These customized automatic material weighing systems (micro, minor, and major ingredient weighing or batching systems) can include supply bins, feeders, work platforms, automatic or manual bin refilling, raw material bag handling equipment, dust collection/control, batched material conveying equipment (pneumatic and mechanical) or transport totes, lot tracking and traceability, barcode scanning, and RFID scanning. Other customized options can also be included. 

Micro weighing systems are those that have scale weighments up to around 50 lb. Larger weighments are known as minor (50 to 150 lb) and major (>150 lb). Often a combination of micro, minor, and major weighments are included in a customized material weighing system.

Sterling Systems & Controls offers a variety of feeding devices for use in the micro material weighing systems. Typically screw/auger and vibratory type feeders are used. The type used is based upon what the best solution will be for the specific application.

The scale devices used in the material weighing systems can be of a variety of designs, including hoppers, platforms, conveyors, etc. The scale type chosen depends on application requirements, e.g. scale resolution, accuracy, and batch rate. Transfer of the completed batches to downstream processing, such as a mixer, blender, or other process equipment, can be done manually or automatically. 

The automatic micro material weighing systems are modular in design, allowing for expansion of the systems as requirements change over time. Systems typically range from 6 to 48 storage/supply bins, with the average being 24 micro ingredient supply bins. It is not unusual to update systems with additional bins after initial system installation. 

Electrical controls and automation for the material weighing systems can be provided.

Sterling Systems & Controls, Sterling, IL 815-625-0852 www.sterlingcontrols.com

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