Popular Packaging Machinery - Overflow Filling Machines

Though Liquid Packaging Solutions offers a number of different filling machines, one of the most popular is the overflow filling machine. The overflow filler serves a number of different industries and is extremely popular with those packagers who use clear bottles for their products. These filling machines are a popular item for clear containers because the machine fills each bottle to the same level, even where the interior volume of the container varies slightly from one to the next.

The overflow filler achieves this level fill by using a special nozzle that seals over the bottle opening. One port in the nozzle releases product in to the bottle once the seal is attained. When the product reaches the desired level in the bottle, a second port allows the liquid to "overflow" out of the bottle and back in to circulation. This method of filling also works well with foaming products, as the release of product into the bottle helps control and remove the foam. Though ideal for clear containers, the control of the foam and the level fill mean that this liquid filler can be used for a variety of products in a range of industries. However, these liquid fillers are better for thin, free-flowing products, as higher viscosity liquids simply would not flow fast enough to make this an efficient solution.

Overflow filling machines are also available to work both automatically and semi-automatically. The automatic machines are typically a component of a turnkey, or full-line, packaging system. The conveyor moves bottles in and out of the fill area, and the machine is controlled by a PLC. Once the machine is set up, which can be as simple as pressing a couple of buttons to pull up a recipe for the specific bottle and product being used, the operator of the line need only monitor the machine to ensure proper functioning. Semi-automatic overflow fillers, on the other hand, require a little more hands-on labor. Operators of the semi-automatic machines will place bottles under the fill heads and activate each fill cycle once containers are in place. The activation will usually occur via finger or foot switch, though other options are available. Once filled, the operator will also remove the containers and send them to the next packaging phase.

Semi-automatic machines are available in tabletop models or full-frame models that allow for the possibility of upgrades in the future. Tabletop machines can accommodate up to six fill heads, with full frame machines able to add up to sixteen heads, also allowing for upgrading through the addition of heads until the maximum is reached. Overflow fillers are popular in the beverage industry, including bottled water and distilled spirits, but can handle food products, some chemicals, personal care items and much more. For more details on this filling machine, visit the overflow filler page on the Liquid Packaging Solutions website.