What is an inline filling machine?
An inline filling machine is a fully automatic piston filler. A cylinder moves up and down and drives a piston back and forth. This creates negative pressure in the front chamber of the cylinder. A signal valve controls the cylinder stroke to set the fill volume. Containers move in a straight line during filling.
What is a rotary filling machine?
A rotary filling machine is also called a carousel filling machine. It uses continuous filling. Containers move in a circle at constant speed, and filling happens while they move. Filling and capping can be completed in the same cycle.
Differences between inline and rotary filling machines
(1) Output: Rotary machines run continuously and suit higher output. Inline machines stop for each fill cycle, so output is lower.
(2) Control: Rotary machines use mechanical drive and do not need position sensors. Inline machines usually need fiber optic sensors and a matching sensing system.
(3) Flexibility: Rotary machines suit standard bottle shapes. Changing the bottle shape requires matching change parts, so they are mostly used for a single product or high-volume production. Inline machines do not need mold changes and suit small batches and varied products.
Which is better, an inline or a rotary filling machine?
Both types have advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on actual requirements.
Inline advantages: Split structure, easy maintenance, simple operation.
Inline disadvantages: The split structure limits filling speed and does not suit high-volume filling.
Rotary advantages: Mechanical drive, stable operation, suitable for high-speed production. No pause between cycles, so output is high. They work well for conical bottles. The valve nozzle stays at the same distance from the liquid level during filling, which prevents foaming.
Rotary disadvantages: Lower compatibility and higher price.
If you need custom change parts for either type, such as star wheels, guide plates, filling nozzles, or capping heads, Hansheng Automation can machine them from customer drawings in single pieces or small batches.
