One of the packaging methods is the use of tubes, which are available in plastic, metal, and laminate forms. To fill the tubes, a tube filling machine is required, which comes in three types: manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic. However, the focus of this content is to introduce and explain what a manual tube filling machine is, along with its features and applications.
In general, tube filling machines are used for filling various liquids with different viscosities, or even liquids containing solid and cream-like materials such as cosmetics, paint, pharmaceuticals, ointments, and more. These machines increase the speed of operations, allowing a large volume and a high number of tubes to be filled and packaged in a short time. However, the manual model differs from the other two models. One of these differences is the lower cost of the manual tube filling machine compared to the semi-automatic or fully automatic models. The manual model has features that, in some cases, make it more practical than the semi-automatic or fully automatic models.
What is a tube filling machine?
The tube filling machine is a highly versatile industrial device used for filling various liquids with different viscosities or liquids containing solid materials. These machines are widely used across industries such as cosmetics and personal care, food industry, paint industry, pharmaceutical industry, and for filling tubes with products like ointments, creams, shampoos, toothpaste, jams, chocolates, adhesives, gels, hair dye, and more.
This machine is categorized into three types based on its operation: manual tube filling, semi-automatic tube filling, and fully automatic tube filling, each with its own features, advantages, and disadvantages. One of the positive features of the tube filling machine is its high operational speed, which allows it to fill a large volume and number of tubes in a short amount of time. Another advantage is maintaining hygiene, as the materials are filled into the tubes without any contamination, and their packaging is completed. Another benefit of using these machines is the prevention of material waste, as the remaining material in the reservoir can be reused for filling. Next, we will explore the different types of tube filling machines and explain what a manual tube filling machine is.
Types of tube filling machines
As mentioned in the previous section, tube filling machines are categorized based on their operating mechanism into three types: manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic.
✅ Fully automatic model
In this model, the entire process, including tube placement, alignment, filling, sealing, labeling, and more, is carried out fully automatically by the machine. The fully automatic model does not require human labor or an operator and operates at high speed. This machine is equipped with a color detection sensor, which measures the volume of the filled material and, upon reaching the desired level, seals and welds the tube.
✅ Semi-automatic tube filling machine
In the semi-automatic model, an operator is required. The operator must place the tube on the machine and remove it after filling, but other steps such as filling, packaging, sealing, and labeling are performed by the machine. The cost of the semi-automatic model is lower compared to the fully automatic one, but its operation speed is slower.
✅ Manual tube filling machine
This model operates entirely under the supervision of an operator and features a pedal sealing system. Although its filling speed is low, it is highly suitable and cost-effective for limited production or small workshops.
Features of the manual tube filling machine
After understanding what a manual tube filling machine is, we move on to its features. As the name suggests, the filling and sealing operations are performed by the operator. For some industries, the manual filling model is more practical than the semi-automatic or fully automatic models. This machine is used for filling various high-viscosity liquids or liquids containing semi-solid materials, and its presence can be observed in industries such as toothpaste, adhesives, hair dye, sunscreen, and more.
With this machine, the desired material can be filled into special tubes, and after filling, the tube is sent to the pedal sealing machine to seal its end. Overall, the tube filling machine is suitable for small workshops or individuals who are starting their business and do not have a large budget for purchasing advanced machines. In this way, they can save a lot on costs by acquiring a manual tube filling machine while also increasing the speed of their operations.
Applications of the manual tube filling machine
The manual tube filling machine has gained popularity due to its low cost and ease of use, making it a preferred choice for many small businesses to fill their tubes. There are various models of manual tube filling machines, which differ based on the type of product or the material of the tube. Additionally, these models vary in design and size.
In general, this model is used for filling various cosmetic products such as sunscreen, foundation, lotion, and more. It is also used for filling adhesives, hair dye, gel, and other items. The scope of use for this machine is very wide, and its presence can be seen in most industries. The only difference between this and the semi-automatic or fully automatic models is its slower speed and limited capacity, meaning a specific number of tubes can be filled per day. Additionally, it requires human labor to operate.
Types of manual filling machines
Manual filling machines are divided into three categories based on the type of product:
- Manual perfume and cologne filling machine
- Manual tube filling machine
- Single nozzle piston cylinder manual filling machine
The manual perfume and cologne filling machine is used for filling substances with low viscosity. The manual tube filling machine is used for filling various materials with high viscosity, including those with solid materials inside the tube, and these machines vary based on tube volume, the number of tubes filled per day, the material of the tube, and other factors. The single nozzle piston cylinder manual filling machine is another type of manual filling machine, used for transferring a precise volume of material into the tube. Its operation relies on the piston and its up-and-down movement.
Components of a tube filling machine
Generally, a tube filling machine consists of various components, including the reservoir, tube aligner, tube placement and guiding section towards the filler, filling nozzle, bottom sealing, tube sealing, and date stamper.
In the reservoir section, the desired material is filled. In the tube placement and guiding section, the tubes positioned in the machine are guided toward the filler and its nozzle. The next section is the tube aligning part, which arranges the tubes in the specified direction. The next stage involves the filling nozzle, where the material flows from the reservoir into the nozzle for transfer. Once the material enters the tube through the nozzle, the final step is the bottom sealing and sealing process, where both ends of the tube are sealed, completing the packaging.
If desired, some machines are equipped with a date stamping section, where the date, price, or other information can be printed on the tube.
Technical specifications of the manual tube filling machine
After introducing what a manual tube filling machine is, we move on to its technical specifications. This machine does not require compressed air, and its electricity consumption is low. Thus, by purchasing a manual tube filling machine, electricity consumption is reduced, resulting in lower costs.
The body of manual tube filling machines is usually made of stainless steel. With this machine, tubes ranging from 200 cc to larger volumes can be filled. The manual tube filling machine is capable of filling various tubes in different sizes, shapes, and openings, where only the collar and tube need to be adjusted to match the dimensions of the desired tube.
Corrosion and rusting in these machines are minimal, and the use of PVC sheets can significantly reduce this corrosion. Operating the manual tube filling machine does not require special skills, and even beginners can perform the role of the operator for this machine.
Summary
One of the most commonly used types of machines for filling tubes with thick substances or materials containing solids, such as paint, lotion, sunscreen cream, and more, is the tube filling machine. This machine is divided into three categories based on its mechanics: manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic. In this content, we have reviewed what a manual tube filling machine is.
This machine has a lower operational speed compared to other models and requires constant presence of an operator during its process. However, its advantages include low electricity consumption, no need for air or air pressure, and a low cost, making it an ideal choice for home businesses or small workshops. It is also a suitable option for individuals who are starting their business and do not have enough budget for advanced machines. The manual filling machine is divided into three categories based on the type of product: perfume and cologne filling, ball filling, and single nozzle piston cylinder filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
✅ What are the types of tube filling machines?
Tube filling machines are divided into three categories based on their mechanics: fully automatic, semi-automatic, and manual.
✅ What is a manual tube filling machine?
A manual tube filling machine is one of the types of tube filling machines, where the processes of filling, labeling, sealing, and more are carried out by the operator.
✅ What are the advantages of the manual tube filling machine compared to other models?
One of the advantages of this machine is its lower cost, making it more suitable for workshop activities or individuals who have a limited budget to start their business.
✅ What are the disadvantages of the manual tube filling machine compared to other models?
The manual tube filling machine requires the constant presence of an operator for the tube filling process. Additionally, its filling speed is slower compared to automatic or semi-automatic models, and it can only fill a limited volume and number of tubes per day.
✅ What are the components of a tube filling machine?
Generally, a tube filling machine consists of various components such as the reservoir, tube guide towards the filler, tube aligner, nozzle, bottom sealer, and date stamper.
✅ In what cases can the manual tube filling machine be used?
In general, this machine can be used in various sectors, such as filling cosmetic products, food items, hygiene products, adhesives, hair dye, and more.