Packaging equipment

Filling Machine Buying Checklist

A filling machine quote is only useful after the supplier understands your product, container, accuracy target, cleaning process, and expected daily output.

Product Compatibility

Fillers are not universal. Water-like liquids, oils, creams, chunky sauces, powders, granules, and pastes require different filling principles. Always tell suppliers the viscosity, temperature, particle size, foaming behavior, and whether the product changes thickness during the day.

Checklist

CheckWhat to documentWhy it matters
Fill volumeMinimum, maximum, and common fill sizeDetermines pump type and cylinder range.
AccuracyTarget tolerance by weight or volumeAffects rejects, label claims, and cost control.
ContainerOpening size, height, shape, cap, and materialDrip control and nozzle positioning depend on geometry.
CleaningBatch changes, allergens, sanitation, disassembly timeCleaning can dominate labor cost.
UtilitiesPower, compressed air, bench space, operator countMissing utilities delay installation.

Sample Testing

If the machine will handle a sticky, foaming, chunky, or food-contact product, sample testing is not optional. Send product and container samples or request a live video using a close substitute. Ask the supplier to show fill accuracy, drip behavior, cleaning steps, and speed after operator loading is included.

Before Paying a Deposit

  1. Confirm every product-contact material and seal material.
  2. Confirm spare seals, nozzles, tubing, and valves with part numbers.
  3. Request the real tested output per hour, including manual loading and wiping.
  4. Confirm whether compressor, hoses, foot pedal, and change parts are included.