Use a repeatable weight-check method to confirm powder filler setup and finished-pack acceptance.
Auger filler calibration links a machine setting to measured filled weight for a defined powder, screw, tube, hopper condition, recipe and weighing method. If the powder density, tooling, refill behaviour or pack process changes, the previous calibration may no longer represent the finished pack result.
A useful record shows how the filler was set, how the product behaved, what weighing equipment was used and when checks were taken during the run. This helps separate dosing variation from pack handling, settling, closure or checkweighing issues.
The best calibration evidence is specific enough to be repeated. It should describe the physical setup and the weighing method, not only the final average.
| Record item | Why it matters | Useful note |
|---|---|---|
| Product condition | Bulk density, aeration, humidity and settling can change the mass delivered by the same auger movement. | Record the batch, sample condition and whether the hopper was newly filled or already settled. |
| Tooling and outlet | Screw, tube and nozzle selection control how product is presented to the pack. | Identify the tooling set and any anti-drip, dust or bag-clamp arrangement used. |
| Machine recipe | Servo, timing and agitation settings are part of the repeatable setup. | Record the recipe or setting name used for the run. |
| Weighing method | Scale location, tare method and vibration can affect the numbers recorded. | State scale resolution, tare approach and whether checks are gross or net weight. |
| Verification sequence | Start-up, refill and restart conditions can differ from stable production. | Take checks at more than one point in the run when the product or line is sensitive. |
Where retail weight compliance matters, the filler evidence should sit alongside the business's own packaged-goods controls. GOV.UK guidance explains that packaged goods within scope can be packed by a minimum system or average system, depending on the product and process.
Auger filler calibration is not permanent for every powder and format. It is valid for the product condition, tooling, hopper state, agitation, recipe and weighing method used when the checks were made.
When any of those conditions change, the filler should be re-checked before relying on the earlier result.
Fill weights can drift after setup because powder aerates, settles, compacts, bridges, absorbs moisture or changes hopper level during production. The auger may turn the same amount, but the mass of powder in each screw flight can change.
This is why verification should include start-up, stable running, refill and restart checks where the powder is sensitive.
The checking scale should be suitable for the target fill, required resolution and site acceptance method. A scale that is too coarse, unstable or affected by vibration can make a good filler look inconsistent.
The scale and tare method should be recorded with the test results so the same method can be repeated later.
A checkweigher does not replace auger filler calibration. Calibration sets the filler up to dose correctly, while checkweighing verifies the accepted pack and can identify packs that need rejection or investigation.
For more demanding lines, both setup calibration and final-pack verification may be needed.
Send the powder, target weight, pack tare method, sample-check requirement and output target so Lancing can discuss the right verification route.
Calibration and weight verification are most useful when the method can be repeated by operators and reviewed by quality or engineering teams. Record the scale, tare method, target, sample count, fill setting, powder state and any adjustment made after hopper refill or restart.
Where the project needs more formal documentation, link the weight-verification method to the validation, IQ/OQ and PQ evidence plan so FAT, SAT and production checks use compatible acceptance criteria.