Creating a Custom Packaging System

Generally speaking, we spend a lot of time talking about the difference between automatic and semi-automatic packaging systems. However, not all lines include only one of the other. The ideal solution for any packaging project will include an analysis of the needs of the individual packager. In this sense, a custom packaging system will be created for almost every line manufactured by Liquid Packaging Solutions.  In many situations, some components of a system be made up of semi-automatic machines while others are made up of automatic equipment. So a custom packaging system does not necessarily mean custom, designed-from-scratch machinery, but only a custom mix of the different machinery available.

While cost may sometimes be a restrictive factor for small companies or startups, there are many other reasons that a company may choose to use semi-automatic equipment for some of their packaging tasks while using automatic for others. For example, some companies may require or desire an accurate fill, either by volume, by level or by some other measurement. Using a level fill as an example, hand filling bottles accurately so that all are at the same level may require pouring liquid by hand, then adjusting by emptying or adding to find that aesthetic mark, which could be a time-consuming process if not impossible. Using an automatic filling machine to reach the level fill can be done more quickly, while semi-automatic machines, along with operators, can be used for tasks that would not be as time-consuming or tedious, such as capping or labeling.

Another company may require labels to be placed accurately within a specific area on the bottle or other container. Though such a task may be possible by hand or with a semi-automatic labeler, neither of these options may be able to keep up with an automatic or even semi-automatic filler or capper, due to the accuracy with which the bottle needs to be positioned and the label applied. This company may choose to fill and cap product using semi-automatic machinery, accumulate the filled and capped product, and then run it through an automatic labeling machine to add both speed and consistency to the labeling aspect of the process.

Of course, depending on the containers, product, labor available, speed required and a number of other factors, one can imagine a scenario where a packager could benefit by automating just about any single machine in a packaging system. Many packagers will acquire a fully automated line over time, by simply automating the most time consuming tasks, one at a time, until the full line is achieved, while other packagers may never need more than semi-automatic machines to meet their needs. Both types of machines add efficiency, consistency and reliability to the packaging process and, as shown above, both can be incorporated into a system to create the ideal solution for almost any packaging project.