Labotek MC High Systems - High-Capacity Loss-in-Weight Gravimetric Dosing Technology
Developed by Labotek, the MC High (MCHigh Output G) systems are professional loss-in-weight gravimetric dosing units designed to meet high-throughput and high-accuracy dosing requirements in the plastics processing industry. They ensure continuous, stable, and repeatable feeding of masterbatch, additives, and base materials, particularly in extrusion, compounding, recycling, and high-capacity injection molding applications.
Unlike conventional volumetric feeders, MC High systems continuously weigh the dosed material. As a result, variations in material bulk density, flow behavior, or process conditions do not affect dosing accuracy. Even at high throughput rates, recipe ratios remain stable, maximizing process reliability and production safety.
Operating Principle - Loss-in-Weight Gravimetric Dosing
At the core of Labotek MC High systems lies the loss-in-weight principle. Using an integrated weighing module with two load cells, the system continuously measures the weight loss in the dosing hopper. Based on this weight loss, the instantaneous mass flow rate is calculated and the screw motor speed is automatically adjusted.
This fully gravimetric design provides the following benefits:
Continuous self-calibration of the dosing process
Constant true mass flow even when material density changes
Prevention of recipe deviations during long production runs
Stable operation without the need for operator intervention
Hopper refilling is automatically controlled via a pneumatic knife gate located at the upper flange. During refilling, the system manages the process without interrupting gravimetric control, ensuring uninterrupted and stable production.
MC High systems support standard Ethernet communication. Optional analog outputs are also available, allowing easy integration into a wide range of automation architectures.
Technical Specifications and Numerical Data
Key technical and numerical specifications of the Labotek MC High Output G systems, as stated in the catalog, are summarized below:
Operating principle
Fully gravimetric loss-in-weight dosing
Integrated weighing module with dual load-cell design
Capacity range
50 kg/h to 1000 kg/h
Power supply
80-260 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Integrated automatic voltage selector
Maximum power consumption
80 W
Operating temperature (mechanical unit)
-20 °C to +180 °C
Operating temperature (control unit)
-20 °C to +70 °C
Weighing hopper volume
40 liters
Control and operation
Menu-guided user interface
Standard languages: English and German
Additional languages optional
Input signals
Potential-free start input
24 VDC start signal
Output signals
Alarm output
Data storage
Internal memory for static change logging
Dynamic data recording via MC-LAN software
Communication protocols
TCP/IP
Modbus-TCP
This technical configuration makes MC High systems flexible dosing solutions that can operate either as standalone units or as fully integrated components within centralized automation systems.
Mechanical Design and Structural Advantages
MC High systems feature a robust mechanical design optimized for industrial environments. The main components illustrated in the catalog include:
Transparent inspection window for visual monitoring
40-liter gravimetric weighing hopper
Heavy-duty support frame
Upper feed flange with pneumatic knife gate
High-torque motor and screw feeding unit
The screw and motor combination is engineered to deliver smooth, vibration-free material flow even at high throughput rates. This design is particularly advantageous in compounding and recycling applications, where stable material feeding is critical.
Application Areas
Labotek MC High systems are widely used in the following processes:
High-capacity extrusion lines
Compounding and masterbatch production plants
Recycling and regranulation lines
High-throughput injection molding processes
Continuous plastic processing operations
In production lines with high hourly capacities, MC High systems provide significantly more stable and reliable dosing performance compared to conventional volumetric feeders.
Industrial Advantages and Process Benefits
The main advantages delivered by MC High systems can be summarized as follows:
Full gravimetric dosing accuracy even at high capacities
Operation independent of material density variations
Stable recipe ratios during long production runs
Low energy consumption
Easy integration with automation systems
Low maintenance requirements and long service life
These features make Labotek MC High systems a strategic dosing solution for continuously operating production facilities where uptime, accuracy, and process stability are critical.
