Micro Weighing Systems
Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc. offers customized micro weighing systems to create a batch of material that requires accurately measured ingredients, which is critical to the batch integrity. These micro weighing systems (a.k.a. micro ingredient systems or micro ingredient batching systems) are automatic. As a part of our micro weighing systems, we offer supply bins, bulk bag or tote unloading, ingredient feeders, automatic bin refilling, work platforms, raw material bag handling equipment, dust collection, batched material conveying equipment (pneumatic and mechanical) and more. Micro weighing systems are those that have typical weighment sizes up to around 50lbs (23kg). Micro weighing systems can also include minor and bulk weighing sizes. The term “micro system” is used in some industries to refer to a general ingredient batching system regardless of individual weighment sizes.
We offer a variety of ingredient feeding devices for the micro weighing systems. Ingredient feeder technology is chosen based upon the best solution for the specific application, through analysis of ingredient information provided, and material product feasibility studies. For the screw or auger type feeder selection considerations include: 1) the industry (food, agricultural or industrial), and 2) the demands of the application. We offer a standard-duty design and a heavy-duty design for different bin sizes and ingredient loads. We offer Agricultural and Food Grade feeder designs. Standard auger feeder designs range from 2 to 6 inches. Size selection depends upon accuracy and rate requirements.
Sterling Systems & Controls also offer micro weighing ingredient batching systems with vibratory feeders, depending upon the application, where screw (auger type) feeders are not appropriate or the best choice. We use our more than 50 years of technology and application experience to optimize micro weighing systems for your specific objectives and application requirements.
Scale devices such as hoppers, platforms, conveyors, etc. are used in a variety of micro weighing system designs, depending on the specific requirements of the application. When considering the scale device/type and quantity, many application factors must be considered, such as the required scale resolution, accuracy, system batching rate, and also room constraints.
Transfer of completed batches to downstream processing, such as to a mixer, blender or other process equipment, can be done manually or automatically using either mechanical or pneumatic conveying of batched ingredient materials.
Micro ingredient weighing and batching systems (a.k.a. micro ingredient systems or micro ingredient batching systems) are modular in design allowing for expansion of the systems as requirements change over time. Many customers will automate the most frequently used ingredient materials with the highest volumes and add to the system over time. Systems typically range from 6 to 48 storage/supply bins, with an average of about 24 ingredient supply bins. It is not unusual to update micro ingredient systems with additional bins and update the system controls decades after initial design and installation. Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc. micro weighing systems are designed to be scalable and easily allow for expansion, process changes, and modifications mechanically as well as in the controls and automation area.
Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc. custom engineers and manufactures micro weighing systems to provide the most efficient weighing and batching systems for various Animal Feed, Agriculture, Food Processing, Baking, Pet Food Manufacturing, and other industrial applications such as rubber, chemicals and many more.