At All-Fill, we are known for our highly durable, reliable, and economical auger fillers. We offer many different models of auger fillers for many applications, all of these being derived from the basic semi-automatic B-350e model filler. From automatic machines such as SHAs to DHAs, servo-driven machines, to TAs and total custom designs, All-Fill has developed successful solutions to many product filling needs. Our base model B-350e has stood the test of time, being precision engineered for time-saving, cost-cutting performance. From small garage-based startup companies to pharmaceutical industry giants, All Fill auger fillers have been the solution to various package filling applications. While a standard base-model machine may not be the right solution for high production industry giants, smaller facilities that are steadily growing may find the B-350e to be the ideal solution to their filling needs.

So what exactly is an auger filler? Simply put, an auger filler is a machine that utilizes a product hopper and an auger to dispense primarily powders, liquids, and granules safely, accurately, and efficiently into product containers. Filling parameters such as number of auger revolutions help to determine the amount and rate at which the product is dispensed. Having the correct tooling and having these parameters dialed in correctly is integral to the filler working as efficiently as possible.

What is an auger filler comprised of? The overall design of the All Fill B-350e filling machine is based on the “Back-to-Simplicity” design concept, in that the fewer components needed to make the machine function properly, the better. The machine itself consists of two basic categories of components: electrical and mechanical. The rigid construction that houses the other two categories makes up the filler’s outer appearance or “shell”. The “shell” of the filler consists of a cast base, a standard height aluminum column, a cast filler head, an electrical box, a control box, and multiple stainless sheet steel covers. The components of the shell not only protect the mechanical and electrical components but are removable for regular machine cleaning and maintenance.

Let’s take a look at the head of the filler. Inside the filler head you will find a motor, clutch brake, and an encoder. The motor found within the head is called the agitator motor, and is connected by a chain to the spindle. This motor drives the agitator blade found inside the stainless steel hopper. The clutch brake mounts to the head as well as to the auger shaft also found inside the hopper. This clutch brake allows the auger to spin when activated and will apply a brake when the auger needs to stop. Finally, the smallest component found within the filler head is the encoder. The encoder is what communicates with the electrical components, counting revolutions of the auger, and then comparing that data to what the controls have specified.

Now, let’s move to the outside of the filler head. Attached to the outside of the filler head is a motor, two pulleys and a belt, a spindle, bearing housing, and a hopper cover. The motor attached at the rear of the filler head is aptly named the fill motor. This motor rotates, driving a belt attached by the two pulleys: one on the motor spindle and one on the clutch brake. This belt then rotates the spindle that the auger and auger shaft- located inside the product hopper- are attached to. The sheet metal covers are then placed over the belt and pulleys to protect the top of the machine from product and other debris. The hopper cover is a stainless sheet steel cover with an access door and product infeed tube built into it. This cover is mounted to the bottom of the head via four bolts around the spindle. This allows the product to stay within the hopper and is also a safety measure, keeping users from inserting their hands into the hopper while the machine is running. The access door allows users to view product level and flow, as well as make tooling adjustments when the machine is powered off. The infeed tube allows product to be fed into the hopper by hand or via a screw feeder or other product delivery method.

From the head we move downward toward the column mounted items. The first component we encounter is an electrical component box that houses all terminal strips, relays, breakers, and motor starters necessary for the machine to function. Moving down further on the column, a mounting bracket is attached to the filler that holds an electrical control box. This box houses the LCD display and sealed membrane keypad. This keypad and screen are where modifications to the filling parameters are made.

The next item found on the column is a hopper support to which the self-aligning quick disconnect hopper coupling will be attached. This design allows the 16-gallon stainless steel hopper to be attached to the coupling, making tooling changeover and breakdowns a simple and tool-less process. With this design it is possible to eliminate costly downtime and allow for easy hopper removal. The hopper is also connected to the hopper cover at the top via a quick release clamp that ensures a tight seal. On the underside of the quick disconnect hopper coupling, various auger funnels can be attached to help with auger alignment and product flow. For added safety, a funnel-detecting proximity switch is mounted to the side of the coupling. With this proximity switch engaged, it is impossible to run the machine until the funnel has been mounted to the coupling, ensuring that the auger is not exposed and preventing user injury.

All Fill has designed a base model filler that has proven rugged, durable, economical, and functional. Limited downtime due to tool changeovers or machine maintenance, high accuracy, and simplicity in design make the B-350e an efficient and affordable solution to many filling needs. For more information on this model filler or to discuss what model would best you’re your company’s needs, please visit: http://www.all-fill.com/filling-machines/auger-fillers/ or view the machine spotlight video on our YouTube page at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUnjVQiII_U

To inquire about this model, or any of our other filling machinery please contact one of our All Fill salesmen by calling (866) ALL FILL or by visiting http://www.all-fill.com/contact-an-all-fill-sales-representative/ Already own an All Fill auger filler and have questions about it? Please contact our Field Service department by calling 610-524-7350 where they will be more than willing to help answer your questions.