Seaming machines vs filling machines: which does your facility need?
It is well known that within the industrial production sector, choosing the right machinery is essential for optimising efficiency and ensuring product quality. Two of the key machines in packaging lines are seaming machines and filling machines, such as those available in the Ezquerra Group catalogue. Both machines play essential roles in the production line and have distinct features.
In this Ezquerra post, we analyse the differences between seaming machines and filling machines to help you determine which is most suitable for your plant, and we look in depth at the function each one performs.
What function does each machine perform?
Filling machines and seaming machines are two essential types of equipment in a packaging line, each with a specific role that ensures the optimal functioning of the process. While filling machines are responsible for filling the product into the container, seaming machines ensure that the container is completely closed, protecting the quality and safety of the final product. Below, we explain this in more detail.
Role of filling machines in the production line
Filling machines are designed to fill containers with product. Their main function is to ensure that the precise amount of product is filled into the container, whether in liquid, solid or viscous form. They are key in the initial packaging stage, ensuring that containers receive the exact amount of product efficiently and quickly.
In industries such as food, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, filling machines are essential for ensuring consistency and precision in filling. Some filling machines are equipped with advanced measuring systems that allow real-time quality control, ensuring that every container receives the correct quantity of product.
Role of seaming machines and their final impact
Seaming machines are responsible for closing the container once it has been filled. Their function is crucial to ensure that the container is completely and hermetically closed, protecting the product and preventing possible contamination. There are seaming machines for different types of containers, such as bottles, jars or cans, and the seaming process can vary depending on the container type and the technology used.
For example, at Ezquerra Group we specialise in supplying metal-container seaming machines (cans) for any can shape (cylindrical, square, rectangular, oval…).
A good and safety seam contributes to the product’s shelf life, prevents leaks and protects against deterioration caused by environmental factors. Therefore, seaming machines play a fundamental role in ensuring the quality and safety of the final product.
Main technical and functional differences
Although both seaming machines and filling machines are necessary in the packaging process, there are key differences in how they operate. Read on to learn about the technical and functional aspects that distinguish both machines and how they affect production.
Speed and precision
One of the key differences between seaming machines and filling machines lies in the ease and complexity of adjustments. In general, adjustments in filling machines tend to be simpler, especially when modifying the filling dose. This can usually be done easily by moving a cam up or down. This allows quick and efficient changeovers, which is ideal for production lines that require flexibility.
On the other hand, adjustments in seaming machines are usually more complex. The seaming system is generally more sophisticated than the filling system, requiring greater precision and finer adjustments to guarantee a perfect seam. This is essential to avoid seaming failures that could compromise the safety or integrity of the product, especially in high-volume production where speed is also a critical factor.
Compatible container types
Filling machines are more versatile in terms of the types of containers they can work with. Although they can handle different shapes and sizes of bottles, jars or cans, the product type (solid, liquid or viscous) plays a major role.
At Ezquerra Group, we can supply these three types of filling machines:
- Piston filler: for filling, for example, tomato sauces.
- Vacuum filler: for filling, for example, oil into containers prefilled with tuna.
- Telescopic filler: for filling, for example, peas into empty containers.
Seaming machines, however, are usually designed to work with one specific type of container, as their operation tends to be more complex than that of filling machines. Adapting a seaming machine to handle different types of containers requires, first, the necessary knowledge to make precise adjustments, and second, enough time to carry out those changes efficiently.
At Ezquerra, we offer different types of seaming machines to handle any container: brand new round can seamers, brand new non-round can seamer or rebuilt to as new condition seamers.
Flexibility and automation
Filling machines are generally more flexible in adapting to different types of products and containers. Many are equipped with automatic systems that adjust the filling volume according to production needs and product type. This adaptability is essential for plants that work with different products throughout the day.
Seaming machines, although they may also include automatic systems, are less flexible regarding the types of containers they can handle because changing formats requires replacing specific parts. This takes time and technical knowledge, as it involves very precise adjustment.
Still, automated seaming machines increase production-line efficiency, although it is essential to ensure that the seaming machine is suitable for the specific cans used in the plant.
Which type of machine does each plant need?
The choice between a seaming machine or a filling machine depends on the specific characteristics of the plant, the type of product being processed and the containers used. This is why it is important to understand the key factors that influence the decision.
Large-scale production vs. artisanal production
Another key factor when choosing between a seaming machine and a filling machine is the type of production carried out in the plant. Large-scale production plants need machinery capable of handling large volumes of containers quickly and efficiently. In these cases, a high-capacity filling machine combined with a fast seaming machine is ideal for maintaining a continuous production line.
In artisanal productions, which require more customisation or work with smaller batches, more flexible machinery may be sufficient. In these cases, precision in filling is more important than speed, so a low-volume filling machine and a seaming machine with the simplest possible format change is the ideal option.
Product types: liquids, solids, viscous products
The type of product directly influences machinery selection. Filling machines are essential for liquids and viscous products, as they must ensure that the correct amount of product is transferred into the container. Seaming machines, on the other hand, are crucial to guarantee that the can is properly seamed, regardless of whether the product is liquid, solid or viscous.
Hygiene requirements and regulations
Hygiene regulations are an important factor when selecting machinery for production plants, especially in the food, pharmaceutical or cosmetics industries. Machines must meet strict hygiene and safety standards, so filling machines and seaming machines must be designed to allow easy cleaning and maintenance.
Additionally, machinery must be built with corrosion-resistant and easy-to-sanitize materials to prevent product contamination.
Ezquerra Group: global leader in the manufacture and rebuilding of metal-container filling and seaming machines
At Ezquerra Group, we are global leaders in the manufacture and state-of-the-art rebuilding of metal-container filling and seaming machines. With the prestigious SOMME® brand, which has more than one hundred years of history, we offer cutting-edge solutions for the packaging industry. Our experience and commitment to quality allow us to provide highly efficient equipment, ensuring customer satisfaction.
In addition, our team is dedicated to research and the development of new projects that respond to market demands. Every piece of machinery undergoes rigorous quality control to guarantee performance and reliability at every stage of the process.
Furthermore, through our well-established international network, Ezquerra Group guarantees global coverage, offering after-sales support on all continents.
As you have seen, both seaming machines and filling machines are essential in a packaging line, but the final choice depends on the specific needs of each plant. Filling machines are responsible for filling the containers, while seaming machines ensure the final seam. The choice of machinery depends on factors such as production speed, container type, flexibility and hygiene requirements.
If your plant operates in large-scale production and requires high speed, a combination of automated filling and seaming machines will be the best option. If production is smaller or more customised, more flexible and adjustable machinery may be sufficient. A detailed analysis of your production’s specific needs is key to selecting the most suitable equipment.
At Ezquerra Group, we have extensive experience in supplying industrial machinery for packaging lines. That is why we offer personalised advice to help you select the ideal equipment to optimise your production line, ensuring efficient and cost-effective solutions.
Visit our website now to browse our full catalogue of filling and seaming machines and to learn more about how we work and the services we offer.
