Blog
STOP THE DRIP: TOOLING ADDITIONS FOR ADDED EFFICIENCY
April 11th, 2025
With the plethora of Auger Filler choices that we offer at All-Fill comes the additional choices of tooling that will fit your product perfectly. For example, non-free-flow powders can be prone to dripping, where material continues to fall from open-bottom tooling even after the fill cycle has ended. No matter which machine you are using, improper or basic tooling can lead to several packaging challenges. Fortunately, our Lab Technician, Chris, has the solutions to keep your process running smoothly.
DRIP MITIGATION STRATEGIES
For operations handling non-free-flowing powders, it is crucial to prevent drips from the open bottom of standard tooling to ensure accuracy and maintain a clean filling environment. Since these powders are not easily flowable but can become fluidized after dosing, they may continue to spill even after the cycle is complete. There are a number of effective solutions available to manage and reduce this issue.
DRIP WASHERSControlling Flow with Restrictions
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GRID RESTRICTORSDisrupting Product Flow
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POSITIVE CUTOFF DEVICESThe Most Effective But Costly Solution
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REDUCING TOOLING SIZEThe Simplest Fix With A Tradeoff |
In certain situations, reducing the size of the tooling opening can be sufficient to minimize or eliminate drips. By limiting the space through which the product flows, the material's tendency to continue falling is reduced, providing a cost-effective solution. The downside is a slower delivery rate, as smaller tooling reduces the speed at which the product is dispensed into the container. |
CHOOSING THE BEST METHOD
Each of these methods provides a distinct approach to mitigating drips. Drip washers and grid restrictors offer passive control, but careful selection is crucial to avoid overly restricting the flow. Positive cutoff devices are the most effective solution but come with higher costs and increased complexity. Reducing tooling size is the simplest and most budget-friendly option, though it may reduce production speed. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each solution, operators can achieve more accurate, cleaner, and efficient powder filling while balancing cost, speed, and performance.