Training Helps Operators Run Packaging Machinery Efficiently

Packaging machinery can run the gamut from simple tabletop equipment that requires an operator to assist with each cycle to complete, automated systems that move bottles through rinsing, filling, capping, labeling and more with very little human interaction. Proper training on any equipment ensures that the machinery not only that the machinery runs efficiently but that it does so over a long and useful life. While some equipment will require no more than a manual to get it set up and running in production, for certain machines or lines a packager will benefit from having a technician at the installation to demonstrate how to operator the equipment.

At Liquid Packaging Solutions, installation and training are available for a wide range of equipment and lines. LPS technicians will assist in the set-up of equipment and spend as much time as necessary getting the operators of the machinery the knowledge they need to run production on a daily basis. The training for any machine or line will obviously depend on the equipment being put to use.

Tabletop and semi-automatic packaging machinery will seldom require installation or training, as the equipment typically requires no more than a finger or foot switch to complete the packaging task. Simple set-up and changeover will be explained in machine manuals and technicians, if necessary, can usually guide packagers through any issues with a simple phone call.

Users of automatic machines or complete lines, however, can often benefit from the knowledge of experienced technicians. When dealing with an automatic system that rinses, fills and caps containers, each machine must be set up to run effectively. A problem with any single machine in a line will affect the efficiency of every other machine. While the automatic machinery is manufactured to be easy to set-up and run, the controls for each piece of equipment will vary based on the task that it is performing.

Rinsers and fillers, for example, will use a touchscreen interface to allow operators to quickly and easily set up the parameters for specific bottles and products. In fact, most of the time machines are set up at the factory when bottles and products are provided to LPS. Operators can then simply recall a "recipe" for the bottle and product combination to complete the set-up. The first phase of training on these machines will often be understanding the different screens and recipes.

The second aspect of training will cover the physical changes that might need to be made on a machine during set-up. For instance, rinse or fill heads may need to be adjusted to accommodate different bottle heights or widths. Conveyor railing may also need to be modified for different containers. These adjustments are typically made without the need for tools, by using hand knobs, cranks or power height adjustments.

Though most capping machines may not use a touchscreen interface, they too will require some hand adjustments for different containers. For example, a spindle capping machine will require operators to adjust gripper belts and spindle disks. These adjustments can be made with knobs and cranks found on the face of the capping machine. While the operation and set-up of automatic machinery will not be a difficult chore, training with a Packaging Specialist helps the operators of the machinery understand the different settings and ensures efficient performance from Day One.

Manuals are also provided for automatic machines and lines, to assist with troubleshooting or to be used as a refresher. And while training and installation can act as a hand-off from LPS to the customer, LPS technicians are always available to consult or even re-train when necessary. To learn more about training and operating equipment, contact LPS today.