The process of a liquid filling machine involves several key stages, from preparing the packing material to the final product output. Initially, the packing material is unwound and formed into sachets. Then, the liquid product is fed into the machine and filled into these sachets. Following the filling process, the sachets are heat-sealed to ensure containment. Batch numbers are embossed or printed for tracking and identification. Finally, the filled and sealed sachets are cut and output as the final product. Volumetric filling machines, a type of liquid filling machine, use a piston filler to draw in and dispense precise volumes of liquid, ensuring consistency. The machine often relies on liquid pressure, using the pressure difference between the liquid reservoir and the container to facilitate the filling process, with a cylinder driving the extraction and ejection of the material.
Key Points Explained:
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Packing Material Unwinding and Sachet Forming:
- The process begins with unwinding the packing material, which is typically a roll of film or laminate.
- This material is then formed into individual sachets or pouches using various forming techniques, such as vertical or horizontal form-fill-seal (VFFS or HFFS).
- The forming process creates the basic shape of the container that will hold the liquid.
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Product Feeding and Filling:
- The liquid product is fed into the filling machine from a reservoir or supply tank.
- Different filling mechanisms are used depending on the type of liquid, viscosity, and desired filling accuracy. Common methods include:
- Volumetric Filling: Uses pistons or pumps to measure and dispense precise volumes of liquid. This method ensures consistent fills and is often used for high-value products.
- Pressure Filling: Relies on liquid pressure to fill containers. The liquid flows into the bottle due to gravity and the pressure difference between the reservoir and the bottle.
- Other filling technologies: such as Net Weight Filling, Flow Meter Filling.
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Sachet Heat Sealing:
- Once the sachets are filled with the liquid product, they need to be sealed to prevent leakage and maintain product integrity.
- Heat sealing is a common method that uses heat and pressure to fuse the layers of the packing material together, creating an airtight seal.
- The sealing process is critical for extending the shelf life of the product and preventing contamination.
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Batch Number Embossing or Printing:
- To ensure traceability and quality control, batch numbers or date codes are often embossed or printed onto the sachets.
- Embossing creates a raised impression on the material, while printing uses ink to apply the code.
- This information helps track the product back to its production date and batch, which is essential for identifying and addressing any potential issues.
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Cutting and Final Product Output:
- After sealing and coding, the filled sachets are separated from the continuous strip of packing material.
- This is typically done using a cutting mechanism that precisely cuts the material between each sachet.
- The individual sachets are then discharged from the machine as the final product, ready for packaging and distribution.
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Volumetric Filling Machines:
- Volumetric filling machines are specifically designed to dispense accurate volumes of liquid.
- They use a piston filler, which draws in a specific volume of liquid and then dispenses it into the container.
- This method is ideal for ensuring consistent fills, which is particularly important for products where precise dosing is required.
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Liquid Pressure Filling Principle:
- Some liquid filling machines operate on the principle of liquid pressure filling.
- This method relies on the pressure difference between the liquid reservoir and the container to facilitate the filling process.
- When the pressure in the reservoir is higher than the pressure in the container, the liquid flows into the container due to gravity and the pressure difference.
- The balance of pressure ensures efficient and controlled filling.
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Cylinder-Driven Extraction and Ejection:
- The extraction and ejection of material in the liquid filling machine is driven by a cylinder.
- Through the reciprocating motion of the cylinder to achieve the functions of suction and discharge of materials.
- To ensure the stability and accuracy of the filling process.
Summary Table:
Stage | Description |
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Packing Material Unwinding | Material is unwound and formed into sachets. |
Product Filling | Liquid product is fed into sachets using volumetric, pressure, or other filling technologies. |
Sachet Sealing | Sachets are heat-sealed to prevent leakage and maintain product integrity. |
Batch Numbering | Batch numbers are embossed or printed for traceability. |
Cutting & Output | Filled sachets are cut and output as the final product. |
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