Transferring Product From One Packaging Machine to Another

One of the most requested specs for any of the packaging machinery we manufacture here at Liquid Packaging Solutions is the number of bottles per minute the machine can rinse, fill, cap or otherwise prepare. This number is crucial to help to ensure the equipment prepared for any project will meet the production goals. Just as critical, though, is the transferring of containers from one packaging machine to another. Regardless of the method used, an efficient system must be used to achieve production goals.

Of course, for automatic machinery, power conveyor systems are typically used to quickly move containers from one machine to another. Different types of conveyors, from low-profile to C-frame to sanitary-style, can be used depending on the project needs. But the result is a transfer system that normally moves containers continuously from filling machine to capping machine to labeler or other equipment. The power conveyor system may stop to allow certain machines or components to complete tasks, but it will typically always keep containers moving through the packaging process.

But what about companies that do not use a fully automated system or that use tabletop equipment? For these companies, a power conveyor system may not be a necessity or economically feasible. Of course, hand transferring containers from one area to another is always an option, but the time lost can counteract the speed gained from using packaging machinery. Luckily, there are other options which can help to maintain the overall efficiency of the packaging system.

Tabletop equipment will often use a slide track, rather than a conveyor. With almost all semi-automatic equipment, the operator will be involved in placing the containers into the active area of the machine. For instance, a semi-automatic filling machine will require the operator to position the bottles under the fill heads. A slide track simply allows bottles to be slid into position from one side of the machine, and then slid out the other side once filled, you might call it a manual conveyor system. The slide track can be used to combine multiple packaging functions, such as filling and chuck capping, allowing a single operator to perform more than one task.

Non-power conveyors are also available for smaller systems as well. Operators may be able to use non-power roller conveyors or skate conveyors to move some products from one machine to another. As the name implies, these types of conveyors will require some assistance to move product and, depending on the product, may or may not be a good fit for transportation.

Regardless of the level of automation used by any given packager, transferring bottles from one station to another in an efficient manner will be a key to meeting production demands. To discuss your own needs with a Packaging Specialist, as well as other bottle transferring options, contact Liquid Packaging Solutions today.