What do I have to consider when buying a honey filling machine? Part 3: Materials

In the third part of our blog series, we focus on the essential aspects relating to the materials used. The materials used in the manufacture of a filling machine have a significant influence on its performance and durability, as well as on ensuring product safety, hygiene and compliance with legal regulations.

The materials that make up a filling machine can come into direct contact with the products to be filled. It is therefore important to select materials that can neither release harmful substances nor contaminate the product. This is particularly true in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, where the materials must be food-safe and harmless.

Furthermore, filling machines often come into contact with liquids or chemicals. It is therefore important to choose materials that are resistant to corrosion in order to extend the service life of the machine and reduce the frequency of repairs or replacements.

Strict hygiene regulations play a crucial role in various sectors, especially in the food industry. It is very important that the materials used are easy to clean in order to prevent the accumulation of dirt, microorganisms and bacteria. A smooth and non-porous surface design makes cleaning processes much easier.

It is also essential to strictly avoid any right angles in areas that come into contact with the product and to use curves wherever possible. Indentations or gaps, in which the product does not flow but adheres permanently, are also not permitted.

Daily use and mechanical stress are inevitable for filling machines. High-quality materials contribute to the robustness and durability of the machine, ensuring its performance over time.

Depending on the type of products being filled, machines may come into contact with different temperatures and chemicals. The materials used must be able to withstand these conditions without compromising their structure or properties.

Cleaning agents such as alkaline solutions or acidic disinfectants are often used when cleaning the filling machine. In this context, it is crucial that the materials used, such as stainless steel or food-safe plastics, are resistant to such chemicals to prevent possible damage and ensure that cleaning is efficient.

Certain industries have specific requirements for the materials used. It is important to ensure that the materials used comply with the relevant industry standards and regulations, such as FDA approval for the food industry.

All components of the bottling machine that come into direct contact with food and are used in the filling of food are certified for use with food. These components are characterised by smooth surfaces, making them extremely easy to clean and disinfect. We will be happy to provide you with the relevant certificates.

Robust and certified materials such as AISI 316L stainless steel, POM and silicone are used for the stand, the gear pump head and the hoses, ensuring a long service life.

The pipe bend made of die-cast stainless steel protrudes into the pump head. Such constructions lead to undesirable deepenings or gaps, which are not acceptable in the food sector. In addition, cleaning requires the pipe bends to be dismantled. However, this is problematic as they are firmly connected to the pump head with Teflon tape, which means that such cleaning is not intended or is difficult to realise. (Fig. 1 and 2) The same applies to the filling holder with the right-angled filling pipe. (Fig. 3)

• Part 1: General rules and regulations
• Part 2: Construction
• Part 3: Materials
• Part 4: Durability