Labotek GraviMaster Systems - High-Precision Plastic Material Dosing with Gravimetric Batch Blender Technology
Developed by Labotek, the GraviMaster systems are advanced batch blender solutions designed for the gravimetric dosing and mixing of dry, free-flowing thermoplastic materials. In plastic injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and compounding processes, they ensure highly accurate blending of virgin material, masterbatch, regrind, and additives, significantly enhancing process stability and final product quality.
Thanks to their weight-based dosing principle, the GraviMaster series eliminates density variations, flow inconsistencies, and recipe deviations commonly associated with volumetric systems. Each raw material is weighed individually and fed into a single weighing hopper, allowing the system to continuously monitor and control blend ratios with high precision.
Gravimetric Operating Principle and Mixing Technology
In Labotek GraviMaster systems, all components are gravimetrically dosed according to recipe ratios entered via the touch-screen interface. Each component is measured independently and collected in a single weighing hopper. Once the weighing cycle is completed, the batch is mixed homogeneously by a dedicated mixing mechanism and then discharged into the process.
At the core of the system is a specially designed slide valve combined with a patented reverse-flight auger mixing technology. Compared to conventional batch blenders, this design delivers significantly higher mixing homogeneity. As a result:
Continuous and homogeneous mixing is achieved
Batch-related dosing errors are minimized
Color and additive distribution is highly uniform
Product and color changes are faster and cleaner
GraviMaster systems provide dosing accuracy down to 0.01 percent of the batch weight, offering a major advantage in controlling masterbatch and additive costs.
Model Range and Throughput Capacities
The Labotek GraviMaster product family covers a wide range of production capacities and process requirements. With throughput options from 50 kg/h up to 3000 kg/h, the series is suitable for both small injection molding machines and high-capacity extrusion lines.
GraviMaster 50
Capacity: 50 kg/h
Standard batch weight: 0.6 kg
Standard number of components: 4
Hopper volume per component: 12 liters
Motor power: 0.18 kW
Machine weight: 50 kg
GraviMaster 100
Capacity: 100 kg/h
Batch weight: 0.8 kg
Standard number of components: 4
Hopper volume: 12 liters
GraviMaster 200
Capacity: 175 kg/h
Batch weight: 1.2 kg
Standard number of components: 4
GraviMaster 300
Capacity: 300 kg/h
Batch weight: 2 kg
Hopper volume: 35 liters
GraviMaster 600
Capacity: 500 kg/h
Batch weight: 4 kg
GraviMaster 1000
Capacity: 1000 kg/h
Batch weight: 7.5 kg
Standard number of components: 4 or 6
GraviMaster 1500
Capacity: 1500 kg/h
Batch weight: 12 kg
GraviMaster 3000
Capacity: 3000 kg/h
Batch weight: 25 kg
Standard number of components: 6 or 8
Hopper volume: 110 liters
All models can be expanded with optional additional component modules, increasing recipe flexibility. Systems are designed for standard material temperatures up to 70 °C, with optional configurations allowing operation up to 130 °C for high-temperature applications.
User Interface and Control Architecture
GraviMaster systems are equipped with an operator-friendly touch-screen control panel. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing fast recipe setup, batch monitoring, and alarm management.
Key control and monitoring features include:
Detailed reporting and alarm management
Built-in trend monitoring and data history
Integration with automation systems via industry-standard communication protocols
Production data tracking for process optimization
These capabilities provide major operational advantages, particularly in plants with multiple recipes and frequent product changes.
Optional Equipment and System Flexibility
Labotek GraviMaster systems are available with a wide range of options to match different process requirements:
Extrusion control module
Powder dosing integration
Flange adapters
Offline blending capability
Automatic cleaning system
Integrated material handling solutions
With these options, the GraviMaster evolves from a simple batch blender into a complete material handling and dosing solution.
Industrial Advantages and Process Benefits
The main benefits offered by Labotek GraviMaster systems include:
High dosing accuracy resulting in raw material and masterbatch savings
Stable product quality through continuous homogeneous mixing
Faster product and color changeovers
Safe and increased use of regrind material
Repeatable and traceable production results
Low maintenance requirements and long service life
Labotek further underlines the quality and reliability of GraviMaster systems by offering a three-year warranty, excluding wear parts, demonstrating strong confidence in the robustness of the equipment.