Explore the differences between liquid and volumetric filling machines.
Packagers rely on liquid filling machines to dispense a variety of liquid-based products. These products do not just include beverages but pharmaceutical and cosmetic products as well. There are many factors to consider when finding the best filling machines for your products. One of those questions to consider is whether you want consistent volumes or fill levels across all your containers. Liquid and volumetric filling machines are two of the most common devices on the market. Each machine provides unique benefits for your packaging needs.
All About Volumetric Filling Machines
Volumetric filling machines fill containers with a consistent volume of a liquid product. No matter what discrepancies exist within your containers’ interior volumes, the volumetric fillers guarantee that every bottle contains the same amount of liquid. Some containers may appear less filled or more filled than others, but the volume is consistent.
The Types of Volumetric Filling Machines
There are three types of volumetric fillers, including:
- Gravity Fillers: These hold the product in a tank above the filling nozzles and use gravity to help fill the bottles.
- Piston Fillers: Piston fillers use pistons, rather than pumps, to push the product into the containers.
- Pump Fillers: These machines use different pumps to match your liquid product. They add a little push, for instance, to get thicker liquids into your containers.
All About Liquid Filling Machines
Most containers have minor volume variations that naturally occur, even if the containers appear to be the same shape and size. Liquid filling machines can fill your containers to a specific level, regardless of the differences between the volumes in each container.
These machines are also known as overflow filling machines or fill-to-level machines and provide your containers with a cosmetically pleasing fill.
Comparing Different Filling Principles
Volumetric filling machines use various nozzles for matching your liquid product. Generally, all nozzles will work the same way by opening for a specific amount of time to let the product flow from the holding tank to the waiting container. Most volumetric fillers allow you to adjust the fill time of each nozzle for greater accuracy.
Liquid filling machines use a nozzle that seals over your containers’ opening and allows the liquid product to flow back into the tank, eliminating product waste. Additionally, the product withdraws into the return port once the fill reaches a pre-set level in your containers.
Comparing Recommended Filling Applications
Volumetric filling machines are often ideal applications for opaque containers since inconsistencies in the fill level will not be noticeable.
Gravity fillers can be economical solutions for free-flowing liquids that require volumetric fills. Pump and piston fillers can be ideal for handling viscous liquids, like oils and gels, that need extra help before reaching the containers. Piston filling machines can also be used for handling products that contain large particulates.
Liquid filling machines are best for providing cosmetic fills. Therefore, packagers filling clear plastic or glass bottles prefer these machines because consistent fill levels create an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Overflow filling machines are also ideal for low-viscosity liquids and products that foam and need to be controlled during the filling process.
Liquid Filling Experts
For over 70 years, FILAMATIC has provided a wide range of liquid filling machines to the packaging market. We create flexible, customized solutions for every stage of your business growth. Whether you require a single machine, a complete turnkey solution, or a fully-automated, integrated Monobloc system, we have the liquid filling experience that will exceed your expectations.
For more information on liquid filling, capping and labeling solutions, please call 866.258.1914 or visit – www.filamatic.com/contact-us.