5 Things to Know Before Shopping for a Liquid Filling Machine

Liquid filling machines can speed up the packaging process while adding consistency and reliability to the preparation of products. But with so many different options to choose from, how do packagers know they are getting the best solution for their own packaging projects? Below are five things to know before searching for and purchasing a filling machine.

1. Products

Filling liquids covers a wide range of products, and no two liquids are exactly alike. Products can range from water and other free-flowing liquids to high viscosity items like pastes and gels. Different filling machines work better with different viscosities. Other product characteristics can influence the choice of filling machine as well. Certain liquid products may contain particulates, such as grit in soap or fruits and vegetables in foods. Other products may be corrosive or flammable. Understanding the range of products to be filled and the characteristics of those products will help to find the ideal liquid filler for any project.

2. Speed

Filling machinery can be manufactured at distinct levels of automation and with components to meet specific demand. For instance, an overflow filler can be built to perform in both an automatic and semi-automatic manner, using anywhere from two to sixteen fill heads. By understanding not only the current demand to be met, but also the potential for growth and expansion, a packager can better identify the best filling machine for their project.

3. Fill Principle

Using automation, bottles can be filled by volume, level or other principles. Level fills can help packagers with clear containers create a pleasing aesthetic when their products reach the shelf, by creating a consistent level across all bottles on the shelf. Filling by volume can help a packager cut down on waste or meet certain regulations for their industry. Depending on the product and the industry, a certain fill principle may be required or desired for a packaging project.

4. Bottle Shapes and Sizes

A single liquid filling machine can handle various container sizes, shapes and volumes. However, knowing the range of containers to be filled prior to shopping for a liquid filler helps to avoid surprises once equipment is delivered. Simple adjustments can be built into the machinery to aid in efficient changeover and ensure a single machine, when possible, can be used for all production runs. This knowledge also allows a packager to plan for the future when adding new products or product sizes.

5. Production Space

Filling machines can range from simple, semi-automatic tabletop equipment, requiring little space, to fully automated machinery including a conveyor and indexing system. These machines can stand alone or can integrate into a complete packaging system. Understanding how much space is available on the production floor for packaging machinery helps to plan for the entire process and narrows choices for the correct filling machine for any project.

6. Budget

Finally, setting a budget for packaging equipment will help to discover the right machine for any process. As a general rule, the cost of equipment will rise as the level of automation does the same. At Liquid Packaging Solutions, bottle fillers are manufactured to grow with a company whenever possible. These upgrades can range from adding fill heads to an existing filler to upgrading a semi-automatic machine to run automatically. Knowing your budget when searching for a filling machine allows a business to increase efficiency while keeping cash flow and cash on hand positive, focusing on other aspects of the business.

While each filling project is unique, understanding your own project, including the six factors above, will allow a packager to find the best filling machine for their current project. For assistance in locating the ideal machine, contact LPS today for a free consultation.