Discover the different options for liquid filling machines and learn how to choose the equipment best suited to your needs in terms of precision, speed, and product type.
Introduction
Packaging is a important stage in many industrial sectors, including food processing, cosmetics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. To optimise this phase, it is essential to select the most suitable equipment for your activity. Among the various packaging solutions, filling machines play a key role in automating production lines.
This guide presents the different options for liquid filling machines and the essential criteria for selecting the right one.
The different types of liquid filling machines
There are four main filling systems:
1. Level filling
Level filling ensures a uniform quantity of liquid in each container, regardless of volume variations. This type of filling is commonly used for products where visual consistency is important, such as beverages and cosmetic products.
Example: The K-Net Auto filler is an effective solution for vinegar, chemicals, and many other products.
Advantages:
- Ensures uniform product appearance
- Suitable for low-viscosity liquids
- Easy to use
2. Flow meter filling
Flow meter filling is based on measuring the liquid flow using flow sensors, allowing for increased precision and reduced wastage. This type of filling is particularly suited for homogeneous products.
Advantages:
- High precision
- Reduction in product loss
- Suitable for homogeneous liquids
3. Volumetric filling
Volumetric filling doses liquids based on a predefined volume. This system includes several technologies, such as:
- Piston fillers: Effective for fluid, viscous, or paste-like liquids.
- Peristaltic fillers: Ideal for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, ensuring extreme precision and quick cleaning.
Example: The K-Line S filler is an ideal solution for this type of product.
Advantages:
- Increased accuracy
- Suitable for viscous products
- Versatile container formats
4. Weight filling
Weight filling is based on measuring the weight of the liquid in the container. This type of filling is recommended for products requiring high precision, such as certain chemical or pharmaceutical products.
Advantages:
- High precision
- Ideal for sensitive products
- Suitable for large viscosity variations
Criteria for choosing a filling machine
1. Dosage precision
Precision is a key criterion to ensure product compliance and limit wastage. Depending on the product type and its viscosity level, it is essential to choose a suitable filling technology.
2. Production speed
Depending on the volume to be processed, it is important to consider the filling rate. A faster machine optimises production but must remain compatible with subsequent packaging stages, such as capping and labelling.
3. Type of product to be filled
Viscosity, the presence of particles, and the product’s sensitivity influence the choice of filling technology. Some liquids require specific treatment, such as preventing aeration or using pressurised dosing.
4. Container adaptability
The shape, volume, and material of the containers must be taken into account. Some machines offer greater flexibility in terms of accepted formats.
5. Integration with other packaging equipment
A complete production line generally includes several stages: filling, capping, and labelling. It is therefore essential to ensure that the filling machine is compatible with other packaging equipment.
Conclusion
Choosing a liquid filling machine relies on several key criteria, such as precision, speed, and the type of product to be filled. A thorough analysis of production requirements will help optimise the efficiency of the packaging line.
