A blue and white logo for multi-fill food filling solutions
Michael Naylor • Aug 16, 2022

Difference Between Volumetric and Liquid Filling Machine


Did you know sticky rice was the reason we started manufacturing volumetric filling machines? And more than thirty years later, several fillers sold in the 1980s are still in operation today. Multi-Fill might be specialists in volumetric fillers, but we can work with all types of machines. Our fillers are designed to be plug and play and integrate well into virtually all existing lines.


There are many types of filling machines, including powder filling machines, granule filling machines, capsule filling machines, and gel filling machines. But today, we share more about the difference between volumetric and liquid filling machines.


What is a Volumetric Filling Machine?


So, what is a volumetric filling machine? These volumetric fillers fill containers with the same amount of product, no matter the shape or size of the container. Have you bought pasta in a bowl and a deli-style Greek salad, and on the label, it shows both are the same weight? Then when you open the containers, one seems fuller than the other? No, you did not get less food, the volume is the same although it might look different.     


There are three types of volumetric filling machines:


Gravity fillers.
Holds the product in a tank above the filling nozzles and uses gravity to assist in the filling process.


Piston fillers.
Pistons are used instead of pumps to push the product into the waiting containers. 


Pump fillers.
Different kinds of pumps that match the liquid product are used. If the liquids are thicker, the system gives a push to get them into the container. 


Multi-Fill volumetric fillers can dispense various hard-to-fill products into virtually any container on the market. The units are compact and can be integrated into existing horizontal or vertical conveying lines. The machines are easy to use and clean, as our machines are manufactured with quick-release mechanisms. Visit one of our pilot plants to see our machines in operation, including the following models.


MPFMP-060

Suited for lower speed production lines, pilot plant operations, research, and development laboratories. The product is loaded into the top pan and manually fed into the filling tube by an operator. It fills up to 50 – 60 containers per minute.


MPFSH-075

It is suitable for lower speeds, looser products, and smaller fill weights and is recommended for applications where more automatic product feeding is needed. The model can be upgraded to a MPFSC-120 for increased speed and/or different products when required. It fills up to 60 – 75 containers per minute. 


What Is A Liquid Filling Machine?


While volumetric filling machines fill the same volume of product into every container, liquid filling machines are designed to fill containers up to a specified level. Next time you are in the grocery store, notice how all the juice in the bottles ends at the same level. Liquid filling machines are not only made for bottle filling but also for cartons, cans, and cups. The most general types of liquid filling machines are:


  • Manual liquid filling machine
  • Semi-automatic liquid filling machine 
  • Automatic liquid filling machine 
  • Inline liquid filling machine
  • Rotary liquid filling machine 
  • Piston liquid filling machine.   


Difference Between Volumetric and Liquid Filling Machine


As we now know, although a volumetric filler and a liquid filler have the same purpose, filling containers with products, there are some differences. 

Volumetric filler Liquid filler
Fills each container with the same volume of product. Fills the container up to a specified level.
Manufactured to handle cooked pasta; cooked, dry, or individually quick frozen rice; frozen, cooked, and raw cut vegetables; deli-style salads and more. Manufactured to handle liquids such as carbonated drinks, water, soup, salad dressing, cooking oil, food sauces, liquid soap, and cosmetics.
Works best with opaque containers. Perfect for clear containers visible to customers.


Multi-Fill is based in the city of West Jordan, Utah, United States of America, but we are represented in more than twenty countries worldwide. We are a member of The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI) and the Manufacturers’ Agents National Association (MANA). Do you need volumetric filling machines? Contact Multi-Fill today. 


Designing a food filling line: Product is king

A man is packing meat on a conveyor belt in a factory.
By Michael Naylor 12 Jan, 2024
Food packaging plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of the food we consume. To maintain high standards and prevent foodborne illnesses, the food packaging industry follows a set of regulations known as Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). In this article, we will delve into cGMP and explore its impact on preventing foodborne illness. We will also take an inside look at how cGMP is implemented on a food factory line, the role of food filling equipment in ensuring compliance, and discuss the future of cGMP in food packaging for strengthening food safety.
A scientist is using a tablet in a factory.
By Michael Naylor 12 Jan, 2024
Current Good Manufacturing Practices Food safety is of utmost importance in the food industry, and several systems work together to prevent foodborne illnesses. This article explores the harmonization of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls (HARPC) in ensuring food line safety. We will delve into the synergy between these systems, the role of critical control points, and their practical application in both automatic and manual counting devices. Additionally, we will discuss how cGMP, HACCP, and HARPC optimize automatic filling machines for enhanced food safety. This is the second in a series of articles on cGMP. Read the others here: Harnessing the Power of cGMP in Preventing Foodborne Illness: A Deep Dive into Food Line Safety Measures Delving into cGMP: Its Crucial Role in Food Packaging and Safety Decoding HARPC: Its Role in Foodborne Illness Prevention and the Importance of Critical Control Points 
A variety of food in aluminum foil containers on a table.
By Michael Naylor 12 Jan, 2024
In this article, we explore the crucial role of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in ensuring food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. We'll delve into the significance of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) and how they contribute to mitigating risks. Additionally, we'll discuss the role of Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventative Controls (HARPC) in enhancing food safety measures. This is the first in a series of articles on Good Manufacturing Processes in Food Processing. In this article: Understanding the Importance of cGMP in Food Packaging How Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Prevent Foodborne Illness The Role of Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventative Controls (HARPC) in Food Safety Critical Control Points in Food Packaging The Intersection of cGMP, HACCP, and HARPC in Food Safety
A group of gears with the numbers 2022 , 2023 , 2024 and 2025 on them.
By Michael Naylor 07 Dec, 2023
Most Popular Articles from 2023
The Benefits of Filling Machines For Restaurant and Retail
By Michael Naylor 03 Oct, 2023
Do you own a restaurant, wholesale trader store, or eCommerce store? Explore the benefits of filling machines for restaurant and retail here.
How a Filling Machine Makes Work Easier for Your Staff
By Michael Naylor 18 Jul, 2023
Considering a filling machine? Here's how filling machines made work easier for staff.
Benefits of a Filling Machine for the Meat Industry
By Michael Naylor 11 Jul, 2023
If you work in the meat industry, you know all too well the importance of fast packing and safe packaging. Discover the benefits of a filling machine here.
4 Ways Wholesale Traders Can Reduce Inventory Costs
By Michael Naylor 04 Jul, 2023
Do you work in wholesale? Reduce your inventory costs with these top expert tips for traders.
By Michael Naylor 02 Jul, 2023
Two Great Companies now Working Together
More Posts
Share by: