The Overall Speed of a Packaging Line

Almost every conversation about a filling machine, bottle capper or other piece of equipment will involve some discussion of bottles per minute. How many bottles per minute (bpm) can the overflow filler fill? How many bottles per minute will the spindle capper run? This common sense question helps packagers ensure that the individual machine will meet their production needs. But for new packagers, the speed of the system as a whole is more important than the speed of each individual machine.

For packagers adding or replacing machinery on a pre-existing line, an overall speed is likely already determined. These packagers already know how many bottles or other containers will be produced on a daily basis for a given container size. The lesson learned is that the line will only run as fast as the slowest packaging machine.

This may seem like common sense, but for new packagers or packagers that are building their complete system over time, it is a fact that must be kept in mind as the move to automation progresses. For example, a new packager may price equipment and find a filling machine, capping machine and labeling equipment that will work for all of their containers. However, a company may start with just the filling machine to add efficiency to their current process. The packager purchases a machine with 16 fill heads that will allow between 80 and 100 bottles to be filled each minute.

In the future, the company may decide to add the capper and the labeler to add more automation to their process as a whole. The company would be pleased to find that the spindle capper purchased will run close to 100 bottles a minute, keeping the overall speed the same. However, given the containers and labels used, this same packager may find that only 60 bottles can be labeled per minute, lowering the overall speed of the packaging line!

Speed is an important aspect of any individual packaging machine, but the overall speed of a packaging system will ultimately determine the rate of production for given products or projects. Packagers need to understand the difference between machine speed and line speed from the beginning to ensure maximum efficiency of a packaging line and, ultimately, meet the desired goals of their production.

Liquid Packaging Solutions can help new packagers understand all of the considerations necessary for determining the best machinery for their unique project. Packaging Specialists are available at LPS during regular business hours to discuss options and answer questions regarding equipment solutions. LPS Packaging Specialists can be reached through the website by using the contact or quote requests or by simply calling the LPS office at 1-219-393-3600.