In the global pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, eye drops are among the most frequently used and prescribed products. With the rise in digital screen exposure, aging populations, and environmental pollution, the demand for sterile ophthalmic solutions is at an all-time high. But how do manufacturers ensure each small bottle is filled with precision, capped hygienically, and sealed tightly without contamination?
That's where the eye drop filling machine becomes a critical asset.
This article focuses on the advanced YGF-F eye drop filling machine from BOLANG, a leading Chinese manufacturer in pharmaceutical machinery. By the end of this post, you'll understand the structure, functionality, types, and troubleshooting of this machine, as well as how it meets international quality standards.
Key Takeaway
The BOLANG eye drop filling machine is a fully automatic, high-precision solution for filling, plugging, and capping ophthalmic bottles.
Designed for 10–15ml plastic bottles and 30ml glass bottles, it ensures consistent output of 40–50 bottles per minute.
Key features include Mitsubishi PLC control, peristaltic pumps, AIRTAC pneumatic systems, and Autonics sensors.
Complies with cGMP, FDA, and ISO standards.
Suitable for pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking automation, sterility, and productivity.
What is Eye Drop Filling Machine?
An eye drop filling machine is a specialized piece of equipment used to accurately fill, plug, and cap bottles containing ophthalmic solutions, such as:
Artificial tears
Antibiotic eye drops
Anti-allergy solutions
Steroid-based treatments
Unlike general liquid filling machines, these machines are designed to operate in sterile environments, use non-contact filling, and incorporate plugging systems for dropper tips, ensuring the final product is safe, sealed, and contamination-free.
The YGF-F model eye drop filling machine by BOLANG is a standout example, offering a compact, intelligent, and efficient solution for high-speed production lines.
What are the Main Parts of Eye Drops Filling Machine?
The BOLANG YGF-F is made up of multiple sophisticated systems. Below is a breakdown of its core components:
Peristaltic Pumps
Brand: Baoding Lange
Ensure non-contaminated, precise liquid transfer
Easy to clean and replace tubing
±2% filling accuracy
Control Panel
Powered by Mitsubishi Touch Screen (GS2107)
User-friendly interface for setting volume, speed, and diagnostics
Pneumatic System
Brand: Taiwan AIRTAC
Powers plug insertion and capping processes
Provides consistent, reliable motion
Electric System
Includes France Schneider components
Supplies power to sensors, motors, and drive systems
Automatic Sensors
Brand: Autonics (Korea)
Detect bottle presence, cap alignment, liquid level
Prevent errors and reduce wastage
Reciprocating Filling Nozzle
Dual-head design to fill two bottles simultaneously
Reduces turbulence and foaming
Conveyor System
Transports bottles through each station
Adjustable speed and bottle guide rails
Main Drive System
Equipped with stepper motors (2S86Q-030B8)
Coordinates mechanical movements
Vibratory Feeder
Stacks inner plugs and caps
Ensures aligned feeding into the dropper bottles
Chute
Guides plugs and caps from feeder to bottle necks
Made of 304 stainless steel
Capping System
Uses constant torque method
Prevents overtightening and ensures tamper-evident seals
Plugging System
Single-head press system
Inserts dropper tips with precision and force control
Bottle Rejection System
Identifies misplugged, uncapped, or unfilled bottles
Automatically removes defective units
What is the Function of Eye Drops Filling Machine?
The eye drop filling machine from BOLANG performs several critical functions:
Liquid Filling
Two-head peristaltic pump system
Accurate dosage for 10ml, 15ml, and 30ml bottles
Inner Plug Insertion
Vibratory-fed plugs
Pneumatic arm ensures proper fit
Capping & Sealing
Constant torque capping head
Prevents leakage and ensures long shelf life
Bottle Rejection
Faulty bottles are automatically removed
Sterile Operation
Contact parts made of 304 stainless steel or nylon
Compatible with cleanroom environments
Which Types of Eye Drops Filling Machines are there?
Eye drop filling machines come in three main types:
Manual Eye Drop Filling Machine
Operated entirely by hand
Suitable for laboratories and startups
Pros:
Low cost
Simple structure
Cons:
Labor-intensive
Inconsistent output
Semi-Automatic Eye Drop Filling Machine
Combines automatic filling with manual plugging/capping
Ideal for medium-scale production
Pros:
Balances automation and cost
Higher output than manual
Cons:
Still requires manual labor
Automatic Eye Drop Filling Machine
Fully automated from filling to capping
Pros:
High-speed (up to 50 bottles/min)
Precise and sterile
Minimal labor needed
Cons:
Higher initial investment
Comparison Table
Feature
Manual
Semi-Automatic
Automatic
Output Speed
Low (~10 bpm)
Medium (~30 bpm)
High (40–50 bpm)
Labor Requirement
High
Medium
Low
Fill Accuracy
Low
Medium
High (±2%)
Sterile Design
No
Partial
Yes
Cost
Low
Moderate
High
Best For
Labs, startups
SMEs
Large-scale pharma
Is there Difference between Eye Drops Filling Machine and Aseptic Filling Machine?
Yes. While both focus on sterile liquid filling, they differ in scope and design:
Feature
Eye Drop Filling Machine
Aseptic Filling Machine
Application
Ophthalmic liquids
Injectables, vaccines
Bottle Type
Plastic or glass dropper bottles
Ampoules, vials
Fill Volume
10–30 ml
0.5–100 ml
Sterility Level
High (Cleanroom compatible)
Ultra-high (ISO Class 5)
Complexity
Moderate
High
Cost
Lower
Higher
How do you Troubleshoot Eye Drops Filling Machines?
Fills are not Level
Cause:
Pump calibration error
Solution:
Recalibrate peristaltic pump
Check for air bubbles or tubing issues
Faulty Head Dive
Cause:
Misaligned nozzle or actuator failure
Solution:
Adjust head position
Inspect pneumatic cylinder
Excess Foam in Bottles
Cause:
High flow rate or turbulent filling
Solution:
Slow down fill speed
Use anti-foam nozzles
Eye Drops Filling Machine Should Conform to Which Quality Standards?
To ensure safety and compliance, machines like BOLANG's YGF-F must meet:
Integration of PLC, servo motors, and sensor-based automation
Excellent after-sales service and global support
Customization support for various bottle sizes and production line integration
Conclusion
The eye drop filling machine is the backbone of sterile ophthalmic production. With the YGF-F model from BOLANG, pharmaceutical companies get a robust, accurate, and high-speed solution tailored for modern production needs.
From advanced automation to compliance with global standards, this machine is ideal for scaling production while maintaining safety and quality.
FAQs
Q1: What types of bottles are compatible with the BOLANG YGF-F machine?
A: 10ml/15ml plastic bottles and 30ml glass dropper bottles.
Q2: What is the filling speed?
A: 40–50 bottles/min for plastic bottles, 30–40 bottles/min for glass bottles.
Q3: What is the level of filling accuracy?
A: ±2%, using high-precision peristaltic pumps.
Q4: Can the machine be integrated into a full production line?
A: Yes, it can connect with bottle washers, sterilizers, labeling machines, and more.
Q5: Is the BOLANG machine compliant with GMP standards?
A: Yes, it fully complies with cGMP, FDA, and ISO requirements.
