The Benefits of Different Filling Machine Principles

Automatic filling machines can use a number of different filling principles to get the product into the bottle.  Each filling principle has its own unique benefits or advantages.  While more than one type of liquid filler may work for a given project, each project will ultimately have an ideal filling machine, or filling principle, for the job to be completed.

The overflow filler will almost always be the ideal filling machine for products that are packaged in clear containers.  However, the machine will be limited by the viscosity of the product.  Overflow fillers work well with thin to medium viscosity products and even products that foam.  Special nozzles allow the overflow filler to fill each and every bottle to the same level, regardless of slight differences in the interior volume of the container.  For products in clear containers, a level, consistent fill leads to good shelf appeal, adding aesthetic value to the filling process.

Gravity filling machines are ideal for free-flowing products that require a simple timed fill.  These machines can use a variety of different filling nozzles based on the product and the container being filled.  Unlike the overflow filler, gravity filling machines do not use a re-supply, or re-circulation, system and do not require specialized nozzles.  For these reasons, the gravity filler offers an economical solution for lower viscosity, free-flowing products.

Pump filling machines offer the versatility to handle not just thin products, but also higher viscosity products as well.  The pumps used on these liquid fillers will be matched to the project on a case-by-case basis, allowing the packaging machine to be manufactured with the pump that best suits each individual project.  Pump fillers can also handle products with particulates such as salad dressings or soaps with grit.  A variety of nozzles can also be used on the pump filler to match the specific application for which the machine is built.

Piston filling machines also have the versatility to handle products both thick and thin, but piston fillers work very well with highly viscous products that the other filling machines may not be able to handle.  Also, because the volume of the cylinder on the piston filler will not change, this liquid filler provides a highly accurate volumetric fill.  While able to handle particulates like the pump fillers, the piston filler can also work with larger chunks in products, such as tomato paste or jams and jellies with fruit chunks.

 

Choosing the correct filling equipment can have a measurable effect on the efficiency and productivity of a packaging line, and ultimately the bottom line for any packager.  For more information on any of the different filling principles or which will work best for any given project, contact a Packaging Specialist at Liquid Packaging Solutions today.