Understanding Liquid Packaging Systems Machine and Line Speeds
At Liquid Packaging Solutions, we often receive requests for machinery that can run a certain number of bottles per minute. While some packagers will request a line speed, others will send in a query regarding an 80 bottle per minute (bpm) filling machine or 120 bpm capping machine. While these machines can obviously be built for the requesting company, we have found that it is always a good idea to ask a few questions after the requests for individual machines, so that customer expectations are always met.
As a machine manufacturer, it is important to understand how the machine will be used by the company requesting the information. Will this be added to an already existing line? Will the machine stand alone as part of a semi-automatic packaging system? In the first case, we simply want to ensure that the packager understands that the speeds requested will only be reached if the rest of the packaging line can also hit those speeds. Selling a bottle filler that can run 80 bpm's will do little for a company that currently uses a rinser or capping machine that runs 40 bpm, as a complete packaging system will only run as fast as the slowest component.
As a stand alone machine, rinsing machines, filling machines, capping machines and other equipment can be manufactured to reach certain speeds, but it is also important to not assume the bpm of that machine will equal the production output on a semi-automatic line. Though the filler may complete 80 bpm's, those placing caps on the containers may not be able to keep up!
This is not to say that there are not reasons for the very situations explained above. Some companies may be increasing line output by upgrading a single machine at a time on a packaging line. Other companies may be taking a step-by-step approach to automating a packaging system. In other cases, manual labor may be able to keep up with the requested machine. But when inquiries for a single machine running a specific number of bottles in a specific amount of time are made, LPS wants to ensure that the company understands what the bpm number means, and help them work toward their ultimate production goals.
Liquid Packaging Solutions manufactures a wide range of packaging equipment, including turntables, power conveyors, rinsers, fillers, cappers and more. In addition, LPS offers packaging services which include consultation, integration, installation, training and service. For more information on any of the packaging equipment manufactured by LPS, browse our website or call a Packaging Specialist today.