Tabletop Packaging Machinery

There are a number of different reasons that a product and package combination may not warrant a completely automated packaging system, but each reason almost always comes down to the production required.  It may simply be that a packager markets to a regional area and mass quantities are not required.  A start up company with a new product may not immediately have high production either.  Perhaps a uniquely shaped holiday bottle is only used at a specific time of the year.  Sample sized bottles may not be run in enough quantity to justify changeover of the automatic packaging machinery.  Whatever the reason, tabletop packaging machinery can be a useful alternative for low to medium production rates or special packaging projects.

Automatic filling equipment can use different filling principles to handle thin to thick products, and tabletop filling machines are no different.  By utilizing overflow, gravity, pump or piston filling principles, tabletop fillers are able to handle almost any product.  These machines can be manufactured with a single fill head or multiple heads, meaning that even these semi-automatic machines leave some room for production growth.  Most tabletop fillers use a footswitch or fingertip switch to initiate the fill cycle.  Simple timers or a PLC allow for consistent filling with each cycle.  Changeover from one bottle to another normally requires simple fingertip adjustments, making the tabletop filling machines both reliable and easy to operate.

Whether using a screw cap or snap cap, tabletop capping machines can be manufactured for a consistent and reliable closure for each bottle run.  Tabletop spindle and chuck cappers are available for all different types of screw caps, including flat caps, sports caps, flip-tops, trigger sprayers and more.  Tabletop snap cappers can be manufactured for non-threaded caps which may include CRC's, vial caps, snap flip-tops and more.  Custom capping machinery can be manufactured for lower production, but unique, bottles and cap combinations.  Tabletop capping machines will normally utilize a positioning nest for the bottle.  The operator of the machine simply places the bottle into the nest and the machine caps the bottle by applying torque or pressure.  The ability to apply the same torque or pressure to each bottle and cap, thus creating a consistent seal, is the main advantage of the tabletop cappers.

Tabletop labeling machines can add speed to the labeling process where hand labeling is currently being used.  Labeling equipment can be as simple as a label dispenser that presents a single label for application.  In the alternative, a tabletop labeling machine allows the operator to present the bottle and the machine handles the application.  The greatest advantage of allowing a machine to apply the labels is the greater consistency that can be achieved in both placement and wrinkle-free application.

While the three packaging machines mentioned above are probably the most popular pieces of tabletop packaging equipment, many other machines exist as well.  Tabletop or semi-automatic container cleaning equipment can be used to remove dust and debris from containers prior to filling.  Coding equipment can be added to a tabletop labeler to apply an expiration date, batch number or other information to the label.  Induction sealers may be used in conjunction with tabletop capping machines to create a tamper-proof seal.  Tabletop packaging systems, just like their automated counterparts, can be custom manufactured to handle a wide range of packaging chores.