How Many Filling Heads Do I Need?

The basic math

Heads required = target containers per minute × fill time per container (in minutes), adjusted for indexing time and efficiency.

For example, a 500 ml product that takes 6 seconds to fill at a target of 60 containers per minute requires roughly 6 filling heads before accounting for indexing and efficiency losses, so 8 heads would be a typical specification.

Factors that change fill time

• Product viscosity and nozzle size
• Container neck opening
• Foaming, which may require slower fill or bottom-up filling
• Accuracy requirements

Leave room to grow

Most manufacturers offer frames that accept additional heads later. Specifying a frame sized for future volume is often less expensive than replacing the machine.

Ask suppliers to confirm

Suppliers should confirm the head count through product trials. Include your target rate and largest fill volume in your Request for Quote.

Related reading

For a side-by-side look at all ten filling methods, see Filling Machine Technologies Compared.

This guide provides general, independent orientation. Actual performance depends on your product, container and equipment configuration; confirm specifications with suppliers before purchasing.