How Long Will My Liquid Filler Last?

Of concern to many packagers that are purchasing filling equipment is the shelf life - so to speak - of the filling machine.  While it can be argued that the filling machine can last for literally hundreds of years, there are several ways of looking at such a question.  First, the actual machine itself - the frame, fill bar and components - may actually last for hundreds of years, if given proper care.  However, the real question being asked is: "How long will my filler be usable, or efficient?"  While the true answer to this question can be elusive, the truth is that most filling machines will be reliable, efficient machines for longer than might be expected.

 

With any packaging project, the environment, atmosphere and maintenance will have some effect on the life of the packaging machinery.  Sometimes the product itself may cause wear and tear on the filling machine over time.  Chemicals and other harsh products, fumes, spills or even a damp atmosphere can lead to the eventual breakdown of the machinery.  Of course, all of these factors should be taken into account before deciding on and manufacturing a liquid filler.  In addition, many of the above factors can be countered by performing routine maintenance and cleaning on a filling machine.  Keeping the packaging equipment free from debris - whether product buildup or simple dust from the production floor - will add life to the machine.  With proper care, maintenance and pre-production matching of the filler to the project, the filler itself should not wear to the point of being unusable.

 

These are the factors that can be controlled, monitored and kept in check.  A second set of factors make planning for the future more difficult, though not impossible.  Technological advancements will sometimes render certain components of a filling machine obsolete.  However, this does not render the entire filling machine obsolete.  Almost every filling machine will be manufactured to allow for future upgrades - from the simple addition of more fill heads to the ability to add an entire PLC and make a once semi-automatic filling machine an automatic filler.  As technology advances, components may be introduced that will make your packaging equipment more efficient.  This does not mean that the entire filling machine will simply one day be obsolete.  The filling machine will continue to run production, the packager will simply have the opportunity to make the machine more efficient if the need or desire arises. 

 

So how long will a liquid filler last?  The truth is that the care and attention given to the filling machine by the packager will go a long way toward adding to the life of equipment.  Add to that a manufacturing process that anticipates and builds for future upgrades and there is no telling how long the liquid filler will bring profit and prosperity to your business.