Which Filling Machine & Capping Machine Is Right for Your Product?

Use these three criteria to help you discover the best filling & capping equipment for your line.

Experts project that 50% of today’s work activities could be automated in the next 25 years. Smart businesses are taking steps now to be on the leading edge of this ever-growing revolution, and for good reason. Potential benefits include improved performance due to fewer errors, as well as increased quality, speed, and productivity.

Investing in a filling machine and capping machine may be the next step in your automation journey.

The 3 Criteria: Product, Container, Parameters

As with most machinery, there are several types and options available. Determining which one is right for you depends largely on three criteria: 1) type of product, 2) type of container, and 3) production parameters.

Product Type

The type of product you produce — whether dry or liquid, thick, or thin — will influence which filling machine is best for your operation. Liquid-level filling machines are designed to fill each container to a specified level, whereas volumetric filling machines fill with an exact volume. If you need precision, a volumetric approach may be the way to go.

Viscosity

One factor to consider before purchasing a filling machine is the viscosity, or consistency, of your product. Using a viscometer can help determine your product’s viscosity so you can purchase a filling machine that will best accommodate your needs. Is your product.

• Viscous – Thick liquids such as gels, lotions, and pastes
• Semi-viscous – Medium-thick liquids such as syrup or oil
• Water-like – Free-flowing liquids, including most beverages and perfumes

Carbonation

Carbonated beverages such as champagne require special pressurized filling machines and capping machines that remove air from the bottle. If your product is carbonated, you’ll want to be sure that the filling machine you select includes this capability.

Container Type

The type of container (material, shape, and size) and cap you use for your product will further determine your filling machine and capping machine selection.

Material

Certain filling machines and capping machines may work better for glass, plastic, or aluminum, so you’ll want to make sure and take this into account. Look for equipment that offers stability during the filling and capping process.

Shape & Size

Container shape and size will also impact your filling machine options. Some machines grab from the top and others from the side, so it’s important to assess which method will work best for your container.

Cap

The type of cap you need may influence your capping machine options as well, especially if your bottle has a unique cap or lid. Be sure to know the tolerance of your closure. A tight seal is vital for product quality. 

Production Parameters

Take an inventory of your current assets and limitations, including equipment, space, and production requirements. Be sure to factor in future goals in order to purchase a filling machine and capping machine that will meet your needs.

Speed (bottles per minute)

While higher speeds are usually desirable, make sure that the filling machine and capping machine you purchase is appropriate for your current production rate and allows room to grow toward your future goals.

Budget

Your options range from entry-level to sophisticated, with prices typically scaling accordingly. Since purchasing automated equipment such as filling machines and capping machines are significant investments, determine your Return on Investment (ROI) and set your budget based on a cost vs. value analysis. This will help you see how labor reallocation and waste reduction impact your equipment budget.

Size

Both the size of your operation and available space in your facility should be factored into your choice of filling machine. Keep potential growth and goals in mind.

Filling & Capping Machine Options

Once you’ve compiled your list of needs and limitations, the next step is determining which type of filling machine and capping machine is the best fit for you. Here are the primary categories.

Manual Filling Machines & Capping Machines

• Best for small, entry-level companies with low production rates 
• Least expensive option
• Slowest option
• Low space requirements

Semi-automatic Filling Machines & Capping Machines

• Best for companies who are looking to grow
• Affordable
• Automated, but requires some manual operation
• Good production rate
• Modest space requirements

Automatic Filling Machine & Capping Machines

• Best for large companies with high production rates
• Fully automated
• Fastest option for greatest productivity
• Higher price-point
• Largest space requirements

After choosing the basic type of filling machine and capping machine that best fits your company’s current and future needs, the next step is to look for a trustworthy vendor to help you weigh more detailed options.

In addition to the criteria we’ve mentioned, there are other considerations to be aware of, such as the material of the equipment and ability to upgrade. Be sure to ask for recommendations that fit your specific product, container, and production needs. 

Pack Leader USA Filling & Capping Equipment

Pack Leader USA is a great place to start your filling and capping equipment search. Here are highlights for each option we offer.

FL-12 Semi-automatic Filling Equipment

• Flexible and easy-to-use with touch-screen interface
• Highly accurate, adjustable volumetric piston filler 
• Ideal for many types of viscous and semi-viscous products
• Bottle stabilizing clamps and guide rails ensure stability for wide range of containers
• Bottle diameter: 20mm – 100mm
• Bottle height: 50mm – 250mm
• Space requirements: 78.7” x 39.4” x 72.4”
• Variable speed control: 15-30 bottles per minute
• Modular, in-line design, works with existing equipment and CP-10 capping machine
• Minimum maintenance requirements, compliant, quality construction

CP-10 Semi-automatic Capping Equipment

• Flexible and easy-to-use with touch-screen interface
• Ensures proper tightness of capping performance
• Adjustable guide rails for stability with wide range of containers
• Bottle diameter: 50mm – 100mm
• Bottle height: 50mm – 200mm
• Cap diameter: 20mm-100mm
• Cap height: 15mm-30mm
• Space requirements: 78.7” x 38.6” x 73.2”
• Variable speed control: 15-25 bottles per minute
• Modular, in-line design, works with existing equipment and FL-12 filling machine
• Minimum maintenance requirements, compliant, quality construction