Line Layouts Help Plan for Production

Choosing the right packaging machinery consists of a number of different factors, all of which can change for each individual packaging process. One of the factors to consider will always be the space available for the equipment and the process itself. Line layouts can help to ensure that the best and most reliable design is achieved for each unique packager. However, obtaining a line layout prior to the design, construction and placement of the system can help in a number of other ways as well.

First and foremost, the line layout is a representation of the packaging system as it will exist on the production floor. Providing a line layout is a step in the process to ensure that the equipment chosen for the project will be both efficient and sufficient. As noted above, walking through a line layout with machine dimensions will help to ensure that the production floor will provide sufficient space for the machinery chosen. However, it also allows the packager to run through the production process and ensure that all components are covered. Do containers need to be cleaned before they are filled? Add a bottle rinser to the beginning of the line to avoid contamination of product. Is shelf life a concern? Maybe we need to include a nitrogen purge machine prior to sealing bottles. Did we forget about the induction seal on the cap or can we squeeze an induction sealer on to the power conveyor if we choose to use that type of closure in the future? Will the semi-automatic system we have in place now allow for the addition of automation in the future or handle all of the different containers and products used at our facility? Creating a picture of the system helps answer these and many other questions to avoid surprises once actual production begins.

Line layouts are available for completely automated systems, semi-automatic systems and any combination of the two. Setting the machinery up on paper, therefore, helps to get a handle on the labor that will be required to efficiently run the line. Even automated lines will require some manual labor, to monitor the system and add bulk components such as bottles, caps and labels from time to time. Packaging lines that are less than fully automated may require labor to fill, cap, label or pack product for shipping. The line layout allows packagers to plan for the labor and ensure that the necessary space exists not just for equipment, but for those that will work amongst the equipment.

As the delivery of the system to the packager production floor nears, the line layout also assists in the preparation of utilities and other components. Rinsing machines will require a liquid or air source to clean bottles, the filler will need to be hooked to the bulk product source. All of the machinery will likely require electric or air. The line layout allows packagers to prepare the necessary space for utilities, including convenient drops for electric and air, that can save time, money and space, without having to wait for the machinery to be delivered and set up on their own floor.

Finally, the line layout allows for the most efficient set up in relation to other, non-machinery activities on the production floor. Forklifts may be necessary to deliver bulk product or move finished products to the shipping dock. A logical set up would put the loading end of the packaging line near the warehouse or storage area of the plant, while the packing section of the line would be set up near the shipping dock, though there will always be exceptions. Setting the machinery onto the floor via a line layout ensures that the space remains for these periphery activities to take place efficiently and effectively as well.

Liquid Packaging Solutions offers line layouts for any project, to help the packager envision his or her project and to ensure that the packager is receiving the best system for based on individual needs and desires. If you have a project you would like to discuss with LPS, send us a quick connect message or a quote request today, or call one of our Packaging Specialist to start the conversation.

Finally, the line layout allows for the most efficient set up in relation to other, non-machinery activities on the production floor. Forklifts may be necessary to deliver bulk
product or move finished products to the shipping dock. A logical set up would put the loading end of the packaging line near the warehouse or storage area of the plant, while the
packing section of the line would be set up near the shipping dock, though there will always be exceptions. Setting the machinery onto the floor via a line layout ensures that the
space remains for these periphery activities to take place efficiently and effectively as well.

Liquid Packaging Solutions offers line layouts for any project, to help the packager envision his or her project and to ensure that the packager is receiving the best system for
based on individual needs and desires. If you have a project you would like to discuss with LPS, send us a quick connect message or a quote request today, or call one of our
Packaging Specialist to start the conversation.