How do you meter containers for spacing on your packaging line?
Maybe it’s with a belt or a trusty timing (feed) screw. Either way, it can be challenging to decide which application is best when determining how you’re going to space these containers for your packaging applications.
There are some big differences between the technologies, and we go ahead and break them down for you to make purchase decisions easier. 
We really get excited about this topic, so, if you were to stop reading right now, what are the main differences?
1. Timing screws hold consistent spacing between two containers and create positive control with those containers on your packaging line, over one or multiple conveyors.
2. Timing Belts or Metering belts aid with moving containers across more than one conveyor and are used where consistent spacing is not needed.
Let’s break it down even more.
What is a timing screw?
Timing screws, also known as feed screws or worm screws, are devices that create positive control with a
container and can move the container at a specified rate and on pitch to provide consistent spacing every single time.
A timing screw can feed, turn, group, twist, invert, combine, divide, and orient your container. Timing screws have three points of contact with the container: the trailing edge, the leading edge, and the root diameter. Having three points of contact creates that positive control and creates the same output, as every one rotation of the screw equals one container discharged. Timing screws are best used when feeding a system for another packaging application such as a filler, capper, or labeler – all items where consistent spacing is needed.
Screws allow the intended application to be better performed.
What is a timing belt / metering belt?
A metering belt is a belt mounted on a drive system that provides spacing between two or more items. A metering belt can move a container or keep it from getting pulled down by the end of a conveyor, but it does not create positive control with the container. A metering belt is often used where spacing is not critical.
At its core, a metering belt moves containers along a line and can prevent a container from getting pulled down by a conveyor but cannot be relied on to hold consistent spacing or give the ability for an operator to walk away.
Which one should I use?
A timing screw creates positive control with the container and will give you the same output every time. With a timing screw, there is consistent spacing between each container. A metering belt does not create 
consistent spacing between containers; therefore, you are never sure what you are going to get. In some applications, this is fine, but in a majority of packaging applications, upgrading belts to screws will give the packager much more control of final products.
Timing screws are used when feeding a system such as a filler, capper, or labeler whereas a metering belt is not the best option for this since spacing is critical for these applications.
So, which one should you use? Well, that’s up to you, but implementing screw technology on your line will give you more accurate control over your containers, allowing for more possibilities of uptime and greater throughput. The unpredictability of metering belts on a packaging line can lead to more downtime and operator intervention, which will lead to less profits overall.
Want to know even more? Here you go.
A timing screw is more likely to reduce downtime compared to a metering belt. For example, with a metering belt a labeler might catch two containers if there is not consistent spacing and an operator would have to shut down the line, clear it, and then start it back up. That is a lot of time wasted. With a timing screw giving consistent spacing, an operator would be able to start the system AND be able to walk away, nearly eliminating the need for an operator to constantly watch.
Belts typically have two different belts to move a container, one for each side. With two belts it is very hard to time the belts exactly and the container can be moving faster on one side making it easier for a jam to happen and the integrity of the container to be compromised.
Timing is easier with timing screws. That’s why it’s in the name. With a single timing screw, one motor is running the screw and giving one rotation per container. If there are two timing screws, a synchro bar will connect the screws to run on the same motor, so they are timed correctly the whole time.
Overall, metering belts are a quick fix for a packaging line, but a timing screw is often more cost effective and efficient over the long haul. Metering belts seem simple and easy but can cause major headaches. Timing screws can increase your ROI and reduce down time, making them one of the most efficient products for your packaging line. Timing screws are an investment that has more use in the long term.
And remember: You can retrofit and upgrade your systems with Morrison timing screws and make productivity your commitment in 2021. Connect with an expert now.
