Dosing and Feeding Systems

Volumetric, gravimetric, and forced feeding technologies

Integrated Dosing Systems for Stable Production

In plastics extrusion, dosing precision makes the difference. A well-calibrated feeding system means consistent quality, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and real control over costs. Bausano lines integrate dosing systems designed to adapt to the material being processed — whether virgin polymer, filled compound, masterbatch, or recycled material — and to the customer's specific requirements. The result? A more stable, higher-performing production process, even in the most complex contexts.

Gravimetric or Volumetric: Choosing Based on the Result

There is no universal system: the right dosing solution depends on the type of material, process stability, and production goals. Volumetric systems are an economical and effective solution for those working with consistent materials and linear processes: they are simple to integrate, quick to set up, and ideal for standard production. But where variability comes into play — density, particle size, moisture — the gravimetric system becomes essential. Based on load cells, this system continuously weighs the material fed into the line, automatically compensating for fluctuations and ensuring minimal deviations (up to ±0.3%). It is the ideal choice for high-value-added production or when working with critical materials. Both technologies are available in single-screw, twin-screw, or vibrating channel versions, including loss-in-weight configurations for the simultaneous management of multiple components.

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Integrated Systems for Stable, Traceable, and Flexible Processing

Bausano dosing systems are designed to ensure stable, continuous feeding even under the most complex conditions, such as processing densified plastic scrap or wet, irregular materials. The configuration can include hoppers with paddle agitators, variable-pitch feed screws, weighing units, and digital control, ensuring flow uniformity and immediate response to load variations. Key operational benefits include:

Waste reduction of up to 15%, thanks to precise flow rate control;
Increased uniformity of the extruded product, even over long production cycles;
Greater energy efficiency, thanks to process stabilization.

Particularly suited to extrusion with recycled materials are forced feeding systems with a conical screw and high-capacity volumetric units, which allow processing of materials with low bulk density, avoiding bridging or flow discontinuity. All solutions can be easily integrated on single-screw and twin-screw lines, new or existing, and are designed to minimize maintenance and maximize productivity.

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Operation and Components of an Extrusion Dosing System

Within a plastics extrusion line, the dosing system is the unit responsible for the precise, continuous feeding of materials. The process begins in the hopper, where the material is stored and directed toward the dosing screw, whose controlled movement regulates the quantity delivered. In gravimetric systems, dosing is based on weight measurement via load cells, while in volumetric systems the quantity is determined by the volume transferred, regardless of specific weight. Some configurations adopt loss-in-weight logic, in which the hopper's weight variation is continuously monitored to ensure extreme precision. The system is managed by an integrated digital control, which enables monitoring of process parameters, control of mixing ratios, and automatic adaptation to variations in density or flow rate. Each configuration can also include mixing units for multiple components, as well as safety devices and self-calibration features to maintain production consistency.

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Forced Feeding System

The choice of the ideal dosing system depends on a combination of factors related to the material to be processed, the extrusion line configuration, and production goals. For high-value-added processing or delicate materials (e.g., masterbatch, recycled materials, filled formulations), gravimetric systems offer the highest level of precision and traceability. Where the process does not require constant weight control but favors operational simplicity and efficiency, a volumetric system can be the more practical solution. Forced feeding is instead recommended for materials with low bulk density or irregular shape, such as regrind and flakes, particularly in recycling applications.
Key parameters to consider when selecting a system include:

Required hourly output (kg/h) and flow variability;
Type and shape of the material (granules, powders, flakes, densified);
Number of components to be dosed and the need for in-line mixing.

Bausano's technical consulting supports the customer at every stage, from initial evaluation to customized configuration, ensuring the system meets production requirements with maximum reliability and operational efficiency. All systems are designed to be integrated into new lines or existing plants.

A starting point to define the right solution together

By filling in the form below, it is possible to describe specific technical or production requirements. The technical team will carefully evaluate the request in order to propose the most suitable extrusion line or extruder.