When it comes to doing the packaging of liquids, it seems like a tiresome and nerve-racking job. The hindrance, which comes in a way, is the volumetric accuracy. Fill in the right amount, and packaging should be strong enough so that material won’t escape from it are primary concerns.
For this purpose, we need advanced and well-structured machines that keep the quality of liquids adequate, and the product remains safe. And here comes a crucial aspect: the clear understanding between automatic and semi-automatic packaging types of machinery.
So let’s fathom a clear idea about these machines, and then we will discuss types of liquid machines and their workings.
Automatic machines are such types of machinery that are fully programmed with the working of machines. It takes less human effort as compared to semi-automatic. You press the button, and here it goes, the working started, and you can do other work meanwhile. Semi-automatic machines, on the other hand, require some manual input to begin the process. However, it is programmed but not enough to complete the process as compared to fully automatic machines. They are affordable than the former one.
In liquid packaging, manufacturers use both automatic and semi-automatic machines because of their different workings. According to many people, they think an operator is more involved in the process when you are using semi-automatic machines as compared to automatic.
But we will provide you a brief knowledge about the working of both automatic and semi-automatic machines. So stay stick with this article to know more about it.
TYPES OF LIQUID PACKAGING MACHINES AND THEIR WORKING
Below, we will discuss three types of liquid filling machines and their working based on both automatic and semi-automatic machines so you will get a better understanding of their workings.
1) FILLING MACHINES
First, let’s talk about the working of this machine. Filling machines fill the product in a container via a bulk source or supply tank (on the machine). The distinction between both types mirrors the rinsing machines.
The automatic function of the filling machine is, its operators need to ensure PLC settings. It should be correct and accurate and adjust conveyors. Other components and fill heads are crucial for an automatic machine. After the automatic filler starts running, the main task of the operator is to monitor the machine and see the packaging line, which works step by step. So you don’t need to worry about the process afterward. Another important thing is power conveyors, which work reliably, consistently, accurately works in automatic machines and achieve a certain speed in the process.
In a semi-automatic bottle filler machine, an operator’s work is to place containers under the nozzles adequately. It enables bottles to get filled from nozzles. Hence a fill cycle starts. It takes place via foot or finger switch. After filling one container, it replaces others and moves the filled container forward so that the process works in a cycle.
In some machines, the operator requires to replenish products from time to time. While in rinsers, the speed will depend upon operator speed too.
2) RINSING MACHINES
The function of the rinsing machine is to remove dust and dirt from the bottles. It helps make the bottles clean and transfers them for filling beforehand to the introduction of the product.
An automatic version of the rinsing machine inverts the bottle over a rinse basin to keep it clean, another way of using special vacuum nozzles combined with an air blast to remove micro-particles and dust particles. When the rinsing process starts, it needs to ensure the PLC settings, accurate for the bottle cleaning. It involves pulling up the correct recipe. Some steps are required in rinsing heads, which are power conveyor rails, indexing, and other stabilizing components essential for the size-changing of bottles. Overall, the operator’s main work after the machine runs is to monitor the packaging line on the machine.
A semi-automatic version of the rinsing machine requires the operator’s interaction for running every rinse cycle. Bottles move towards the nozzles, and the operator helps them to place them under the nozzle. Afterward, the use of a finger or footswitch is required to begin the process of the rinse cycle, and the bottles reach the point and get cleaned and move forwards, and the process progresses. After completing the rinsing process, its operator removes the container and moves them to the next packaging cycle. Due to this reason, the speed of semi-automatic rinsing machines continuously varies and depends upon the operator’s speed as it is not fully automatic in which bottles move automatically.
3) CAPPING MACHINE
It is a convenient machine used in sealing bottles and putting caps on the head of the bottles and other containers. It is the last and final step of filling liquid machines.
Automatic capping machines require some mechanical adjustment to components that help stabilize bottles or tighten caps, spindle wheels, snap-on belts, or gripper belts. After adjusting these measurements, caps will be efficiently delivered to the machine through the usage of an elevator or vibratory bowl. The sorting device helps deliver the cap to a chute, and then it places the cap to the bottle. Once the process starts afterward, the operator replenishes bulk caps in the sorting device. It is all the effort needed in an automatic version.
On the other hand, the semi-automatic version needs a bit more interaction of an operator. First, they place the cap onto the bottle and then position the cap and bottle combination in place under or in the capping component. The process again begins via a finger or footswitch. When completing the cycle, the operator removes the sealed container and moves them to the packaging line, and the process continues and places bottles one by one.
CONCLUSION
To make a whole story short, we end our article on this note to get you fully aware of the crucial steps and workings of the liquid packaging. There are both automatic and sem-automatic versions available in these three types of machines.
There are different principles on which the process takes place in each machine, so be cautious and find the best machine that gives you all the required benefits. Notice every detail of the machine and then match it with your requirements that. Are they fully achieved or not? And then decide to buy it.
Choose the best companies that offer all three types of machines: filling, rinsing, and capping.
