Piston dosing machines are specialised filling machines that use a piston to dispense precisely defined product volumes. They are primarily used for viscous products such as creams, pastes, sauces, or gels—applications where other filling technologies (e.g., flow-meter-based systems) can reach their limits.

The operating principle is based on a piston moving up and down within a cylinder. During the intake stroke, the product is drawn into the cylinder; during the discharge stroke, it is expelled accurately into the container. The fill volume can be set precisely, either mechanically or electronically. Modern piston fillers are often equipped with servo drives to control the dosing motion with high precision and enable fast product changeovers.

Benefits of piston dosing machines:

• High dosing accuracy for viscous and particulate products
• Suitable for products containing solids (e.g., yoghurt with fruit pieces)
• Robust design for long service life
• Easy to clean, with CIP-capable versions available

Typical applications:

• Food industry (jams, honey, creams, dips)
• Chemical industry (adhesives, pastes, sealants)
• Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics (ointments, lotions, creams)

Standards and quality requirements:

• CE marking in line with the Machinery Directive
• HACCP and GMP compliance for food and pharma applications
• ATEX versions for potentially explosive products