Krones AG: Bottling Equipment Overview
Krones AG, headquartered in Neutraubling, Germany, is a major manufacturer of bottling and packaging equipment. Founded in 1951, Krones employs over 17,000 people worldwide.
Krones equipment is found in virtually every major brewery, water bottler, and beverage producer worldwide. The company covers the entire bottling process from raw material handling through blow moulding, filling, labelling, inspection, packaging, and palletising.
In the used equipment market, Krones machines are widely present in the used equipment market. This guide provides an independent overview of key Krones product lines and what to evaluate when purchasing pre-owned Krones machinery. This guide provides an independent overview of key Krones product lines and what to evaluate when purchasing pre-owned Krones machinery.
Krones Filling Technology: Modulfill, Volumetic, and Craftmate
Krones Modulfill: The current-generation modular filling platform for all beverage types. Available in configurations for water, CSD, beer, juice, and sensitive products. The Modulfill system uses individual servo-driven filling valves for exceptional accuracy and flexibility. Used Modulfill machines from 2010 onwards are available in the secondary market.
Krones Volumetic: The predecessor to Modulfill, widely used in installations from the 1990s-2010s. Available in VF (volumetric flow) and VP (volumetric pressure) variants. these fillers remain suitable performers in the used market, with extensive spare parts availability.
Krones Craftmate: Designed specifically for craft breweries, handling smaller batch sizes with flexible format changes. A growing presence in the used market as craft producers upgrade.
Krones Modulfill HRS (Hot Fill): For hot-fill applications (juices, teas) at temperatures up to 95°C. Specialised valve design and aseptic-capable configurations.
Key evaluation points for used Krones fillers: Check valve gasket condition, flowmeter calibration, CIP circuit integrity, bearing wear on the rotary distributor, and software version. Krones fillers from 2005 onwards typically use Siemens S7 PLCs with Krones-specific software. Ensure the software licence is transferable.
Krones Blow Moulding: Contiform Series
The Krones Contiform is a widely installed PET stretch blow moulding platform. Key models in the used market include:
Contiform S (S8 to S36): Standard series with 8 to 36 blow stations. The S-series offers speeds from approximately 12,000 to 72,000 bottles per hour depending on bottle size. The Contiform S is characterised by its compact footprint and energy-efficient heating system.
Contiform 3 Pro: Third-generation platform with enhanced energy efficiency (AirbackPlus air recycling), improved preform heating (NitroShield), and faster format changes. Used Contiform 3 machines are available in the secondary market.
Contiform 3 Speed: Extended performance variant capable of up to 2,750 bottles per hour per cavity, in higher-speed configurations.
Evaluation priorities: Inspect oven condition (lamp hours, reflector quality), mould condition and available mould sets, stretching rod alignment, high-pressure air compressor integration, and the preform feeding system. Krones provides detailed maintenance schedules — request the service history log.
Blow mould sets are expensive (€15,000-€40,000+ per set), so verify which bottle formats are included with the machine and the condition of each mould set.
Krones Labelling and Inspection Technology
Krones Contiroll: Roll-fed labelling machine for wrap-around OPP labels. A commonly used labeller in high-speed beverage applications. Available in HS (high-speed) and standard variants. Check drum condition, cutting blade wear, and glue application quality.
Krones Topmodul: Modular labelling platform supporting multiple label types (roll-fed, self-adhesive, cold glue) on a single carousel. Extremely flexible for producers handling multiple products.
Krones Autocol: Self-adhesive labelling head, available as standalone or integrated into Topmodul platforms. Standard for premium product labelling.
Krones Sleevematic: Shrink sleeve application system. Growing in popularity for 360-degree decorated containers.
Krones Linatronic: Empty container inspection system. Uses multiple camera systems to detect finish damage, base cracks, residual liquid, and foreign objects. Essential for returnable glass lines. The Linatronic AI (with deep learning) is the latest generation.
Krones Checkmat: Full container inspection for fill level, cap presence/position, label position, date code verification, and foreign object detection. The Checkmat FM-A (fill monitoring) uses X-ray technology for precise level measurement.
Note on software: Krones inspection systems use proprietary software. Verify that all software licences, inspection recipes, and configuration files are included with any used purchase.
Buying Used Krones Equipment: Practical Recommendations
When purchasing used Krones equipment, consider the following:
Spare parts: Krones operates a global spare parts network. Parts for machines built after 2000 are generally readily available. For older equipment (pre-2000), check specific component availability before purchase. Krones also offers refurbished spare parts through their service division.
Service support: Krones provides worldwide service and technical support. Used machine buyers can access Krones service for installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. This is a significant advantage over less established manufacturers.
Software and licences: Krones machines run on the Krones SitePilot automation platform (newer machines) or Siemens PLC with Krones application software (older machines). Verify that all software licences are properly transferred with the machine sale.
Complete lines vs individual machines: Krones equipment integrates most directly with other Krones machines due to consistent control architecture and communication protocols. However, Krones machines can be integrated into mixed-manufacturer lines with appropriate interface engineering.
Typical market availability: Used Krones fillers, labellers, and inspection systems are regularly available. Complete Krones lines are less common and sell quickly. Blow moulders (Contiform) are moderately available. Krones packaging equipment (Variopac, Modulpal) is widely available in the used market.
BottlingScout regularly lists used Krones equipment with technical specifications, production year and stated condition.
Frequently asked questions
Are Krones spare parts available for older machines?
Krones maintains spare parts for most machines built after 2000. For machines from the 1990s, some components may require longer lead times or aftermarket alternatives. Krones also offers refurbished parts and upgrade kits for older equipment.
What is the typical lifespan of a Krones filling machine?
Krones fillers routinely operate for 20-30 years with proper maintenance. The mechanical construction is extremely robust. Key wear items (valve gaskets, bearings, O-rings) are replaced during regular maintenance intervals. Many Krones Volumetic fillers from the 1990s remain in active production.
Can Krones equipment be integrated with other manufacturers?
Yes. While Krones-to-Krones integration is simplest, Krones machines use standard industrial communication protocols (Profinet, Profibus) and can be integrated with equipment from any manufacturer. Interface engineering may be required for mixed-line configurations.
What makes Krones equipment more expensive than competitors?
Used Krones equipment often lists at higher prices than smaller platforms, reflecting build specifications, extensive R&D investment, global service network, and spare-parts availability. In the used market, Krones equipment retains resale value on the used market.