Product family
Group SKUs only when product condition, particles, temperature, compatibility and cleaning duty genuinely share one product path.
Controlled multi-SKU production
How to build a paste filling change-parts and SKU matrix.
Link each product and pack to the exact dosing, product-path, container-handling and verification setup required for a repeatable changeover.
Direct answer
What is a paste filling change-parts and SKU matrix?
It is a controlled table that links every production SKU to the parts, settings and checks needed to run it. For paste filling, the matrix can include cylinder modules, valves, nozzles, hoses, product feed, guides, stops, sensors, recipes, capping or labelling parts and the first-off verification required after changeover.
Dose family
Identify the cylinder or dosing module and setting range required for each minimum, normal and maximum fill.
Pack family
Record container dimensions, opening, stability, guide positions, nozzle height, stop and sensor setup.
Acceptance family
Define the first-off fill, cut-off, closure, label and output checks required before production is released.
Matrix structure
Make every setup decision traceable to the SKU.
| Matrix field | Record for each SKU | Why it changes the machine setup |
|---|---|---|
| Product condition | Temperature, mixing state, settling time, particles, aeration and stringing behaviour. | Changes refill, product feed, valve/nozzle selection and cleaning. |
| Fill target | Minimum, nominal and maximum dose plus measuring method. | Determines cylinder/module, stroke, recipe and verification sample. |
| Container | Drawing, supplier reference, opening, height, width, base and stability. | Determines guides, pucks, stop position, nozzle height and sensor location. |
| Closure and label | Closure, torque or placement requirement, label/coding reference and finished-pack sample. | Determines downstream change parts and whether the filler must leave a clean neck or rim. |
| Product-contact parts | Cylinder, valves, hoses, seals, nozzle and dedicated or shared sets. | Controls compatibility, cross-contact, cleaning and storage. |
| Settings and checks | Recipe, mechanical positions, first-off sample, sequential fill check and release authority. | Makes the changeover repeatable and auditable. |
Changeover sequence
Separate cleaning, mechanical conversion, settings and release.
- Stop and isolate according to the approved procedure.
- Recover or drain product and complete the required cleaning.
- Remove, inspect and store the outgoing product-contact and format parts.
- Install the new cylinder, valve, nozzle, hose and container-handling parts.
- Load the correct recipe and set controlled mechanical positions.
- Prime with the new product and complete first-off and sequential checks.
- Release production only when the specified acceptance criteria are met.
Common omissions
Do not measure only the mechanical swap.
- Product recovery and drain-down.
- Cleaning, inspection and reassembly.
- Retrieval and return of stored parts.
- Recipe selection and sensor adjustment.
- Priming and rejected startup fills.
- First-off approval and documentation.
Decision rules
Use the matrix to discover when one machine cannot cover every SKU economically.
A very broad SKU range may require several cylinder sets, nozzles and container guides, long cleaning periods or repeated line adjustments. The matrix makes those costs visible before order. It can also show where a second dedicated filler or a different dosing method would reduce risk and changeover time.
Link the matrix to the multi-product filler guide, the changeover guide, the cleaning guide and the wetted-parts schedule.
Buyer questions
Common questions about paste filling change parts.
What counts as a change part on a paste filling machine?
Any component that must be changed or set differently for another product, dose or pack can be part of the changeover scope. This includes product-contact parts, dosing modules, container guides, stops, pucks, sensor positions and downstream format parts.
Can a recipe replace mechanical change parts?
No. A recipe can store control settings, but it cannot change cylinder capacity, valve geometry, nozzle bore, hose material, container guides or closure-handling parts. The matrix should identify both software and mechanical requirements.
When are dedicated wetted-part sets useful?
Dedicated sets may reduce cleaning or cross-contact risk between incompatible products, but they add storage, identification, inspection and replacement duties. The business case should include the complete changeover sequence.
How should a changeover time be proved?
Time the approved sequence from the agreed starting state to released production, including cleaning, part handling, settings, priming, rejected fills and first-off checks. Record who performed the work and which tools were required.
Need a multi-SKU paste filling scope reviewed?
Send the product, dose, container and closure list so Lancing can identify common parts, required changes and trial evidence.