Labotek Mini-Feed Series - Efficient Feeding in Injection Molding and Extrusion with Compact Vacuum Material Conveying Systems
Developed by Labotek, the Mini-Feed series consists of single-phase, compact vacuum hopper loaders designed for the automatic and reliable conveying of free-flowing plastic granules. Mini-Feed systems are an ideal solution for applications where limited space and low weight are critical, such as injection molding machines, small to medium-capacity extrusion lines, dosing units, and dryer outlets.
Thanks to their simple mechanical design, low noise level, stainless-steel material contact surfaces, and maintenance-free filter cleaning principle, the Mini-Feed series is positioned as a long-lasting, stable, and operator-friendly conveying solution.
General Operating Principle and Vacuum Conveying Technology
Labotek Mini-Feed systems are compact material conveying units operating on the vacuum principle. The vacuum generated by the motor unit transports material through the suction probe and hose into the hopper. Once the conveying cycle is completed, the vacuum is released and the integrated gravimetric filter drops down under its own weight, automatically cleaning itself. This mechanical filter-cleaning approach minimizes the need for compressed air and significantly reduces maintenance requirements.
The lower discharge flap operates with magnetic positioning and weight-supported flexible suspension. This design eliminates the need for mechanical adjustments and ensures stable material discharge even under different installation conditions. In the Mini-Feed 120 BL model, a compressed-air-assisted filter cleaning kit is supplied as standard, while this feature is available as an option for the Mini-Feed 15, 30, and 60 models.
Material Types and Process Compatibility
The Mini-Feed series is designed to convey free-flowing granulated materials with a minimum particle size of 3 mm. Typical application areas include:
Plastic injection molding machines
Extrusion lines
Dryer outlets
Gravimetric and volumetric dosing units
Regrind feeding from granulators
The system is optimized for light to medium-density thermoplastic granules. In regrind feeding applications, stable material transfer is achieved by selecting the appropriate operating program.
Control Unit and Conveying Programs
Mini-Feed systems are equipped with a microprocessor-controlled control unit. The flow-diagram-based display allows operators to easily monitor the system's operating status. The control unit offers three standard conveying programs:
P1 - Standard conveying
Automatic conveying cycles are performed based on the level sensor below the machine. When the material level drops, the flap closes and a new conveying cycle is initiated.
P2 - Conveying from a granulator
Developed for regrind feeding applications. An adjustable delay time allows sufficient material accumulation under the granulator before a single conveying cycle is executed.
P3 - Proportional conveying (with optional proportional valve)
Allows virgin and regrind materials to be conveyed together at predefined ratios, enabling controlled and repeatable use of regrind.
Alarm and Safety Functions
The Mini-Feed series includes comprehensive alarm functions to ensure process safety and equipment protection:
Motor over-temperature alarm: the system stops if motor temperature exceeds 65 °C
Motor fault alarm: the system shuts down in case of brush, cable, or motor-related faults
Conveying alarm: if material cannot be conveyed after multiple cycles, the system enters alarm mode and enforces a 10-minute mandatory waiting period
These functions enhance both machine protection and overall process safety.
Model Options and Capacity Ranges
The Labotek Mini-Feed series consists of four main models:
Mini-Feed 15
Conveying capacity: 15 kg/h
Hopper volume: 1.9 liters
Motor power: 0.8 kW
Total power consumption: 1.0 kW
Net weight: 8.4 kg
Mini-Feed 30
Conveying capacity: 30 kg/h
Hopper volume: 2.9 liters
Motor power: 0.8 kW
Net weight: 8.6 kg
Mini-Feed 60
Conveying capacity: 60 kg/h
Hopper volume: 5.8 liters
Motor power: 0.8 kW
Net weight: 9.1 kg
Mini-Feed 120 BL
Conveying capacity: 120 kg/h
Hopper volume: 5.8 liters
Motor power: 1.1 kW
Total power consumption: 1.1 kW
Net weight: approximately 10 kg
The stated capacities are based on a material density of 0.65 kg/l, a granule size of 3-4 mm, and a maximum conveying distance of 5 m horizontal plus 5 m vertical. Actual capacity may vary depending on material type and conveying distance.
Technical Specifications - Common Values
Supply voltage
220-240 V / 50-60 Hz or 110-115 V / 60 Hz
Compressed air requirement
5-7 bar
Maximum ambient temperature
35 °C
Conveying hose
Inner diameter 32 mm, standard length 3 m
Noise level
Below 69 dBA
Maximum conveyed material temperature
80 °C
Material contact surfaces
Fully stainless steel, AISI 304
Mechanical Design and Durability
The body and hopper structure of the Mini-Feed series are manufactured entirely from stainless steel. This construction ensures long service life and easy cleaning. Thanks to the compact design, direct mounting on the machine is possible, minimizing the need for additional support structures. The low overall weight is a major advantage, especially in applications where the unit is mounted close to the machine nozzle area.
Options and System Flexibility
Mini-Feed systems can be expanded with the following options:
Proportional valve for virgin and regrind conveying
Compressed-air filter cleaning kit
Warning beacon
Separate control unit kit
Different buffer hopper volumes
Adapter flanges for SVR and other Labotek equipment
With these options, Mini-Feed becomes more than just a hopper loader and evolves into an integrated material handling component.
Industrial Advantages and Process Benefits
The main advantages offered by the Labotek Mini-Feed series include:
Compact and lightweight design
Low noise level
Maintenance-free automatic filter cleaning
Low energy consumption
Stable and reliable conveying performance
Easy integration with injection molding and extrusion machines
Warranty up to 3 years, excluding wear parts
With these features, the Labotek Mini-Feed series stands out as a reliable and economical vacuum conveying solution that simplifies material handling processes in small and medium-sized plastic processing facilities.
