Liquid Fillers

Buying the right liquid filler machine for the right liquid
By Elliot Feldman, freelance television and new media writer/editor Coney Dog Productions Because there are many different types of liquids in a wide range of viscosities and textures, there is a variety of liquid filler equipment available to accommodate each type.

Common liquid varieties include:

• Hazardous, explosive solvents, and alcohols
• Light sauces (without chunky materials)
• Light sauces (with chunky materials)
• Heavy, chunky sauces
• Pharmaceutical liquid fillers
• Liquid filler for chemicals
• Liquid soaps
• Lubricants
• Syrups
• Edible oils
• Perfumes

Common types of liquid filling machines include:

1. Overflow liquid fillers specializing in filling small bottles and handling foamy liquids.
2. Servo pump liquid fillers that have controlled-pump, adjustable nozzles and can accommodate liquids of thin, medium, and thick viscosities.
3. Piston fillers geared for heavier paste-like liquids.
4. Time gravity liquid filler machines which are best suited for non-foamy liquids of thinner viscosities.
5. Hazardous location liquid filler machines having a greater design emphasis on electrically safe systems and user-friendly controls.
6. Corrosive environment liquid fillers which can be expensive; the harsh nature of the liquids handled require extra protective applications such as polymer coatings and special powders.

Compare buyer advice about liquid filling equipment from reputable online sources

This step is especially important if you're unfamiliar with liquid filling machines.
Try:  Doctor Fill offers in-depth question-and-answer advice about liquid filling machines. A Packaging Systems, a liquid filling equipment manufacturer, also offers information and advice.

Contact liquid filling equipment manufacturer websites directly

Call or email manufacturer sales engineers for additional information on specific types of machinery.
Try:  Busch Machinery not only offers advice from their sales engineers, but a full evaluation of your product if you send them a sample. Fillers.com has liquid filler machine manufacturing plants in three locales to meet your needs: California, New England, and Florida. TurboFil offers advice from sales engineers by either email or phone to help you select the right equipment or customize it to your needs.

Find a liquid filler manufacturer/distributor in your area

Visit local facilities to see the machines in operation, and ask specific product-related questions.
Try:  ThomasNet is a robust manufacturing online directory that offers a long list of liquid filler manufacturers and distributors in a wide variety of locations. They also offer discussion forums for purchasers of manufacturing equipment. LiquidFilling.biz is an online nationwide directory of packaging machinery and liquid filler manufacturers.

Decide if you would rather buy a used machine or hire contract bottle fillers

Liquid filling equipment can be expensive, so be sure to explore your options, including purchasing used equipment or hiring a contract service.
Try:  Machinery & Equipment Company has a large online inventory of "used processing equipment" (including fillers) for sale and they will also buy your used filling equipment. The Frain Group calls itself "Your source for Used Filler Liquid Equipment!" and has an extensive searchable online inventory. Unicep Packaging, Inc. and PolySi Technologies, Inc. provide contract liquid filling services.

• Keep in mind that, in time, new packaging styles and product formulas enter the marketplace, and may change your product's needs, which may make your liquid filling machine nearly obsolete. Be sure that your machine's design can be easily and economically modified or customized.
• Consider speed, efficiency, and cost of operation before purchasing a specific liquid filler machine.
• Take into consideration the work environment where your machine will be located, particularly in places of operation where there may be a risk of explosion or auto-ignition.
• Note that machines may come in automatic, semi-automatic, or manual liquid filler varieties.
• Ask yourself if it makes more sense for your business to buy liquid filling equipment or to hire a contract liquid filling service to do the filling for you.