A compact auger filling solution for hygroscopic powders, featuring a customized filling nozzle for narrow 18 mm bottle openings.
When a manufacturer or contract processor needs to fill small quantities of powder into narrow-mouth bottles, selecting the right filling equipment involves more than choosing a machine with the correct filling range. Powder characteristics, bottle dimensions, filling accuracy, and ease of cleaning all play important roles.
In this project, UF worked with SSG Germany to provide a customized desktop powder filling solution for 70 g bottles containing hygroscopic powder.
The project demonstrates how UF adapts its semi-automatic auger filling equipment to meet specific product and container requirements.
Project Overview
- Customer:SSG Germany
- Application:Hygroscopic powder filling
- Target filling weight:70 g per bottle
- Powder bulk density:400 g/L
- Bottle opening diameter:18 mm
- Equipment model:UF-P2T desktop powder filling machine
- Filling method:Auger filling with a weighing system
- Customization:Narrow-mouth filling nozzle and additional material-handling functions
- Delivery method selected:FedEx Express
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Understanding the Customer’s Requirements
SSG contacted UF looking for a small screw filling machine capable of dispensing approximately 70 g of powder into individual containers.
The customer had several specific requirements.
Small filling quantity
The target dose was 70 g per bottle, making a compact filling machine with a suitable low-dose filling range a practical choice.
Hygroscopic powder
The material was hygroscopic, meaning it could absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. The equipment therefore needed to be suitable for handling the customer’s specific powder and production conditions.
Known bulk density
The customer provided a bulk density of 400 g/L, giving UF additional information for evaluating the filling application.
Narrow bottle opening
The most important dimensional requirement was the bottle opening diameter of just 18 mm. The filling nozzle needed to be customized to fit this restricted opening.
Rather than simply recommending a standard machine, UF evaluated these requirements together to develop a more suitable configuration.
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Equipment Solution: UF-P2T Desktop Auger Filling Machine
UF recommended the UF-P2T desktop powder filling machine, a compact auger-based system designed for small-quantity powder dosing.
The machine offers a filling range of 1–200 g, covering the customer’s target weight of 70 g.
Standard Configuration
The selected machine configuration includes:
- 15 L easy-to-clean hopper:Designed for convenient cleaning and routine maintenance.
- Adjustable filling head:Allows the filling head position to be adjusted to suit the container setup.
- Foot pedal switch:Enables the operator to initiate filling conveniently.
- DELTA touchscreen control:Provides an operator interface using a recognized industrial control brand.
- Polished auger:Supports powder dosing and facilitates cleaning.
- SUS304 stainless steel contact parts:All standard material-contact parts are made of SUS304 stainless steel.
This configuration provides a practical solution for businesses that need compact powder filling equipment without investing in a large automated production line.
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Customized Filling Nozzle for an 18 mm Bottle Opening
A narrow bottle opening can make powder filling more challenging. If the filling nozzle is too large, it may not fit the container properly, potentially making the filling process less convenient.
To address this requirement, UF customized the discharge nozzle according to the customer’s specified bottle opening diameter of 18 mm.
This customization was intended to allow the filling nozzle to fit the customer’s container while maintaining a suitable filling arrangement.
Why does nozzle customization matter?
- It helps accommodate containers with restricted openings.
- It supports a more suitable filling position.
- It reduces the need to compromise on the customer’s preferred container design.
- It allows the filling equipment to be configured around the actual packaging requirements.
For powder filling projects, confirming the bottle opening diameter before manufacturing is an important step in equipment selection and customization.
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Additional Functions for Smoother Powder Filling
In addition to the customized nozzle, UF proposed adding a material-settling and vibration function to help the powder feed and fill more smoothly.
Powders can differ considerably in flowability, bulk density, and sensitivity to handling. These characteristics may influence how consistently material moves through the hopper and auger.
For this project, the additional functions were proposed to better accommodate the customer’s hygroscopic powder.
The final equipment configuration should always be evaluated against the actual powder properties and filling performance requirements. For moisture-sensitive materials, appropriate storage and environmental controls may also be necessary, depending on the product.
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Filling Test and Application Verification
Before proceeding, the customer raised an important question: Would the machine be suitable for 70 g filling into containers with an 18 mm opening?
UF shared a filling demonstration video with the customer. In the demonstration, the machine filled 10 g of powder into a 120 g container with a 20 mm opening.
This provided a reference for the filling arrangement. However, because the demonstration used a different filling weight and bottle opening, it should not be interpreted as a test of the exact 70 g and 18 mm configuration.
For powder filling applications, testing with the actual material and container is the best way to evaluate the complete setup.
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Transparent Quotation and Delivery Options
The project also required delivery to Waghäusel, Germany.
UF provided several transportation options so that the customer could compare cost and delivery arrangements.
The options included:
- Air freight to Frankfurt Airport
- Sea freight with door-to-door land transportation
- Sea freight to Frankfurt port
- FedEx Express door-to-door delivery
After reviewing the quotation, SSG requested a price adjustment to help with its purchasing decision.
UF subsequently secured a US$100 discount, and the customer confirmed the order and selected FedEx Express delivery.
The estimated transit time communicated for FedEx Express was approximately seven days. Actual transit time may vary depending on dispatch arrangements, customs clearance, and the destination.
The transportation information above reflects the options discussed during this particular project and should not be treated as a current shipping quotation.
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Project Outcome
The customer confirmed the order after the machine configuration, customization requirements, quotation, and delivery method had been discussed.
This case highlights several important considerations when selecting a small powder filling machine:
- The filling range must cover the target dose.
- Powder properties, including bulk density and moisture sensitivity, must be considered.
- Bottle opening dimensions can determine the required nozzle design.
- Additional material-handling functions may be useful for improving the filling process.
- Delivery arrangements should be evaluated alongside equipment specifications and pricing.
For businesses filling small quantities of powder into narrow-mouth containers, a customized desktop auger filler can be a practical option worth evaluating.
Looking for a Small Powder Filling Machine?
UF supplies powder filling equipment for a range of applications, including small-dose filling, bottle filling, and semi-automatic packaging operations.
Whether you are filling food ingredients, chemical powders, or other dry materials, our team can help evaluate your application based on:
- Target filling weight
- Powder characteristics and bulk density
- Container dimensions and opening diameter
- Required production capacity
- Cleaning and material-contact requirements
Contact UF to discuss your powder filling application.
Share your powder specifications, target filling weight, and container drawings or samples, and our team can help you identify a suitable machine configuration.
