pieces or components where count is the acceptance measure. | Double feeds, missed pieces, orientation, size range, breakage and positive count verification. |
Engineering detail
What changes the dosing decision?
Product condition and variation
Record the range that production must handle, not only the best sample. Powders can aerate or compact; granules can segregate, stick or break; liquids can change viscosity with temperature; pastes can contain particulates; and discrete components can vary in geometry. The chosen filler must either tolerate that range or define a controlled upstream condition.
Target result and verification method
State whether acceptance is by weight, volume or count and how it will be checked. A volumetric device can be verified by weighing finished packs, but it does not directly measure weight. A weigher measures mass, but its practical result still depends on feed control, product behaviour, sampling and the agreed reject rule.
Cycle timing and product-clear time
The filler must complete its dose and allow the product to clear the open bag before the horizontal seal closes. A fast filler can still limit the line if product continues to fall, bounce, foam, drip or string. Record ready, discharge, complete and fault signals and assess the timing with the intended bag length and seal cycle.
Cleaning, contact materials and changeover
Define disassembly, access, cleaning chemicals, temperature, allergen or cross-contamination boundaries and acceptable residual condition. Tooling changes may be needed for a large fill range. The easiest route to dose may not be the easiest route to clean or change over, so evaluate the production schedule as well as one product run.
Published LU examples
How verified Lancing machine pages connect dosing and bag forming
These are examples from existing product pages, not a complete compatibility guarantee.
| Published machine | Dosing or product route | Published range or format | Trial focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| LU-FS06 auger VFFS | Auger powder dosing. | Published 150–2000ml fill range; maximum film width 520mm. | Density, screw/tooling, dust, dose by weight, film and seal cleanliness. |
| LU-FSFM6 multi-lane powder VFFS | Independent auger dosing across multiple lanes. | Published bags 50–180mm × 20–95mm; maximum film width 600mm. | Lane-to-lane dose, common feed, registration, seal and cut consistency. |
| LU-FSK1000 granule weigh-fill-seal | Weight-based granule filling. | Published 50–1000g range and 5–15 bags/minute. | Product flow, weighing verification, discharge and film behaviour. |
| LU-FSL12 twelve-lane granule VFFS | Multi-lane granule distribution. | 12 lanes; 600mm film at 50mm per lane; back sealing. | Every lane's dose, seal, cut and registration through normal events. |
| LU-420GSY liquid and paste VFFS | Application-matched liquid or paste filling. | Published 100–1000ml configurable range. | Viscosity, temperature, particulates, drip/string control, film and seals. |
| LU-FSMP8 liquid sachet system | Eight magnetic pumps. | 500mm film; back seals with rounded corners. | Lane balance, product condition, pump response, seal cleanliness and cut. |
Trial plan
Evidence needed before a dosing route is approved
Target result
- Weight, volume or count requirement
- Acceptance tolerance and sample method
- Fill range and changeover pattern
- Accepted output and reject rule
Line interface
- Filler ready, discharge, complete and fault signals
- Product-clear time and bag-open timing
- Hopper and feeder control
- Cleaning, access and safe isolation
Buyer questions
Questions about VFFS dosing systems
Which dosing system is best for a VFFS machine?
There is no single best VFFS dosing system. The correct route depends on product flow, density or viscosity variation, target dose, tolerance, accepted output, cleaning, product-contact requirements and how the filler must synchronise with the bagger. Representative product trials should confirm the final choice.
Does the VFFS machine weigh the product?
The VFFS machine normally forms, pulls, seals and cuts the film, while a separate filler or weigher measures the product. Some compact systems combine these functions in one frame, but the dosing principle still needs to be identified and verified against the required weight, volume or count result.
When should an auger filler be used with VFFS?
An auger is commonly assessed for fine, cohesive and controlled-flow powders that can be metered by screw movement. Confirm bulk-density range, hopper feed, agitation, bridging, dust, product cut-off, tooling range and how a volumetric screw result will be verified against the required pack weight.
When is a multihead weigher suitable for VFFS?
A multihead weigher may suit free-flowing pieces or granules that distribute across several weigh hoppers and can be combined to approach the target weight. The trial must check feed distribution, minimum piece size, sticking, breakage, discharge timing, transfer height and the real accepted output.
Can a volumetric cup filler maintain accurate pack weights?
A cup filler can produce repeatable pack weights only when the product fills the selected volume consistently and bulk density remains within an acceptable range. Verify consecutive weights through normal hopper-level, refill and product-condition changes because the cup measures volume rather than weight.
What information is needed to select a liquid pump?
Provide target volume, viscosity or flow description, normal and worst credible temperature, particulates, foaming, separation, chemical compatibility, cleaning method, hose and nozzle requirements and accepted output. The trial should confirm dose, drip or string control, product-clear time and seal cleanliness.
Product assessment