Choosing Inline Filling System for Packaging Line

A great drink starts with a great bottle, and an even better beverage requires the right bottling system.  What is an Inline filling system, These systems are often composed of inline packaging machines that work together as a single unit, with power conveyors connecting the machines and labelers providing the final touch. They can be modified to accommodate many bottle sizes, shapes and types including glass or plastic, large or small openings, tall or short bottles and a variety of cap styles and materials.

The equipment in these systems varies depending on the product being packaged, but the common elements include a filling machine, capping equipment and a labeler. Bottles are deposited into the production line and fed to the filling machine where a precise amount of liquid is poured into the bottle. Some liquid filling machines can even handle multiple container types at the same time.

When bottles are ready to be sealed, capping machinery is used to apply a lid over the top of the bottle to protect the contents and keep them fresh. This can be a crimp or snap cap, or a different type of closure that may be required for certain products such as an aerosol or "NEPCO" bottle or a screw top for larger containers. Cappers can be fully automatic or semi-automatic, and can be equipped with a conveyor system for label application.

After the bottles are capped, they must be labeled to provide a finished product that is attractive and informative. Labeling application machinery consists of a drive wheel, reel and labeling wheel that works with the conveyor to apply labels in a constant pattern while the bottle moves at a steady speed. The label wheel is typically equipped with a sensor that reads the bottle's bar code to determine its location on the conveyor, and the drive wheel accelerates and decelerates to match conveyor speed to prevent errors.

For the final touch, a tamper evident sealing machine can apply a heat seal to the bottle that leaves a visible evidence of tampering. This can be especially important for alcoholic beverages, medical and pharmaceutical products and other highly sensitive items.

When a company is ready to invest in an inline bottle filling system, it should consider all of the options available. This can help them narrow down their selection and choose the most appropriate machinery for their particular needs. They should also be sure to consider the cost and space requirements of an entire bottling system before making a purchase.

If they don't have enough space for an inline system, a monoblock packager can be a good alternative. This style of machine uses star wheel indexing to move containers between the various packages, and can even be customized to support two different neck diameters on the same line. It is a popular option for companies that are expanding their product offerings, and may require a flexible and expandable solution to grow with them.