Understanding Uniframe Filling Machines

Uniframe filling systems offer a packager several different options for not just a semi-automatic filling machine, but for a packaging system in general.  The flexibility of the system allows the machinery to work for many different applications in various industries while at the same time meeting the specific needs of each individual packager.

Uniframe systems typically start with a semi-automatic filling machine.  This liquid filler can use all of the principles of any other filling machine, from overflow and gravity to pump or piston.  However, the frame of the filler is modified from the standard semi-automatic machine to allow for the addition of other components.  Generally the filler will be set up with an extended slide track and/or a tabletop like addition on either side of the frame.  The extra room on the frame allows packaging equipment such as container cleaning equipment, capping machines and labelers to be added to the system, giving packagers the ability to complete several functions in one area with a small footprint.  

Though the system is semi-automatic, it can handle low to medium production capacities depending on the product, bottle, cap and demand.  The equipment can also be modified to handle unique projects or to fit in restricted spaces.  Some of the other packaging machinery typically added to the uniframe packaging system includes:

Wet rinsers allow the operator of the uniframe system to simply place bottles on rinse nozzles and step on a foot switch to activate the rinse.  These additions are ideal for packagers of bottled water, other beverages, food products or pharmaceuticals where contamination of the product can be an issue.  Once the rinse is complete, the operator simply removes the inverted bottles from the rinse nozzle and places them under the fill heads to receive product.

After the fill, many packagers will use a handheld or tabletop chuck capper to quickly and reliably tighten caps and secure the product.  The handheld chuck capper may hand from an extended portion of the frame, allowing the operator of the system to quickly grab and place the capper over the bottle and cap for tightening.  The tabletop capping machine would sit on the extended portion of the frame and let the operator slide the bottle and cap into a positioning nest, at which time the chuck head would descend and apply torque.

Fill, cap and label systems are also popular when it comes to uniframe packaging models.  Once filled and capped, the operator can simply slide the bottle into position on a tabletop labeler and the machine will consistently place the label.  Different types of labelers - wrap, tamp, and more - can be added to the frame to achieve the desired labeling effect.  Combining these three packaging tasks will often times leave only the packing and unpacking before the products hit the shelf.

While these three pieces of packaging equipment are probably the most popular when it comes to adding to a uniframe system, they by no means represent the full spectrum of equipment that could be added.  Uniframe packaging systems are, by their very nature, custom packaging machines.  As such, each project will be analyzed to reach the best possible solution for the customer.