Frequently Asked Questions
Apex Filling Systems has helped manufacturers automate liquid packaging for decades.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about filling equipment, packaging lines,
installation, service, and selecting the right solution for your application.
Choosing Equipment
Products & Applications
How do I know which filling machine is right for my product?
The right filling machine depends on several factors, including your product's viscosity, container size and shape, desired production speed, fill volume requirements, and future growth plans. Products like water and beverages often require different filling technologies than thicker products such as sauces, honey, lotions, or chemicals. Choosing the correct equipment ensures accurate fills, minimizes product waste, and supports long-term production efficiency.
If you're unsure which system best fits your application, Apex Filling Systems offers an Equipment Fit Selector that helps identify the most appropriate solution based on your specific production needs.
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What's the difference between a piston filler and an overflow filler?
Piston fillers and overflow fillers are designed for different applications. Piston fillers accurately dispense a measured volume and are ideal for products ranging from thin liquids to highly viscous materials such as sauces, creams, gels, and honey. Overflow fillers are best suited for free-flowing liquids where maintaining a consistent visual fill level is important, such as bottled water, beverages, or clear cleaning products.
Selecting the correct filling technology depends on your product characteristics, container type, and production goals.
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Can one filling machine handle multiple products?
Yes. Many Apex filling systems are designed to accommodate multiple products with appropriate setup adjustments. Depending on product characteristics and production requirements, the same machine may package products with varying viscosities, container sizes, or fill volumes.
If you anticipate expanding your product offerings, discuss your long-term goals during the equipment selection process so your system can be configured for maximum flexibility.
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How do I determine the production speed I need?
Production speed should be based on your current output requirements while allowing room for future growth. Important considerations include desired bottles per minute, available labor, production schedules, changeover frequency, and anticipated demand.
Choosing equipment solely for today's production needs can limit future expansion. Apex works with customers to recommend equipment that supports both current operations and long-term growth.
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Can Apex customize equipment for my application?
Yes. Apex Filling Systems designs equipment to meet the unique requirements of each customer's product, containers, production goals, and facility layout. Customizations may include specialized nozzles, conveyors, controls, container handling, and complete integrated packaging lines.
Our goal is to provide equipment that fits your application rather than forcing your application to fit a standard machine.
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What products can Apex filling equipment handle?
Apex filling systems package a wide variety of liquid and semi-viscous products, including beverages, sauces, honey, syrups, distilled spirits, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), personal care products, cleaning chemicals, and many specialty liquids.
Every application is evaluated individually to ensure the selected equipment matches the product's characteristics and production requirements.
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Can your equipment fill thick products like honey or salsa?
Yes. Apex manufactures filling equipment capable of handling many viscous products, including honey, barbecue sauce, syrup, lotions, creams, and similar products. Product characteristics such as particulates, temperature, and viscosity are evaluated during the equipment selection process to recommend the appropriate filling technology.
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Can your machines package diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)?
Yes. Apex designs filling equipment suitable for packaging diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). DEF applications require careful consideration of material compatibility, cleanliness, and accurate filling performance to maintain product quality.
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Can Apex equipment package chemicals?
Yes. Apex manufactures equipment for many chemical applications. Material compatibility, product characteristics, safety considerations, and filling accuracy are evaluated before recommending equipment to ensure long-term reliability and performance.
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Do you build equipment for distilled spirits?
Yes. Apex works with craft distilleries and beverage manufacturers to provide filling, capping, labeling, and conveying equipment designed for distilled spirits and other liquid products.
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Do you work with co-packers?
Yes. Apex works with contract manufacturers and co-packers that require flexible equipment capable of handling multiple products, container sizes, and customer requirements. Equipment can be configured to support efficient changeovers and scalable production.
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Packaging Line Equipment
Installation & Training
Can Apex provide complete packaging lines?
Yes. Apex provides complete liquid packaging solutions that may include filling, capping, labeling, conveying, and integrated controls designed to work together as a complete production line.
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Do you manufacture capping equipment?
Yes. Apex offers automatic capping solutions designed to work with a variety of closure types and production speeds as part of complete packaging systems or as standalone equipment.
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Do you offer labeling systems?
Yes. Apex offers labeling solutions designed to integrate seamlessly into complete packaging lines while supporting a variety of container sizes and label types.
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Do you build conveyor systems?
Yes. Apex designs conveying systems that connect filling, capping, labeling, and downstream equipment into an efficient packaging line.
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Can I automate my existing packaging line?
In many cases, yes. Existing packaging lines can often be upgraded with new filling equipment, conveyors, cappers, labelers, or automation components to improve production efficiency and reduce manual labor.
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Do you provide installation?
Yes. Installation services are available to help customers properly integrate new equipment into their production operations.
Is operator training available?
Training is available to ensure operators understand equipment setup, operation, routine maintenance, and best practices for long-term performance.
How long does installation usually take?
Installation timelines vary depending on equipment complexity and project scope. During the project planning process, Apex provides estimated installation schedules based on your specific system.
Can Apex provide remote technical support?
Yes. Apex offers technical support to help customers troubleshoot equipment and minimize production downtime.
- Contact Technical Support
- Call Tech Support at 219-575-7493
What happens after I place my order?
After an order is placed, your project moves through engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and final acceptance before shipment. Throughout the process, Apex works closely with customers to ensure the equipment meets project requirements.
Warranty & Service
Purchasing & ROI
What warranty comes with Apex equipment?
Apex-manufactured equipment includes a two-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions. Warranty claims are evaluated by our Service Department, and eligible repairs or replacement components are handled in accordance with our warranty policy.
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How do I submit a warranty claim?
Customers can submit warranty claims through the online Warranty Claim Form or by contacting the Apex Service Department directly. Providing your machine serial number, a detailed description of the issue, and photos or videos helps expedite the evaluation process.
- Submit a Warranty Request
- Call Service 219-575-7493
How do I order replacement parts?
Replacement parts can be requested by contacting the Apex Parts Department. Providing the machine serial number and part information helps ensure accurate identification and timely fulfillment.
- Submit a Parts Ticket
- Call Parts 219-575-7493
What information should I have before contacting Service?
To help our Service Department diagnose issues efficiently, please have your machine serial number, product information, a description of the issue, and any available photos or videos ready when contacting Apex.
- Submit a Service Ticket
- Contact Us at 219-575-7493
How quickly does Apex respond to service requests?
Response times are prioritized based on the impact to your production. Critical line-down situations receive the highest priority, while routine service requests are handled as quickly as possible according to workload and urgency.
- Submit Parts/Service Ticket
- Call Parts/Service at 219-575-7493
How much does a liquid filling machine cost?
The cost of a filling machine depends on factors such as production speed, product characteristics, level of automation, and system configuration. Apex works with customers to recommend solutions that meet both production requirements and budget.
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How do I request a quote?
You can request a quote by contacting Apex directly or by completing our Equipment Fit Selector. Providing information about your product, containers, production goals, and desired output helps us prepare an accurate recommendation.
How long are current lead times?
Lead times vary depending on equipment type, project scope, and current production schedules. Contact our sales team for the most current lead time estimate based on your specific application.
- Request a Quote
- Call Sales 219-575-7493