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SOP — Filler Height Adjustment

FUERST WIACEK Version 1.0 | Packaging — canning line | Frequency: when switching between can formats

Purpose

The filler height must be set correctly for each can format. The correct height ensures the filling head makes proper contact with the can lid during filling without squeezing it. An incorrect height causes foaming, fill inconsistency, or seaming problems.

Current formats in use:

Format Can supplier
44 cl Ball
33 cl Ardagh

Equipment

  • 1 × empty can of the target format
  • 2 × lids (for 44 cl) or 3 × lids (for 33 cl)

Process

1. Change Filler Recipe

When switching between formats, change the filler recipe first. The machine must be stopped and in Basic Position.

  1. Select the recipe for the new format (440 ml or 330 ml).

    Filler recipe change screen — machine stopped, Basic Position, select recipe, wait for load, press Download

  2. Wait for the recipe to finish loading.

  3. Press Download.
  4. Verify the loaded settings are correct — check bowl pressure, pump setting, and any other format-specific parameters.

2. Set Up for Height Adjustment

  1. Place the filler in Manual mode.
  2. Navigate to Controls → Height Adjustment.

  3. Activate hand adjustment on the display. You can then use the buttons on the jog to move the filler up or down.

    Filler height computer — Manual mode, Controls → Height Adjustment menu open, hand adjustment active, Basic Position confirmed. Use the jog buttons to move the filler up or down.

Note

The filler must be in Basic Position with the filling heads in the up position before setting height.

3. Set Correct Height

Use the lid-stack method to find the correct height for the format being run:

44 cl cans (Ball):

  1. Stack 2 lids on top of a 44 cl can.

    44 cl can with 2 lids stacked on top

  2. Place the can with lids beneath a filling head.

  3. Move the filler down until the filling head just touches the top lid — touching but not squeezing.

    44 cl can with 2 lids placed in the filler — filling bell just touching the top lid. This is the correct height.

33 cl cans (Ardagh):

  1. Stack 3 lids on top of a 33 cl can.

    33 cl can with 3 lids stacked on top

  2. Place the can with lids beneath a filling head.

  3. Move the filler down until the filling head just touches the top lid — touching but not squeezing.

4. Confirm and Lock

Once the correct height is found, deactivate the jog and return the filler to normal operating mode.

Checklist

  • [ ] Machine stopped and in Basic Position
  • [ ] Correct recipe selected, loaded, and downloaded (440 ml or 330 ml)
  • [ ] Settings verified after download — bowl pressure, pump, format parameters
  • [ ] Filler in Manual mode
  • [ ] Controls → Height Adjustment open, hand adjustment activated
  • [ ] Filler in Basic Position, heads up
  • [ ] Correct lid stack placed under filling head (2 lids for 44 cl, 3 lids for 33 cl)
  • [ ] Height set — head touching top lid, not squeezing
  • [ ] Jog deactivated, filler returned to normal mode