LPS Lets You Build Your Own Packaging System

At Liquid Packaging Solutions, we manufacture a wide range of packaging machines. Of course, some machines are more popular than others, but the vast array of equipment helps to ensure that a solution exists for each and every packager. At LPS, we work with the customers to identify the correct machinery for each individual project and put in place the best solution for that project. In addition, not every packager will automate every aspect of the production line. Some packagers will fully automate certain components where others will work with semi-automatic equipment only. So not only does LPS offer numerous machines, but each machine can be manufactured in several different ways.

For example, consider two different beverage companies with two distinct targets for consumers. The first company bottles a juice type drink that targets the entire United States, while the second company produces a distilled spirit unique to the East Coast and targeting tourists and locals in that area only. Given these facts, the company bottling juice will need to produce a lot more product than the company bottling the distilled spirit. A comparison of the two companies will help to demonstrate how and why LPS offers the equipment that it offers.

Company #1 Bottling Juice for consumers in the United States

For this type of project, with a higher production demand, the company will likely be looking at an inline automated packaging line. The line will begin with a power conveyor system designed to fit into the space allocated for production. This may be a straight line system or it may use curved conveyor sections or transfer turntables to move bottles at right angles as they move through the system. The line will likely incorporate a container cleaning machine, such as an inverting rinsing machine or bottle vacuum. This machine will remove dust and other debris from containers before the juice is introduced, helping to ensure the product remains pure. The filling machine may take several different forms for juice. While an overflow or gravity filler may work well, a pump or piston filler may also be an option if working with a thicker juice or if the juice has particulates such as pulp or fruit. From the filler, a spindle capping machine would be a common addition to tighten down screw on type closures in a consistent and reliable manner. Finally, a labeling machine and coding equipment would be used to present the product and information such as the expiration date, batch number and similar information to the consumer. After labeling and coding, the line may include bundling equipment to combine multiple bottles, packing equipment to get the bottles or bundles into a case or even a pallet wrapper to prepare the product for shipping. However, for this higher production project, note that all of the equipment is automated to increase speed and output.

Company #2 Bottling Distilled Spirits for Tourists and the East Coast Region

For a project with a regional target, equipment may or may not be automated. While the same type of system described above is certainly an option, it may not be cost-effective or even necessary. Instead, the line may take advantage of tabletop or full-frame semi-automatic equipment. The project would still benefit from container cleaning equipment, filling machines, capping machinery and labeling equipment, however, these machines would need more operator interaction. Each piece of equipment would require an operator to place bottles or containers into the working area, then press a foot or finger switch to activate the cycle to clean, fill, cap or label the container. With the power conveyors no longer a necessity, the packager can save significant space. In addition, some equipment may work in a different manner, such as the capping equipment. The distilled spirit may use a cork where the juice used a screw-on type closure. The capping machine will not only be modified from automatic to semi-automatic, but will also be changed to a corking machine and the ability to add a capsule spinner as well. Such a system may use one operator to move products through each individual machine or it may use an operator for each piece of equipment, depending on the production requirements.

A comparison of these two simple companies show the benefits of offering a number of different machines, in a number of different formats. Our own production helps to ensure that we can help identify and produce an ideal solution for each and every packager with whom we work! For more information on any of our packaging equipment, simply browse the website or call our offices Toll Free to speak with a Packaging Specialist.

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