Liquid filling machines play a critical role in several industries and production lines. The pharmaceutical and the food & beverages sectors embrace the latest technologies in liquid filling. In the same way, liquid filling technology is used in fuel and cosmetics production.
The liquid filling industry has seen a rise in production efficiency over the years. There are many factors that drive high-efficiency operations. A new type of filling machine was introduced to the market by high-end robots and automation. A second factor that drove this market is the growing demand for smaller packages. Many companies have embraced these technologies because of the high level competition. These technologies are expected to help companies stand out from their competitors.
If you are keen on some of the latest trends in the liquid filling industry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up some key industry developments you should keep up with. Many of these developments are the result of technological advances and changing market forces.
Key Trends to Watch
According to an Industry Research Survey, the automatic liquid filling market will hit 665.6 million by the end of 2027. This represents an increase of $ 491.5 millions from 2020. The CAGR is expected to be 4.0% for the 2021-2027 forecast.
These numbers will rise due to automation occurring at a high level in almost all industries. For several reasons, manufacturers are moving towards automatic liquid filling machines. The first is to speed up production and increase efficiency. The second is to decrease human error and increase product quality. This will ultimately increase their competitive advantage. The following are key developments manufacturers should be aware of.
1. Flexibility and Adaptability of Products and Containers
The shape, size, and material of different containers determine the filling technology. The container type also affects drives’ configuration on the filling station. Larger containers will require larger valves and longer cycle times. However, glass containers can be heavier and less fragile than metal ones. Therefore, special reinforcements are required.
These differences should mean that you have different liquid filling equipment.
But, modern technologies have changed this. There are many types of flexible machinery on the market that can be used to fill different containers. This is why manufacturers modify the designs of their products. Manufacturers can adjust the viscosity of products without losing quality.
2. Quick Changeovers and Shorter Lead Times
As the economy recovers, there’s a high demand for a wide range of consumer products. To meet this need, manufacturers must invest in more efficient machinery. Market leaders in liquid filling technology are offering solutions to meet the demand for faster turnaround times and greater throughput.
Many manual liquid filling machine have slow changeovers. CIP technology, which allows quick cleaning of modern liquid filling machines on the market, makes it possible to use them for faster clean-up. This technology is becoming more critical now that we have the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act. The latter prioritizes the cleanability of the entire liquid filling line. In other words, there shouldn’t be complex fluid pathways that hinder quick cleaning. Machines should be easy to clean. This means that machines can be cleaned without the need to use tools for disassembling parts.
These technologies can be expensive and could prove costly for small-scale businesses. These companies find new methods to raise capital. Other companies may consider merging with bigger ones. They must position themselves effectively to remain competitive on the market, regardless of their choice.
3. Multi-function Machines
Gone are the days when manufacturers had an array of machines, each performing a single task. Today, there’s a shift to multi-function machines that serves more than one operation at a time. A bottle-filling machine, for example, that labels and caps the product simultaneously.
And while this technology isn’t yet mature, the progress is commendable. Experts predict complex, multi-functional machines that will soon dominate the market. They could perform six different operations, without the product being moved. This could be filling, packing, capping and coding.
These machines are highly efficient and could fail, resulting in large losses. This is why it’s important to have several production cells. You can take out one module and swap it for a functioning one if it breaks. You will experience fewer interruptions and delays than if you replace the whole unit.
Choosing the Right Liquid Filling Machine Manufacturer
Now that you know what to expect in the industry, you want to partner with an up-to-date manufacturer. The right filling technology and equipment will depend on the products you have.
Some products need special attention during packing and filling. Food, drinks, juices, milk products and baby food are all examples of special care that must be taken during packaging. Here, you’ll need to eliminate microbial contamination. Hence, it’s necessary to invest in hot fill technology.
Similarly, you’ll need an aseptic filling line with high-precision metallic pistons. It can be difficult to customize these technologies for your specific needs. Partnering with a manufacturer who understands your market is a smart move. Your specific requirements are the most important thing.
Entrepreneurship Life’s latest trend in liquid filling was first published here.