Prepare useful product evidence before choosing an auger filler, screw, hopper and trial method.
A bulk-density and flowability test helps show whether a powder is likely to dose consistently through an auger filler. It records how the product occupies volume, settles, bridges, clings, aerates and flows into the screw so the trial can focus on the right hopper, agitator, screw, tube and discharge setup.
The method does not replace a machine trial, but it makes the trial more useful. The aim is to send Lancing information that explains the powder's behaviour, not just the product name.
This method is intended to prepare a useful enquiry and trial. Final suitability still depends on representative samples and machine testing.
| Step | What to do | What it helps show |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Identify the sample | Record product name, batch, age, storage, moisture risk and whether the sample has been recently transported or mixed. | Powders can behave differently after storage, vibration or mixing, so sample history matters. |
| 2. Check loose density | Fill a known-volume container without deliberate tapping and weigh the powder. | This gives a starting point for the relationship between volume and target fill weight. |
| 3. Check settled behaviour | Allow the same sample to settle or gently tap it in a repeatable way, then record the change. | A large change suggests density may vary between start-up, refill and steady production. |
| 4. Observe flow | Pour through a funnel or improvised chute and record bridging, flooding, clinging, dust or inconsistent discharge. | This points to the need for agitation, feeder control, dust extraction or a different filling method. |
| 5. Simulate refill and restart | Stop and restart the discharge after the powder has sat for a short period. | Restart behaviour often exposes bridging, compaction or inconsistent head pressure. |
| 6. Prepare trial evidence | Send the notes with target weights, pack samples and required output. | The trial can then check the important states rather than only one ideal fill. |
Bulk density matters because an auger filler meters a volume of powder through a screw and tube. If the same volume contains a different weight because the powder has settled, aerated or compacted, the filled pack weight can change.
A stable density makes volumetric dosing easier. Variable density does not automatically rule out auger filling, but it means the trial should test refill, restart and steady-run conditions carefully.
Flowability describes how readily the powder moves from storage, through the hopper and into the filling tool. A powder can look dry but still bridge, cling, flood, compact or separate during dosing.
Flowability affects hopper angle, agitation, screw selection, filling speed, dust control and pack presentation. It should be tested with the real product rather than assumed from the ingredient name.
A free-flowing powder does not always need auger filling. Depending on the tolerance, product value, fragility and pack format, weighing, cup dosing or another dry-product filling route may be more suitable.
Auger filling is strongest where screw control, a stable hopper and matched tooling provide repeatable dosing. The decision should include weighing evidence and downstream pack handling.
Send a representative production sample, not just a small clean lab sample. Include the normal product condition, expected fines, blended ingredients, clumps or dust, and any product that may have been stored or transported before filling.
Include the smallest and largest fill weights, the tightest pack opening and any product variants that may run on the same machine.
Once the powder behaviour is understood, continue with sample trial and FAT planning, hopper feeding and level control or the auger filler selection guide.
Share the product behaviour, pack format and target fill range so Lancing can plan the trial around the real dosing challenge.