Automating a packaging line can be challenging, but at Morrison we’re here to help. One of the ways our customers can automate their packaging line is with either an inline indexing system or a rotary design system for filling, labeling, or more. Both of these systems are great options for automation, especially when it comes to filling, but they fit our customers' needs a little differently, and our experts are here to help navigate through these decisions.
So how do you go about deciding which design is best for your production? You’ll need to begin with telling your container handling expert how many containers per minute you need to run in order to meet your production demands. That will allow our engineers to provide the best recommendation on which design will work best for you.
Both are great, but here’s some of the insight we’ll provide when helping you navigate which will be the best for meeting your needs.
Inline Indexing:
Inline indexing systems are typically for lower speeds but bring limitations when wanting to move to a higher speed. Each pre-determined count of containers will be discharged and they need to stop for the required application, and then continue down the line.
If the containers are stopped, then the line isn’t continuously running, and this can create a small amount of downtime and lowers the number of containers that can be run through. However, if there isn’t a need to run more than 120 containers per minute, an inline indexing system is likely the optimal choice for your line.
Additionally, this application is dependent on the downstream equipment. Can your next system accept slug fed containers or can you reaccumulate the containers being discharged out of the system? If you can answer yes, then inline indexing should still be a viable option.
Rotary Systems:
Rotary design, with positive control, combines timing screws and change parts to make a continuous motion system. Rotary systems are designed to maximize your output and reduce downtime, in the event you need to run at high speeds. The change part that is most commonly used in these instances is a star wheel, which will help maintain positive control of the container. A timing screw will feed into the star wheel, and while the container moves around the star wheel, the required application can be performed.
So, you want your line running continuously? Let’s look more at our rotary system. Rotary systems are designed to run at higher speeds, so if you have an application that runs circular or needs high speeds, then rotary design will allow you to maximize output and often increase ROI.
Both have benefits to your production.
Rotary systems are also designed to grow with you. These systems can run at lower CPMs when needed, which is beneficial when there is a growing industry, and you're not quite sure how high your maximum CPM is yet, but you want a robust system that can grow to speeds higher than 120 CPM. Inline indexing applications tend to have a lower capital expense while meeting the production demands of your operation and maintaining positive control of the container, which allows for a higher likelihood of throughput than you are already experiencing.
We understand that every line is unique, and automation can look very different from line to line. Our rotary and inline indexing systems are both designed to increase efficiency of your operations and downtime of your packaging line. To top it all off, every system that goes out our door comes with our expert backed Support Built In®.
Learn more about these systems in our case studies or watch our videos to discover the possibilities.