What Are Tube Filling Machines?
Tube filling machines are used to fill viscous creams and other products into tube-shaped containers. Many products are capable of not only filling, but also performing integrated pre- and post-filling processes such as washing and discharging tubes.
Filling contents and tube materials vary, but there are some common characteristics. Since each mechanism operates at high speed as filling operations become faster and faster, safety door covers are provided. Machine operation itself is becoming increasingly easy with touch panel operation screens. High-precision filling reduces content loss and tube adhesion. Productivity is also improved in multi-product production, as the machine can switch between different types of contents in a short time without the use of tools.
- Since each mechanism operates at high speed as filling operations become faster and faster, safety door covers are provided.
- Machine operation itself is becoming increasingly easy with touch panel operation screens.
- High-precision filling reduces content loss and tube adhesion.
- Productivity is also improved in multi-product production, as the machine can switch between different types of contents in a short time without the use of tools.
In addition, the filling volume is highly reproducible, and some machines can check weights after sealing for quality inspection.
Applications of Tube Filling Machines
Tube filling machines have been installed in many cases in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
- Sunscreen creams and hand creams
- Bath and hair gels
- Pharmaceutical ointments and creams
- Pastes
- Lotions
- Oils
- Hair color
- Mascara and other cosmetics
- Shampoo
- Toothpaste, etc.
In addition, tubing is also used in the food industry to fill tubed products and paste foods.
Tubing materials include plastic tubes, laminated tubes, and metal tubes (aluminum, etc.).
Principles of Tube Filling Machines
Tube filling machines fill the contents in the following flow:
- Tube Feeding
The machine is equipped with a cassette-type feeding device, and the number of tubes can be controlled by camera check, etc. - Cleaning
Tubes are cleaned with air, etc. - Alignment
Tubes are aligned by setting color marks on them and reading them with a sensor. Depending on the shape of the tube supply mechanism, some have a mechanism to rotate the container. - Filling
Cylinder piston type and valveless rotary piston type are most commonly used to fill tubes by suctioning a specified volume with a piston. In addition to the automatic type, which is capable of follow-up control with a servo motor, there is also a cam-type control type and a manual type for high-mix low-volume production. Some products are equipped with a device that automatically adjusts the filling volume. To prevent the purchase of air bubbles during this process, air bubbles are removed by high-speed rotation, etc. - Sealing and Marking
Sealing of tubes is performed. Sealing includes hot air type, folding and tightening type, heat sealing type, ultrasonic type, etc. Many products are available with capping torque control. In addition, labeling and lot no. marking on the tube body are also applied in this process. - Cutting
In order to accommodate products with a design on the cut portion, some products can be cut in fan or corrugated shapes in addition to R-cut. - Discharge
Some machines are equipped with an automatic tube ejection system.