The epa ELEKTRONIK 1200 is a PLC-based controller purpose-built for loss-in-weight dosing — the gravimetric method where the entire feeder and hopper assembly sits on a load cell, and the controller tracks mass loss over time to regulate discharge rate with high precision. It is compatible with epa's range of dosing feeders, small-quantity dosing devices, belt scales, and custom weighing platforms.

How does the control system integrate into a production line?

The 1200 runs on Siemens S7 PLC architecture with WinCC visualization, supporting industrial communication via Profinet, Profibus, EtherCAT, CAN, Modbus, and TCP/IP. This protocol breadth means a single controller can manage multiple dosing stations on the same network and exchange setpoints, actual flow rates, and alarm states with a supervisory MES or SCADA system. Larger installations — epa has delivered systems with up to 2,500 I/O channels for 40 dosing components — scale by adding distributed I/O on the same control backbone.

What materials can the loss-in-weight method handle?

The gravimetric principle works across liquids, pastes, powders, granules, and fibres. The key is pairing the controller with the correct discharge unit — epa offers screw feeders, vibrating conveyors, belt scales, and twin-screw differential dosing heads — each matched to the material's flow characteristics. The controller adapts its PID parameters accordingly and compensates for hopper refill cycles so net throughput remains steady.