Füllphase

Füllphase describes the phase of a process during which a vessel, channel, mold, or system is filled with material or medium. It is used across engineering disciplines to distinguish the filling operation from subsequent steps such as processing, curing, or discharge. The exact interpretation depends on the industry, but the core idea is the initial introduction and accumulation of material until a designated state is reached.

In injection molding, the Füllphase is the portion of the cycle during which molten polymer is injected into the mold cavity until it is filled. The goal is to achieve geometric fidelity while minimizing air traps and shear heating. The phase is typically followed by a packing or holding phase to compensate for material shrinkage and thermal contraction.

In packaging and filling operations on production lines, the Füllphase denotes the interval in which product is dispensed into containers or cartridges. Control focuses on achieving target fill weight or volume, minimizing overfill and underfill, and ensuring cleanliness and spillage-free operation. Sensors and feed mechanisms regulate the end point of the phase.

In process engineering and fluid technology, the Füllphase may describe the initial filling of pipelines, tanks, or reactors in batch operations. Duration depends on flow rate, geometry, and target fill level; improper filling can cause air entrainment, pressure transients, or uneven distribution.

Originating from the German terms Fülle (filling) and Phase (phase), the concept is used in various domains. In English-language texts, equivalents such as fill phase or filling phase are chosen according to context. See also Füllstand (fill level) and Prozesssteuerung (process control).