Terminology Tango: Turning Vs. Orienting Applications

How do you differentiate if you need to turn or orient containers on your production line?

While these terms might seem similar at first glance, they serve distinct purposes and are essential for different stages of production. Let's delve into the nuances of turning and orienting to understand their significance better.

Turning:

Turning is a fundamental process in manufacturing, where containers or packages undergo a controlled rotation as they move along the production line. This rotation typically occurs at fixed intervals and angles, such as 45, 90, 180, or 270 degrees. The primary objective of turning is to provide consistency and uniformity in the orientation of containers, regardless of their initial position when entering your timing screw.

Imagine a conveyor belt carrying square containers. As these containers enter the timing screw, they undergo a predetermined rotation, always in the same direction and by the same degree. This uniform turning ensures that all containers are correctly positioned for subsequent processes, such as labeling, filling, or sealing, thereby maintaining the efficiency and accuracy of the production line.

Orienting: 

In contrast to turning, orienting involves more than just rotating containers at fixed angles. It is a process designed to align specific features or elements of a container in a consistent orientation for downstream applications. Unlike turning, where containers are rotated uniformly, orienting accounts for variations in the initial orientation of containers as they enter the timing screw.

Consider a scenario where containers have unique features or labels that need to face a particular direction for further processing or packaging. In such cases, orienting becomes indispensable. The timing screw often accompanied with a photoeye, detects and adjusts the orientation of each container dynamically, providing that the desired feature consistently faces the same direction at the discharge point.

Key Differences: 

• Controlled Rotation vs. Dynamic Adjustment: Turning involves a controlled rotation of containers at fixed intervals and angles, whereas orienting dynamically adjusts the orientation of containers based on specific features or requirements.
• Uniformity vs. Customization: Turning aims for uniformity by rotating containers the same amount and direction every time, whereas orienting allows for customization to ensure that specific features face the desired direction.
• Consistency vs. Precision: Turning ensures consistent orientation of containers for general processing, while orienting prioritizes precision by aligning specific features for specialized applications.

How Do I Get Started?

Are you looking to incorporate turning and orienting solutions into your operations? Call us at 708-756-6660 or fill out the form here. Our team of experts will guide you through the implementation process.