Liquid Filling Systems

Q1: What types of beverage filling machines does iBottling offer?

iBottling supplies filling machines for water, carbonated soft drinks, hot-fill juice, beer, wine, spirits, edible oils, and specialty beverages. Machine types include gravity fillers, pressure fillers, hot-fill systems, piston fillers, and flow-meter fillers for PET bottles, glass bottles, aluminum cans, and HDPE containers.

Q2: How much does a beverage filling machine cost?

Filling machine pricing depends on production capacity, automation level, container format, and line configuration. Semi-automatic start-up lines are typically more accessible, while fully automatic rotary systems with line integration represent a higher investment. Contact our sales team with your production requirements for a project-specific quotation.

Q3: How do I choose the right filling machine for my product?

Selection depends on your product type (still, carbonated, hot-fill, or viscous), container format (PET, glass, can, HDPE), target production volume, and automation requirements. Refer to the selection guide above for a comparison of filling technologies by beverage category. Our engineering team can review your product specifications and recommend an appropriate configuration.

Q4: What is the difference between a monoblock and a triblock filling machine?

A monoblock integrates two functions — typically rinsing and filling — into a single machine frame. A triblock combines three functions: rinsing, filling, and capping in one unit. Triblocks are common in PET water bottling lines where compact floor space and synchronized operation are priorities. Both configurations reduce conveyor length and simplify line control compared to separate machines.

Q5: How many workers are needed to operate an automatic filling line?

A fully automatic rotary filling line typically requires 1–2 operators per shift for monitoring, quality checks, and material supply. The actual number depends on packaging integration level, container handling automation, and downstream equipment configuration. Semi-automatic lines may require additional operators for manual loading and unloading.

Q6: What production volume can your filling machines handle?

Production capacity varies by machine type and configuration. PET water filling machines can reach up to 36,000 BPH, CSD fillers up to 24,000 BPH, hot-fill systems up to 18,000 BPH, can fillers up to 30,000 CPH, and industrial oil fillers up to 6,000 CPH. Actual output depends on container size, product characteristics, and line configuration.

Q7: Do you provide turnkey bottling lines?

Yes. iBottling supplies integrated turnkey bottling lines that combine filling with upstream water treatment, blow molding, and processing, as well as downstream labeling, packing, and palletizing. Single-source responsibility simplifies project management and ensures line compatibility.

Q8: What is the difference between PET and glass bottle filling?

PET bottle filling uses lightweight plastic containers suitable for still and carbonated beverages at ambient or hot-fill temperatures. Glass bottle filling requires more robust handling systems and is commonly used for beer, wine, premium spirits, and oxygen-sensitive products. Both formats are supported with dedicated filling platforms designed for their specific container properties.

Q9: What level of automation is available?

Automation ranges from semi-automatic systems with manual container loading for small-batch production to fully automatic rotary fillers with CIP/SIP, PLC control, and full line integration for continuous high-volume operation. The appropriate level is determined by production volume, labor availability, and investment criteria.

Q10: What are the ROI factors for an automatic filling machine?

Key ROI factors include production throughput increase, labor cost reduction, product waste minimization through precise fill control, and improved packaging consistency. Automated lines typically reduce manual handling and can operate continuously with minimal supervision. The payback period depends on production volume, existing equipment efficiency, and local labor costs.

Q11: Can the same filling machine handle multiple bottle sizes?

Many iBottling fillers support format changeovers within a validated container family. Changeover between size ranges typically requires mechanical adjustment or replacement of change parts. Multi-format flexibility is assessed during the specification phase to determine the most cost-effective configuration for your product range.

Q12: What maintenance does a filling machine require?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning and inspection of filling valves, replacement of wear parts such as seals and gaskets, lubrication of mechanical components, and calibration of fill level sensors. CIP (clean-in-place) systems automate cleaning cycles. A preventive maintenance schedule is provided with each machine, and spare parts support is available for continued operation.

Q13: How long does filling machine installation take?

Installation time depends on machine complexity and line configuration. A single filling machine typically requires 1–2 weeks for mechanical installation and commissioning. Complete turnkey lines with multiple integrated systems may require 4–8 weeks on-site. Our team provides installation supervision and operator training as part of the commissioning process.

Q14: Do you provide spare parts and technical support?

Yes. iBottling provides standard warranty coverage on all filling equipment, with extended coverage options. After-sales support includes technical documentation, remote troubleshooting, spare parts supply, and on-site service as needed. Common wear parts are stocked to minimize production downtime.

Q15: Can I expand production capacity later?

Many iBottling filling platforms are designed with modular expandability. Capacity can often be increased by adding filling heads, increasing carousel size, or upgrading peripheral equipment. The expansion path depends on the original machine configuration. Discuss future capacity requirements during the specification phase so the system can be designed with expansion in mind.