Best Approach for Sugar Filling Machine

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi

So, I own a small sugar filling company
We buy in bulk and later sell it in smaller packages (500 gr and 1kg)

So far we do it manually by hand. I'm thinking of upgrading our workflow, so we can accept more order and do it faster. After googling here and there, I came up with a solution (found it on this forum too, and attached below, thanks to the creator)

Any idea if this is the best approach or there is other simpler way to do it?

Thanks

Sugar.gif
Sugar.gif408×528 8.59 KB

Sugar.gif
Sugar.gif408×528 8.59 KB

2

I would reckon a 25mm ball valve would be a better bet than what you have drawn. Probably driven by a linear actuator. There a plenty of weighing projects around here. On reflection, I'm surprised a machine like this doesn't already exist. Beware of re-inventing the wheel.

3

It's An approach, for sure. Best? Only you can say.

If you can find a scale with an RS232 interface, the arduino could read read a start button, open a valve/solenoid, read the scale output and close a valve/solenoid at whatever weight you choose to stop the sugar flow. Maybe a little under your target weight to give the funnel/filler tube a chance to finish emptying.

4

This scale seems to still be available

Just add an RS232-TTL adapter.

5

Nick_Pyner:
I would reckon a 25mm ball valve would be a better bet than what you have drawn. Probably driven by a linear actuator. There a plenty of weighing projects around here. On reflection, I surprised a machine like this doesn't already exist. Beware of re-inventing the wheel.
ALL FILL Semi-auto auger filling machines

Thanks for the information, I will try to explore 25mm ball option
A semi auto auger fillers seems to be too expensive, it's also rare here and I need to wait for 2-4 months to buy it overseas

CrossRoads:
It's An approach, for sure. Best? Only you can say.

If you can find a scale with an RS232 interface, the arduino could read read a start button, open a valve/solenoid, read the scale output and close a valve/solenoid at whatever weight you choose to stop the sugar flow. Maybe a little under your target weight to give the funnel/filler tube a chance to finish emptying.

This is exactly what I will do, also I need a solution for the phantom weight, since when the sugar fall down, the weight will be a little bit different compared to the real weight

Btw I need a RS232 scale? Can I do it with a regular load cell and HX711?
I mean just read the output from the load cell and move the servo/valve/solenoid or whatever when the target is reached

I never tinker with a load cell before

Thanks

6

ijoin:
Btw I need a RS232 scale? Can I do it with a regular load cell and HX711?
I mean just read the output from the load cell and move the servo/valve/solenoid or whatever when the target is reached

I never tinker with a load cell before

Thanks

You could use a load cell and HX711. But there will be more learning/experimentation needed

What you save in the purchase cost will be consumed by the extra time you need to spend on the project.

An RS232 scale also comes with the advantage that it is already calibrated.