Selecting an automatic tube filling machine starts with understanding the product and the finished package. This guide walks through the factors that matter most.
A machine that works well for one application may not be the right choice for another. Product characteristics, fill volume, tube dimensions, production requirements, and sealing requirements all need to be considered before choosing equipment. For manufacturers producing vitamins, supplements, nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical products, and other tube-packaged products, taking the time to define these requirements can make the equipment-selection process much easier.
The product being filled is one of the first things to consider. Products packaged in tubes can have very different characteristics. Creams, gels, ointments, lotions, pastes, and other formulations can behave differently during the filling process.
Product viscosity is particularly important when evaluating filling equipment. The UTF-100PIII and UTF-200P are listed with a 500–180,000 cps viscosity range. Manufacturers should provide accurate product information when discussing an application rather than assuming a product will fall within a machine's capabilities.
See our viscosity table for a broader reference on matching product thickness to filling technology.
Fill volume is another major consideration. The required fill volume should be compared with the filling range of the equipment being considered.
The UTF-100PIII has a listed filling range of 3–250 ml. The UTF-200P has a listed filling range of 3–200 ml.
Different piston sizes can be used to adjust the filling range within the machine's specified capabilities. Knowing the target fill volume before requesting equipment information helps narrow the available options.
Tube dimensions should be established before selecting equipment. Tube diameter and tube length can affect whether a particular machine configuration is appropriate.
Both the UTF-100PIII and UTF-200P are listed for tube diameters of 13.5–50 mm.
The UTF-100PIII is listed with standard tube lengths of 80–190 mm, with custom and extended custom configurations also available. The UTF-200P is listed for tube lengths of 80–220 mm.
If you already have tubes selected for your product, provide the actual tube specifications when requesting a quote.
Production output is one of the most obvious factors when comparing tube filling machines, but maximum machine speed should not be the only consideration.
The UTF-100PIII is listed with a maximum capacity of approximately 80 tubes per minute. The UTF-200P is listed with a maximum capacity of approximately 180 tubes per minute.
The appropriate machine depends on the production requirements of the application. A machine's listed maximum capacity should not be treated as a guaranteed production rate for every product, tube, or operating condition.
Filling is only part of the tube packaging process. After the product is dispensed, the tube must be sealed to create the finished package.
The UTF-100PIII and UTF-200P use hot-air sealing. Manufacturers should consider their tube specifications and desired finished seal when evaluating equipment.
The UTF-100PIII and UTF-200P use bottom-up filling with a shut-off nozzle. This filling approach introduces product into the tube from the bottom upward while helping control the filling process.
For products that may be viscous or difficult to handle, the filling method is an important part of the equipment evaluation. Product testing and application review should be used to determine the appropriate configuration.
Automatic tube filling equipment can combine several production steps into one automated process. Depending on the machine, these steps can include tube loading, tube washing, tube positioning, product filling, tube sealing, embossing, trimming, and tube ejection.
Automating these steps can help create a more streamlined production workflow. The important question is not simply whether a machine is automated — it is how the machine fits into the manufacturer's complete production process.
When selecting equipment, it can be useful to consider expected production growth as well as current requirements. Ask: will production volume increase? Will additional products be added?
Will multiple tube sizes be used? Will fill volumes change? Will the machine become part of a larger automated production line? Selecting equipment around the complete production plan can help manufacturers avoid choosing a machine that becomes limiting as production requirements change.
The UTF-100PIII and UTF-200P are both automatic tube filling and sealing machines, but they are designed around different production requirements. The UTF-100PIII uses a hopper-based tube loading system and has a 50-liter hopper capacity. The UTF-200P uses a tube loading cassette designed for continuous high-speed operation and has an 80-liter hopper capacity.
| Feature | UTF-100PIII | UTF-200P |
|---|---|---|
| Fill Range | 3–250 ml | 3–200 ml |
| Maximum Capacity | ~80 tubes/min | ~180 tubes/min |
| Viscosity Range | 500–180,000 cps | 500–180,000 cps |
| Tube Diameter | 13.5–50 mm | 13.5–50 mm |
| Filling Accuracy | 99.5% | 99.5% |
| Sealing | Hot air | Hot air |
| Hopper Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
The final equipment selection should be based on the complete application rather than production speed alone.
The more information available about your application, the easier it is to evaluate tube filling equipment. When contacting Natronics, consider providing:
Product Information: Product name or description, product characteristics, product viscosity.
Tube Information: Tube diameter, tube length, tube material, tube configuration.
Production Information: Desired fill volume, desired tubes per minute, number of products or SKUs, current and expected production.
Packaging Information: Desired sealing method, embossing requirements, other special requirements.
This information gives the equipment team a much clearer picture of the application.
There isn't one single factor. Product characteristics, fill volume, tube dimensions, production requirements, and sealing requirements should all be considered together.
The UTF-100PIII is listed with a 3–250 ml filling range.
The UTF-200P is listed with a 3–200 ml filling range.
The UTF-100PIII is listed at approximately 80 tubes per minute, while the UTF-200P is listed at approximately 180 tubes per minute.
Both models are listed with a 500–180,000 cps viscosity range. Actual application suitability should be evaluated using the product's characteristics.
Both models use hot-air sealing.
Provide the product characteristics, viscosity, fill volume, tube dimensions, desired production output, and sealing requirements.
You don't have to figure out the equipment selection process alone. Tell Natronics about your product, tube, and production requirements and we'll help you determine which automatic tube filling equipment is worth considering.
Request a Tube Filling Quote → View Automatic Tube Filling Machines →