Loading and Accumulating - Parts of a Turntable

Though turntables may be among the simplest pieces of equipment on a packaging line, they also perform some of the most important jobs! Turntables can be used to load containers onto the line, allow for a change of direction on a packaging line, or accumulate product for quality control checks, shipping preparation, or other functions. Loading and accumulating turntables start the process of smooth production while reducing operator fatigue and helping to improve overall efficiency. Like any piece of packaging equipment, turntables require periodic maintenance and sometimes replacement of certain components. Understanding the main parts of a turntable helps operators troubleshoot issues more quickly while also making preventative maintenance an easier process. At Liquid Packaging Solutions, Inc., we not only manufacture loading, accumulating, and transfer turntables, but we also stock the main components of the turntables to help them maximize productivity and minimize downtime.

Turntable Discs

The most obvious component of a turntable is the rotating disc, the surface of which helps to load, transfer, or accumulate bottles. These discs are available in a variety of diameters to match the size of the bottles for any given project. While stainless steel tops are ideal for a majority of projects, turntables can also be manufactured using HDPE for corrosive products like bleaches or acids. While extremely durable, the disc should be kept clean to prevent debris from building up and inspected periodically for wear or damage that could affect movement.

Variable Speed Drive Systems

All types of turntables typically rely on a variable speed DC motor and controller to rotate the table at the proper speed. That being said, a packaging line may tie turntable controls to a control box for a rinsing, filling, or other machine, allowing the operator to control power and speed from a touchscreen operator interface. Over time, motors, controllers, electrical connections, and drive components should be inspected to ensure reliable operation. Keeping replacement electrical components available in-house can significantly reduce unexpected downtime when service or shipping of parts is necessary.

Loading Turntable Guide Systems

In addition to rails which help guide bottles on and off of the turntable, the loading turntable uses and adjustable bottle guide superstructure. This guide helps to move bottles to the outside of the disc on a loading turntable in order to deliver them to the power conveyor system. This structure has a quick-adjust design that allows the operator to quickly move the guide to accommodate different bottle sizes. Though also durable and unlikely to wear to needed replacement, the bottle guide structure, including components like the spring to load the paddle, should be checked from time to time for wear or damage.

Leveling Legs and Casters

Adjusting to the necessary height, leveling the machine and ensuring smooth rotation requires the ability to make sure the turntable not only sits properly on the production floor, but that the top turns smoothly and consistently. Leveling legs allow the operator to adjust the height and level the machine, while casters, along with the turntable hub, ensure smooth rotation. Operators should occasionally check to ensure that the machine is level, and the top is not out of alignment to avoid inconsistent performance.

Other Components

Just like any other packaging machine, turntables can be customized to fit the project for which they are designed and manufactured. Loading turntables may include a half-moon dead plate to help with loading boxes of bottles. Accumulating turntables may include a pack table to assist operators who are preparing products for shipping in cases or boxes. These and other custom components should also be inspected for wear and damage to ensure smooth and steady operation.

Although turntables require relatively little maintenance compared to other, more complex packaging machines, keeping critical replacement parts on hand can prevent hours, or even days, of unnecessary downtime or labor intensive bottle loading and accumulating. At LPS, we maintain inventory for turntables along with components for conveyors, rinsing machines, bottle fillers, capping machines, and more. Part of preventative maintenance includes having the right parts available before they are needed. Our experienced team can help you identify the wear parts for your equipment and help you put together a package of replacement and spare parts to assist in minimizing downtime based on identifying, ordering, and shipping out the right parts when the time comes. For assistance, simply give us a call at 1-219-393-3600 and ask for the Parts and Service Department.