1. The Core Logic: “Single Shot” vs. “Best Combination”
The biggest difference lies in the “brain” of the machine:
Linear Weigher: It feeds material into a single bucket until the target weight is reached. It’s a direct, sequential process.
Multihead Weigher: It distributes material into multiple buckets (e.g., 10 or 14 heads). The computer then instantly calculates thousands of combinations to find the single best match to your target weight.
2. Accuracy & Waste: The ROI Factor
Multihead Weigher (High Precision): Because it chooses the best combination, the “giveaway” (overfilled product) is minimal—often within $0.1g$ to $1g$. While the initial price is higher, it pays for itself by saving expensive raw materials.
Linear Weigher (Budget-Friendly): It’s more affordable but less precise. If you are packing 5kg of low-cost seeds where a $10g$ fluctuation doesn’t hurt your margin, the Linear Weigher is a cost-effective workhorse.
3. Application Scenarios: Where They Shine
Linear Weigher: Best for loose, free-flowing, small-granule materials where the total volume or weight is relatively large. Think of large bags of sugar, rice, or fine detergents.
Multihead Weigher: Its versatility is unmatched. With its many “variants” (like scraper hoppers for sticky seaweed or dimpled plates for frozen food), it solves complex problems that linear weighers simply can’t handle. It is the go-to for snacks, hardware, frozen foods, and fragile items.
4. Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Linear Weigher | Multihead Weigher |
| Best For | Large volumes, low-cost materials | High speed, high accuracy |
| Precision | Standard | Extremely High |
| Speed | Slow to Moderate | High Speed |
| Price | Affordable | Investment Grade |