Container format shapes product, speed and costs: five questions to ask before choosing a machine, with examples from our range.
Before comparing models and prices, start with a simple question: what do you sell, and in which container? Bottles and jars need different machines, and choosing well avoids a purchase you have to redo after a few years. Here are the five questions we ask customers before recommending a model.
1. The type of product
Liquid and semi-liquid products such as milk, drinking yoghurt, sauces, juices and still beverages are usually filled into glass or plastic bottles. Thicker products such as yoghurt go into jars. If you make both, or plan to, multi-format machines such as the Easy 500 SCB handle both bottles and jars.
2. Production volumes
Small or medium production does not necessarily call for an industrial line. As an order of magnitude, our bottle machines range from about 500 bottles/hour for the Easy 500 SB (semi-automatic) to about 3,000 for the Maxima 3000 and about 5,000 for the Maxima 5000 (automatic). For jars, from the Easy 500 SC (about 900 jars/hour) to the Lineary 9000 (about 9,000 jars/hour). Work out how many units per hour you need today and in two or three years: a machine that is too small saturates quickly, one that is too large costs more and takes up space for nothing.
3. Semi-automatic or automatic?
A semi-automatic machine needs the operator for some steps, such as loading containers: it costs less and is ideal for getting started or for limited production. An automatic machine runs the whole cycle with no manual intervention: it loads, rinses, doses and closes, and the operator simply monitors via the PLC. It costs more but gives more productive hours, consistency and less labour.
4. Closure
Screw cap, aluminium foil seal, snap-on lid: the closure depends on the container and the expected shelf life. Check that the machine handles your format without complicated adaptations. On our machines, for example, foil sealing is available as an option with a device designed and made by Pasin SRL.
5. Cleaning, hygiene and shelf life
If you change product often or want a longer shelf life, consider cleaning solutions such as CIP and SIP right away and, for long-life products, the High Clean ESL version. Adding them later is often more complicated.
Space, service and Industry 4.0
Measure the room and ask who will step in if something breaks. Our filling machines are compact with quick format changeover, and those with a touch-screen PLC are Industry 4.0 certifiable, with remote assistance included on the models that offer it. Keep that in mind if you want to benefit from the available tax incentives.
Where to start
Browse our bottle machines and jar machines, or write to us: with a few details on product and volumes we will point you to the most suitable model.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fill both bottles and jars with the same machine?
Yes, with a multi-format machine such as the Easy 500 SCB, suited to small or medium production.
Is a semi-automatic or an automatic machine better?
Semi-automatic is suited to getting started or limited production, automatic to higher volumes and less manual intervention. It depends on how many units per hour you need and how much staff you want to assign to the line.
How long does a format changeover take?
On many of our machines the format change takes a few minutes. Details depend on the model: you will find them on each machine’s page.
Are your machines Industry 4.0 certifiable?
Machines with a touch-screen PLC are Industry 4.0 certifiable, subject to the conditions for the tax incentives. Contact us to check the model you are interested in.