Overpacker upgrades to Bottling Line #1
Our smallest bottling line was first installed in 2003. Over the years, the machinery has had many upgrades with a focus on increasing efficiency and output. After an 18 month wait, we are very excited that our new Hamson Overpacker has arrived on site all the way from Canada. This new piece of equipment will be installed on our smallest bottling line.
What does a carton erector do?
A carton erectors main role is to erect, or unfold a cardboard box and seal the bottom flaps so that it is ready for packing. Currently, the carton erecting stage on our small bottling line is completed manually.
What is the difference between a carton erector and an overpacker?
A carton erector only unfolds the carton and glues the base, it does not get the full bottles into the box. An overpacker unfolds the cartons, gets filled bottles into the carton and glues the base and top of the carton. A carton erector requires a second machine to fill the cartons, whilst an overpacker is an all in one solution.
What did IDL select the Hamson Overpacker ST model?
The main advantage of the Hamson Overpacker ST model is the small footprint of the equipment. The bottling hall section of our packaging hall was constructed in the early 2000’s and floor space is a constraint when incorporating new modern machinery. The Hamson Overpacker’s small footprint was a real benefit of the machinery.
How will the carton erector increase output?
Harry our Packaging Operations Manager anticipates that with this upgraded machinery, the output of the bottling line will increase from 3,500 bottles per hour to at a minimum 5,500 bottles per hour. This is a significant increase in output and efficiency and will assist IDL in being able to produce more beverage products for our clients across the world.
How do the bottles of filled product end up in the carton?
The Hamson overpacker operates a little differently to the carton erector and pick and place robot on our larger bottling line. On our larger bottling line, the cartons are erected where the bottom is glued, before the pick and place robot uses air suction technology to lift completed bottles above and into erected cartons. Then, the top is sealed. With the Hamson Overpacker, bottles are lead into the machine, where an erected carton is placed from above onto the collated bottles. Then both the base and top of the cartons are sealed. A major difference between the way bottles are placed into cartons on our two bottling lines, is that on the smaller bottling line bottles are not lifted then placed back down during the process. The Hamson Overpacker is an all-in-one solution.
Thank you to the team of trades who worked with our stellar Maintenance team Wally, Andrew and Brant to complete the install.
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