Understanding Integration - Rinse, Fill, Cap, Label, Convey

While browsing the Liquid Packaging Solutions website, it is likely that a visitor will come upon the term "integration".  While most people understand that integration in some manner refers to taking parts to make a whole, the packaging industry definition of this term will normally refer to different manufacturers of packaging machinery.  In other words, LPS will manufacture many different packaging machines.  However, to put together a complete packaging system, we may combine the machines of other manufacturers with those that we build in house.  As an example, we will look at a basic automated packaging system consisting of a variety of equipment to rinse, fill, cap, label and convey bottles.

 

LPS manufactures a wide range of container cleaning equipment.  These machines may consist of wet or dry rinsers that invert bottles over a rinse basin, using clean air, water or other cleaning solutions to wash dirt, dust and other debris from bottles before they are filled.  Bottle vacuums also exist, using special nozzles to first blow air into the bottle to loosen debris, then vacuum that debris into an easily cleanable waste reservoir.

 

The filling machine will also be manufactured by LPS.  The type of filling machine will depend on the product viscosity and characteristics.  As a general rule, free-flowing products will typically be filled using an overflow filler or a gravity filler.  Higher viscosity products will normally require different machines, such as a piston or pump filler.  Of course, there are always exceptions to the general rule, and custom liquid fillers may be built for unique products.

 

Capping equipment manufactured by LPS will be built specifically for the type of cap or closure being used for the project.  Spindle cappers and chuck capping machines are built for the many different types of screw on caps.  For those packagers using a different type of closure, snap on machines, ROPP cappers, and even bartop corkers with capsule spinners may be built at the LPS plant.  Like the fillers, capping equipment may be custom built for unique closures or projects.

 

LPS will also build the conveyor system to move bottles or other containers from one packaging machine to another.  The conveyor system will be constructed to handle the size and shape of the containers being transferred, but will normally offer some adjustment to accommodate new containers that may be added to the line at a later date.  Turntables may also be manufactured for loading bottles onto the conveyor system as well as accumulating finished product at the end of the line.

 

Integration takes place once we reach the labeling station of the packaging system.  LPS does not manufacture labeling machines, but rather integrates other manufacturers machines into the existing line described above.  LPS maintains relationships with many other equipment manufacturers in the packaging industry as a service to our own customers.  These relationships, and the integration of the equipment, allows packagers to have one contact point when procuring new equipment.  LPS Packaging Specialists will work with the packager to obtain the best machine for the project at the best possible price.  Integration of the labeling machine also allows the packager one contact point for installation, training and after sale service.  

 

Of course, there are other machines that may be a part of the integration process.  LPS also maintains relationships with companies that produce induction sealers, pallet wrappers, coding equipment and much more.  Regardless of your packaging needs, Liquid Packaging Solutions is able to work with other industry professionals to create a complete, turnkey packaging system for your specific project.  Feel free to contact our Packaging Specialists toll free today at 1-888-393-3693 to learn more.