Dosing devices / Loss-in-weight feeder
In an industry that is constantly striving for efficiency and precision, our feeders and loss-in-weight feeders set new standards. Specially developed for the gravimetric and volumetric dosing of powders and granulates that are difficult to flow, we offer you innovative solutions that optimize your production processes. Our products are characterized by their robust design and control technology that is perfectly matched to the mechanics, ensuring that optimum dosing results can always be achieved. Whether in the chemical, plastics or food industry - our dosing solutions adapt flexibly to your specific requirements. In order to be able to offer a comprehensive range of dosing options, we have screw feeders and vibratory feeders. These systems are designed to precisely dispense even the most challenging materials while ensuring maximum efficiency.
Thanks to their precise and continuous conveying technology, screw feeders offer an efficient solution for precisely metered processing of a wide variety of materials in industry.
- Uniform material feed through rotating screws
- Adaptable to different bulk material properties
- High dosing accuracy with continuous operation
Their flexibility makes them ideal for a wide range of industries.
Vibratory feeder impress with their ability to transport materials precisely and evenly, even in demanding applications.
- Precise dosing through controlled vibrations
- Suitable for fine to coarse materials
- Simple integration into existing systems
They are particularly suitable for continuous processes and flexible dosing requirements.
Your contact
Björn Demmer
Shareholder - General manager
PHONE: +49 2247 918 90
E-MAIL: bdemmer(at)demic-datentechnik.de
Heinz Demmer
Shareholder - General manager
PHONE: +49 2247 918 90
E-MAIL: hdemmer(at)demic-datentechnik.de
Precise dosing with dosing devices from DEMIC
How dosing devices work?
Dosing devices are indispensable components in modern industry, as they enable a controlled, consistent and precise supply of material. They are used in numerous sectors such as plastics processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food production. In industrial production, it must be ensured that bulk materials, powders or liquids are dosed in precisely defined quantities in order to guarantee consistent quality and efficiency
There are different types of dosing devices, including volumetric and gravimetric systems. Volumetric feeders work with fixed volumes per unit of time and are suitable for processes where small fluctuations can be tolerated. Gravimetric feeders, on the other hand, measure the weight of the material in real time and adjust the feed dynamically. This precise control ensures maximum accuracy and minimizes material losses, which is particularly important in cost-intensive production processes.
An optimally coordinated dosing system not only increases the quality of the end products, but also reduces production costs through more efficient material utilization.
Loss-in-weight feeders: Precise dosing thanks to load cell technology
Loss-in-weight feeders are high-precision dosing systems that work with load cells and enable continuous weight measurement during the material feed. The material to be dispensed is weighed as it is transferred to the production system. Precise weight adjustment allows even the smallest deviations in the material feed to be corrected.
The advantage of this technology lies in its particularly high dosing accuracy, which is particularly important in areas with low tolerances. Applications in the pharmaceutical or food industry benefit from this precise control, as it ensures that each product contains exactly the prescribed amount of material.
Furthermore, loss-in-weight feeders are extremely flexible and can be used for a wide range of materials such as powders, granulates and even liquids. Their automated control system also facilitates integration into industrial processes, as it regulates the material feed in real time. This not only leads to improved production quality, but also reduces costs through more efficient use of materials.
Screw feeder: Efficient conveying of bulk material
How a screw feeder works
A screw feeder is a mechanical dosing system that uses a screw conveyor to transport materials such as powder or granules in a controlled and uniform manner. The screw rotates in a closed pipe or open channel and transports the material from the inlet to the outlet. The dosing quantity can be precisely regulated by the speed of the screw and the diameter of the feed pipe.
This type of dosing is particularly suitable for materials with medium to good flowability. Screw feeders offer the advantage of a continuous, trouble-free material feed, which is essential for many production processes. Depending on the application, the devices can be equipped with different types of screws, including ascending screws for sensitive powders or twin screws for poor-flowing materials.
Areas of application and advantages of screw feeders
Screw feeders are used in numerous industries, including plastics processing, the chemical industry and food production. They enable precise control of the material feed, which ensures a high level of reproducibility in production processes.
The most important advantages of a screw feeder:
- High dosing accuracy: The continuous material feed means that the dosing remains constant.
- Versatile application possibilities: Ideal for powders, granulates and mixed materials.
- Easy integration: Thanks to their compact design, screw feeders can be easily integrated into existing production lines.
- Minimal maintenance: Robust design reduces wear and extends service life.
Vibratory feeder: Even dosing thanks to vibration technology
Precision and efficiency in material supply
Vibratory feeder are another proven technology for dosing and conveying bulk materials. They use targeted vibrations to transport material from one point to another. This is done by a specially designed chute or pipe that uses vibrations to move the material at a controlled speed.
This technology is particularly suitable for sensitive materials, as it controls the material flow without mechanical stress. In addition, vibratory feeders offer very high dosing accuracy, as the vibration frequency can be precisely regulated.
Adaptation to different materials
Vibratory feeder can be used for a wide range of materials, including:
- Finest powders: precise conveying without clumping.
- Granulates and pellets: Uniform material feed without breakage.
- Coarse materials: Precise dosing without blockages.
Thanks to their modular design, vibratory feeder can be individually adapted to the requirements of different production processes.
Applications and industries for dosing devices
Use in the plastics, chemical and food industries
Dosing devices play a central role in numerous branches of industry, as they enable precise, consistent and controlled material feed. Dosing devices are particularly essential in the plastics industry, as they ensure the precise dosing of granulates, additives and masterbatches in extrusion and injection molding processes. Precise material feeding is crucial for the quality of the end product and ensures a consistent recipe.
In the chemical industry, a wide variety of substances must be precisely dosed in order for chemical reactions to take place reliably. Powders, pigments, liquids and additives often have to be added in very small quantities in order to achieve optimum results. This is where gravimetric feeding scales are used, which enable continuous weight control.
The food industry also uses dosing systems to ensure consistent product quality. Hygiene standards play a major role here, which is why dosing devices made of stainless steel or food-safe plastics are preferred. Ingredients such as flour, sugar, spices or liquids must be dosed in precise quantities in order to adhere exactly to recipes and avoid production fluctuations.
FAQs on dosing devices and dosing scales
Volumetric dosing systems work with a fixed volume per unit of time and are particularly suitable for applications where small fluctuations in material density can be tolerated. Gravimetric feeders, especially loss-in-weight feeders, measure the weight of the material in real time and automatically adjust the feed rate. This method ensures greater dosing accuracy as it can compensate for external influences such as material compaction or ambient conditions. Gravimetric systems are ideal for processes where accurate material dosing is critical to product quality.
Modern dispensers are versatile and designed for a wide range of materials. These include
- Powders and fine-grained materials such as flour, pigments or chemical additives
- Granulates and pellets, often used in the plastics or pharmaceutical industry
- Liquids that require precise volumetric or gravimetric dosing
- Poorly flowing or cohesive substances for which special dosing solutions such as vibratory feeders or twin-shaft screw feeders are used.
Loss-in-weight feeders are among the most precise dosing systems, as they continuously measure the weight of the conveyed material. Depending on the model and application, the measurement deviation is in the range of ±0.1 % or better. In comparison, volumetric feeders can have fluctuations of up to 5 %, especially if the material density varies. This precision makes loss-in-weight feeders particularly valuable in sectors such as the pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries, where even small feeding deviations can affect product quality.
Screw feeders are one of the most commonly used dosing systems, as they ensure a continuous and even material feed. They are ideal for free-flowing powders, granulates and mixed materials. Thanks to variable speed control, screw feeders can be adapted to specific production requirements. They can also be precisely matched to the respective material thanks to different screw types (ascending, compact or twin screws). Their high dosing accuracy and simple integration make them the preferred choice in the plastics and chemical industries.
Vibratory feeders are particularly suitable for materials that clump, stick or are difficult to flow in conventional screw feeders. They are ideal for fine powders, brittle materials or sensitive substances that need to be transported mechanically and gently. Unlike screw feeders, vibratory feeders operate without contact, which minimizes the risk of material compaction or product destruction. They are also more flexible in terms of quantity adjustment and can be easily integrated into existing production lines.
Modern dosing devices and loss-in-weight feeders are equipped with intelligent interfaces such as Modbus, Profibus or Ethernet. These enable seamless integration into digital control systems and Industry 4.0 networks. By connecting to higher-level PLC controls or MES systems, the material flow can be monitored and optimized in real time. In addition, process data can be recorded, evaluated and used for quality control or predictive maintenance.
The choice of the optimum dosing device depends on several factors:
- Material properties: Is the material free-flowing, cohesive or hygroscopic?
- Dosing accuracy: Is a volumetric or gravimetric solution required?
- Delivery rate: What flow rate is required?
- Hygienic requirements: Is the device certified for food or pharmaceutical applications?
- Interface integration: Does the dosing device have to be compatible with an existing automation system?
The maintenance of a feeder depends on the design and the materials processed. Screw feeders require regular inspections of the screw shaft and bearings to prevent abrasion or material build-up. Vibratory feeders are virtually maintenance-free as they have no moving mechanical parts that are subject to wear. Loss-in-weight feeders should be calibrated regularly to ensure consistent measurement accuracy. In addition, it is important that feeders are easy to clean, especially if they are used in the food or pharmaceutical industry.
Energy efficiency is playing an increasingly important role in industrial production. Modern feeders are designed to minimize energy consumption by actively feeding material only when necessary. Intelligent control systems and adaptive control loops optimize dispensing processes and prevent unnecessary energy losses. In addition, precise material dosing reduces the consumption of raw materials, which not only brings economic benefits but also reduces the environmental impact.
High-precision dosing technology can significantly reduce material costs by avoiding overdosing or material waste. Companies benefit from better raw material utilization, less production waste and consistently high product quality. Particularly in cost-intensive sectors such as the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, even a small improvement in dosing accuracy can lead to considerable cost savings. In addition, precise dosing reduces the number of faulty products, which reduces waste and increases production efficiency.