To fill water bottles or package other liquid products, companies must use special liquid packaging solutions. These solutions must fulfill all sanitation and safety requirements so that the products are safe for use. To that end, different types of specialized equipment are necessary. We will go into all the options below. Stay tuned.
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What to Consider When Choosing a Liquid Packaging Machine
If you are looking for a liquid filling machine for your products, there are several factors you need to consider.
Firstly, you need to look at the viscosity of the liquid you want to package. Liquids can be anywhere from water-thin to paste-like, so this step is vital. Some machines will be better at handling thinner liquids, while others will be more suited for pastes.
Apart from the viscosity, the purpose of the liquid is vital as well. If the liquid is made to be consumed, then unique safety regulations and sanitary rules must be in place. Different machines are programmed differently in this regard.
Secondly, you need to consider the type of liquid packaging containers that you want to fill. You need to ensure your machine can indeed fill the bottles or bags you have in mind when it comes to their shape and size.
Finally, you need to think about the fill rate and volume necessary for the liquid you want to package or bottle. Different machines meet different standards, so you need to figure out what you need and want, and make a decision based on that.
Different Types of Machines
1. Gravity Fillers
Gravity fillers are some of the most common liquid packaging solutions out there. Companies use them to bottle thinner liquids, including water and different juices and sodas. These bottle filling machines work by pumping liquids into holding tanks at different fill rates, depending on your needs.
As their name suggests, these machines use gravity to fill the containers. They can do so because of their unique design and the valves the liquid goes through.
2. Piston Fillers
This type of packaging machine can handle different types of liquid. These include pastes, sauces, batters, and icing. The advantage of piston fillers is the speed with which they can fill containers, which are usually pastry bags or similar plastic products.
3. Pump Fillers
Pump fillers are, perhaps, the most versatile liquid packagers on the market. They can work with liquids of low, medium, and high viscosity. The machines can be operated by gear, cavity, or rotor pumps, depending on the type of liquid and fill rate you are working with.
4. Molten Fillers
As their name suggests, molten fillers are used for packaging hot liquids. The filler pours these liquids in hot. They are then set to cool down and fully packaged once they harden. This type of automatic liquid packaging machine fills candles, deodorants, different kinds of soaps, etc.
5. Pressure Fillers
Pressure fillers are quite similar to gravity fillers, as the pressure in them often comes from gravity as well. However, this pressure is stronger thanks to different valves and pumping systems. Thus, these machines are better for packaging thicker liquids.
6. Net Weigh Fillers
Net weigh fillers have a special purpose. They ensure that each container gets the exact same amount of liquid and not a drop more. This quality makes them ideal for packaging liquids in bulk amounts or liquids with high value that should not be wasted in production.
7. Inline Fillers
These fillers package containers standing in a single line across a conveyor system in a factory. Their obvious advantage is their efficiency, as they allow for filling multiple containers at the same time using the same fill rate.
Another advantage of this type of liquid filling machine is its versatility. Namely, inline fillers can work with liquids of most viscosities, meaning that different industries and manufacturers with different needs can use them.
8. Rotary Fillers
Rotary fillers have more purposes than simply packaging liquids. They move containers and bottles through circular stations. At each station, they perform a different operation.
Firstly, they fill containers with liquid. The next station caps off the containers, closing them. Then, the liquid packaging pouch seals the caps so no air can get in. The products are then ready to go to stores and for consumption.
These fillers are great for big businesses and corporations that deal with enormous amounts of liquid and packages every day. However, it is important to mention that this type of APA machine or liquid packaging system is often the most expensive option.
Final Thoughts
As you have read, there is an abundance of equipment options for a liquid packaging system. Which liquid filling machine you will choose depends on the type of liquid you are dealing with, as well as the liquid packaging containers you are using. Do extensive research before purchasing anything, and you’ll be able to make the best decision for you and your business.
