Selecting the right filling machine is crucial for any canned food production line. Whether you're processing liquids, pastes, or solid ingredients, choosing the right equipment ensures precise portioning, minimal waste, and consistent product quality.
With various filling technologies available, understanding the differences and matching the right machine to your product type can significantly impact production efficiency and cost savings.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ Types of filling machines and how they work
✔ Key factors to consider when choosing a filling machine
✔ Common challenges in filling operations and how to avoid them
Let’s get started!
1. Types of Filling Machines for Canned Food
Different canned products require different filling methods to ensure efficiency and quality. Below are the most common types of filling machines used in food processing:
1.1 Piston Filling Machine (Best for Thick & Viscous Products)
How it Works: Uses a piston-driven system to precisely dispense thick or semi-solid food products into cans.
Ideal for:
✅ Tomato paste, sauces, fruit purees
✅ Canned soups with solids
✅ Mashed vegetables
Key Advantages:
High Accuracy: ±1% filling precision
Handles Chunky Ingredients: Can accommodate products with small solid pieces
Good for High-Viscosity Products: Ensures smooth flow for pastes and thick liquids
1.2 Gravity Filling Machine (Best for Free-Flowing Liquids)
How it Works: Uses gravity to allow thin liquids to flow into cans without excessive force.
Ideal for:
✅ Fruit juices, soups, and broths
✅ Vinegar, syrups, flavored water
Key Advantages:
Simple and Cost-Effective: Uses minimal moving parts
No Contamination Risk: Does not use pumps or pistons
Energy-Efficient: Gravity-fed, requires low power consumption
1.3 Vacuum Filling Machine (Best for Liquid Products with Foam)
How it Works: Creates a vacuum-sealed environment to remove excess air before filling the can.
Ideal for:
✅ Wine, oils, pickled vegetables
✅ Canned seafood in brine
Key Advantages:
Eliminates Oxygen: Prevents oxidation and extends shelf life
Prevents Foam Formation: Ensures clean and consistent fills
Good for Fragile Products: Reduces air pockets in canned fish or soft foods
2. How to Select the Right Filling Machine
2.1 Product Type & Viscosity
Liquids (Juices, broths) → Gravity Filling Machine
Semi-Liquids (Sauces, soups) → Piston Filling Machine
Thick Pastes (Tomato paste, jam) → Piston or Vacuum Filling Machine
Pro Tip: If your product contains solid chunks, ensure the filling machine has a wide filling valve to prevent clogging.
2.2 Filling Speed & Production Volume
Small Batch Production → Manual or Semi-Automatic Filling Machines (50-200 cans/hour)
Medium-Scale Factories → Fully Automated Filling Machines (200-500 cans/min)
Large-Scale Production → High-Speed Rotary Fillers (500-1,000 cans/min)
Pro Tip: Consider a modular filling system that allows easy upgrades as production demand grows.
2.3 Can Size & Compatibility
Adjustable Volume Settings: Look for machines that can handle different can sizes without requiring frequent changeovers.
Container Material: Make sure the machine is compatible with metal cans, glass jars, or plastic containers used in your production.
Pro Tip: Multi-format fillers allow quick switching between different container sizes, reducing downtime.
3. Common Challenges & Solutions in Filling Operations
❌ Issue: Cans Are Underfilled or Overfilled
✔ Solution: Use real-time weighing sensors to monitor fill levels.
❌ Issue: Product Leaks After Filling
✔ Solution: Ensure correct sealing machine calibration and vacuum pressure settings.
❌ Issue: Slow Filling Speeds
✔ Solution: Upgrade to multi-head filling machines for higher throughput.
❌ Issue: Contamination Risk in High-Sugar Products
✔ Solution: Implement automated CIP cleaning to remove residue buildup.
Conclusion: Make the Right Choice for Maximum Efficiency
Choosing the right filling machine depends on your product type, production scale, and efficiency needs. Investing in the right technology ensures consistent product quality, reduced waste, and optimized production costs.
Need Help Choosing the Best Filling Machine?
At LONKIA, we provide customized filling solutions tailored to your production requirements. Whether you need a semi-automatic system for small batches or a high-speed rotary filler for industrial production, our experts can help you select the perfect solution.