Molded plastics are often a blend of two or more materials. Colors (masterbatch) and other additives are often mixed (blended) with the raw plastic material prior to the molding process in molding plants. Many different types of blenders and dosing units have been used in this process; some with marginal and others with better accuracy. Some blenders are installed directly on the feeding throat of a processing machine and others are applied as a remote blender.

The remote or central blending system is not the right type of equipment to be applied when different colors are used in different processing machines. Both the volumetric blenders and the remote blending systems are suggested when blending virgin resins with recycled plastics or blending different types of resins in high percentage and where tight tolerances are not required. It is suggested to apply a gravimetric blender directly on the feed throat of a processing machine when it comes to dosing masterbatch, which is normally blended in very low percentage (in many cases less than 1%). The accuracy of the gravimetric method, if not sensitive to vibration is very welcome, no separation can be expected and no loading system cleaning is necessary after changing colors.

The revolutionary gravimetric blending systems developed by LIAD (Leader In Advanced Dosing) have many advantages. It is in fact the most accurate way to go when masterbatch is to be blended with virgin resins, a blend of resins or resin / recycle mixture. The innovative ColorSave series are very precise MICRO-DOSING units capable of dosing the minimum possible quantity of one single pellet of masterbatch cycle after cycle. ColorSave series are designed for direct installation on the feed throat of a plastics processing machine. The weighing cells are not affected by vibrations transmitted from the processing machine. The precision load cell and the hoppers containing various materials are protected by an outer shell. External loads or forces do not affect the function or the accuracy of the unit. The ColorSave series do not require any setup time or maintenance. Experience has proven that the ColorSave series saves an average of 33% of masterbatch when compared to volumetric blenders mounted directly on the feed throat. In many cases the ColorSave was able to save more than 50% of the masterbatch. The simplicity of the units and the genius design with protected load cells in opened hoppers (no gates to open or close) insures high reliability.