This is part one in a series about how the semi-automatic Benchtop Series filling machines are the behind the scenes workhorse and secret hero for so many businesses in as many industries looking for either an entry-level or quality handheld filling machine. The below recaps the first part of a noteworthy conversation with Dorjee Tenpa, FILAMATIC, who believes strongly in these types of handheld filling machines targeting their core manufacturing capabilities with quality, flexibility, and ease of use.
What is a semi-automatic Benchtop Series filling machine?
First off, it’s important to understand what a ‘semi-automatic Benchtop Series filling machine‘ even is and what it does. A benchtop filling machine is usually a manually operated, handheld liquid filling unit that’s easily moveable around your laboratory or cleanroom setting.
Depending on your application and production needs, there are more robust benchtop ‘heavy-duty’ filling machines that can be placed on a stand or table to dispense your product into containers. Some of these more robust models may encompass an HMI (touchscreen user-interface) and become a scalable solution that grows with your business. That is, certain benchtop units can be slightly modified to add the additional bells and whistles in becoming a more complete, turnkey fill-cap-label filling system.
Are Benchtops an entry-level machine or robust solution capable of heavier work?
It’s a great question, are the handheld Benchtop Series filling machines an entry-level machine or truly a robust solution? The answer is ‘Yes!’ Benchtop filling machines are sometimes referred to as entry-level machines – only because they’ve become a great option for businesses finally ready to take that initial dive into the pool of owning liquid filling equipment. But depending on the complexities of your application and product, as mentioned there are certainly more robust Benchtop machines that can handle a variety of difficult applications or more viscous type liquid products. They even have XP Benchtop solutions for those flammable products, but we’ll go into more depth regarding those unique applications in another blog.
And to it’s credit, the Benchtop machines can be operated with a variety of metering systems: peristaltic, piston, and other pump systems. These filling machines can handle a wide-variety of products, whether your product is less viscous, water-like, to semi-viscous, carrying an average type viscosity, or you have a product that’s extremely viscous, maybe a gel, cream, lotion, or balm type product. The feature of flexibility in metering systems is a welcome option, but the ability to dispense such a wide variety of products makes FILAMATIC‘s Benchtop Series filling machines a popular choice across industries.
So, whether you’re a small, medium-sized, or large company, a few other reasons why these types of handheld filling machines are attractive to manufacturers can surround the following areas; businesses with low production volumes but filling a sensitive product so needing a high quality, pinpoint accurate filling machine, a filling unit that is quick to setup, easy to use, with quick recipe changeovers, as well as simply an affordable, quality, and workhorse filling machine. It’s easy to see why the Benchtop Series machines can be both a great solution for entry-level applications, but also a robust and scalable solution that can grow with your business.
Is a handheld Benchtop Series filling machine right for my business?
The Benchtop Series filling machines are truly a convenient, affordable, and workhorse filling machine for companies that want to have a filling machine that’s easy to setup, straightforward in use, as well as provide quick and easy changeovers. That’s really the name of the game… keep production running and on schedule without a significant capital outlay or cumbersome changeovers in-between production runs.
FILAMATIC manufactures and sells several types of these quality fillers. The AB Series is a single nozzle handheld filler, well suited for custom and small batch runs. The DAB Series is a dual nozzle, scalable handheld filler, which comes in a variety of heavy-duty models for growing businesses with challenging applications.
The AdaptaFIL and SmartFIL Series incorporates an electronic HMI (touchscreen operation), thereby increasing capacity, while remaining flexible and the ability to incorporate a variety of metering options. We recommend contacting your local FILAMATIC representative and talking through your liquid filling project. It’s the best way to see if a handheld Benchtop Series filling machine makes sense for you and your business.
Specialists in Liquid Filling Systems
For over 70 years, FILAMATIC has been providing the widest range of liquid filling equipment while delivering the lowest cost of ownership to our customers. We excel in flexible, customized solutions for every stage of your business growth. Whether you require a single handheld filling machine, a complete turnkey fill-cap-label solution, or a fully automated, integrated Monobloc system, we have the experience to ensure your satisfaction is exceeded.
Following our core values – Ethical, Trust & Respect, Team-Oriented, Continuous Improvement, Adhere to the ‘Golden Rule’, Excellence, Customer-centric, and including Health, Safety, and the Environment (HSE) – FILAMATIC truly believes in the customer experience before, during, and after-the-sale. We believe in our unique performance, undeniable quality, and unrivaled support. For more information on liquid filling, capping, and labeling solutions, please call 866.258.1914 or email info@filamatic.com.