Expert Insights Blog

Increase Ice Cream Packaging Efficiency with Automated Solutions

Written by Mia Stevens | 12/4/23 1:00 PM

Here's the scoop: Nothing quite beats the importance of smooth container handling when it comes to increasing efficiency.  

It's the secret ingredient that keeps the entire production line on track. By automating your container handling, the possibilities are endless, but here are just a few of the benefits: 

  • Reduced Downtime 
  • Increased Throughput 
  • Reduced Manual labor 
  • Reduced Jams 
  • Improved Safety  
  • and more! 

With over 50+ years of experience we have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges specific to the ice cream industry, and below are a few products that can help you increase efficiency on your ice cream production line. 

1. Timing Screw Drive Units

Manipulate your containers prior to an application downstream such as:

  • fillers
  • labelers
  • sleevers
  • case packers
  • and more

Timing screw drive units help meter, turn, group, index, and feed containers ahead of other equipment on your production line. The best part? No need for a complete overhaul—these units easily retrofit into your current setup, so you can boost performance without breaking the bank.

2. Inverting Solutions & Twist Blocks

Whether you're flipping your containers for rinsing, code dating, or other applications tackling inverting manually can be quite a hassle and slow down production. Overcome your inverting challenges with these solutions:

Twist blocks are a great solution to alleviate the inverting process. Not only are these solutions a cost-effective addition to your line, but they also have a smaller footprint, allowing you to dedicate that extra real estate to larger machines and applications where it is needed most. Need to run more than one can size on your line? You can easily changeover as twist blocks have simple mounting procedures allowing changeovers to be made in seconds.  

Stainless Steel Power Twists are most commonly used for food contact applications in which the containers must be held rigidly in position. This option is preferred when you need access to the container during inversion, such as code dating the container.

UHMW Power Twists are best for applications where the product is sealed. This solution can be changed over quickly and is great for repeatability, helping cut down on wait times for your products. They are also utilized in air rinsing in some cases. 

3. Combining + Dividing Solutions 

Are you manually combining and dividing ice cream on your production line? If so, you are not running as efficiently as you could be. Additionally, workers operating these processes often have their hands close to the machines, posing a potential risk of injury.

Combining and dividing systems are great solutions when you want to increase production of one area of your line. For example, maybe you are creating variety packs of two different flavors. As both lanes of product leave the filling and capping application, they must be transferred into one lane to enter the sleeving process. Adding a combiner can make this possible. 

Looking for more solutions to improve throughput on your ice cream line? Click here!