Accuracy and tolerance guide
Understand what affects weight control and product giveaway in dry-product filling.
Open pageProduction problem
Powder bridging and rat-holing in weigh filling
Compare practical ways to improve bridging or rat-holing in dry-product filling.
Start with the product and pack.
Powder bridging and rat-holing is usually caused by the relationship between the product, hopper, feeder and target dose. A filler that works well on one dry product may struggle when bridging or rat-holing changes the flow into the weighing system.
The solution may be a different feeder, a modified hopper, slower feed control, product agitation, dust extraction, a checkweigher or a different packing layout. The most reliable route is chosen after looking at the product behaviour and the output target together.
Typical projects include flour, milk powder, protein powder, mineral powder and detergent powder. Lancing can compare the options before the line is priced, so the specification is based on the problem being solved rather than only the headline machine type.
Specification checks
- Describe when bridging or rat-holing happens during filling, feeding, discharge or sealing.
- Confirm the target fill weight, required tolerance and current giveaway or reject level if known.
- Send photos or video of the product feeding and the pack being filled where possible.
- Decide whether the priority is consistent product feed, higher speed, cleaner operation or less operator handling.
Related routes
Useful pages for the same enquiry.
Compare the machine type, pack format and product handling route before asking for a quotation.
Weigh filler output guide
Plan realistic packs-per-minute based on product flow, dose and pack handling.
Open pageHow to choose a weigh filler
Compare the main machine routes before buying a filler.
Open pageLinear weigh fillers
Compare controlled weighing for free-flowing dry products, moderate outputs and flexible pack formats.
Open pageMultihead weighers
Compare higher-speed portion weighing for snacks, pet food, coffee, granules and mixed products.
Open pageAuger fillers
Compare screw dosing for fine powders, dusty products and products that need hopper agitation.
Open pageFAQ
Questions before choosing a weigh filler.
Short answers for buyers comparing dry-product filling equipment.
Can a weigh filler help with bridging or rat-holing?
Yes, if the weighing route, feeder and pack handling are selected around the product behaviour. Sometimes the feeder and hopper are more important than the weighing controller itself.
Do I need a completely new line?
Not always. Some projects can be improved with different feeding, discharge, checkweighing or operator handling. Other projects need a complete weigh-fill-seal route.
What should I send before asking for advice?
Send product details, target weight, tolerance, output, current problems and any photos or short videos that show the product flow.
Send the product, target weight, pack format and output target.
Lancing can advise whether a linear weigher, multihead weigher, auger filler, VFFS line or integrated route is the practical starting point.