The Differences Between Fully Automatic & Semi-Automatic Packaging Machines

When you are searching for a packaging solution, you will be given both fully automatic and semi-automatic options. Whether you are looking for a can filling machine, can capping machine, or a container cleaning machine, you’ll have these options.

 

The majority of people know that the operator will have more involvement in the packaging process in semi-automatic equipment. While in fully-automatic machines, the packaging process is automated. This requires little to no involvement of the operator at all.

If you are still confused about the difference between fully automatic and semi-automatic machines, we are here to help you. In today’s discussion, we will be talking about the working principle of each type of fully-automatic and semi-automatic packaging machine.

 

Bottle Rinsing Machines

A rinsing machine is used for removing dust and other debris from containers before they are filled with the product. 

 

Fully-Automatic Bottle Rinsing Machines

Bottle rinsing machines in fully-automatic designs will either:

  • Use a special vacuum nozzle along with a blast of air in removing particles, or
  • Invert the containers over a rinsing basin.

The machine operator only needs to make sure that the settings on the PLC control system are properly configured. This usually consists of figuring out the appropriate recipe for the cleaning process.

In every change of bottle size, you need to do adjustments to the stabilizing components. These components include the following:

 

  • Rinsing heads
  • Rails of the power conveyor
  • Indexing components

 

But once your fully automatic equipment is running, the only thing you need to do is to monitor it along with other machines in your packaging line.

 

Semi-Automatic Bottle Rinsing Machines

On one hand, a semi-automatic bottle rinsing machine requires interaction with the operator for every cycle of rinsing. The operator needs to place the containers on the nozzles. Then start the rinsing process using a finger or a footswitch.

After the rinsing process is completed, the operator needs to manually remove the bottles. Next is to transport them to the succeeding packaging cycle. This is different from a fully-automatic machine.  A Fully automatic machine automatically moves the bottles down using a conveyor system.

Thus, the operation speed of a semi-automatic bottle rinsing machine will not always be the same because it will also depend on the operator’s speed.

 

Bottle Filling Machines

A bottle filling machine introduces a product to a container using a supply tank built with the machine. The differences between fully-automatic and semi-automatic bottle filling machines are mostly the same as that of the bottle rinsing machines above.

 

Fully-Automatic Bottle Filling Machines

Like the rinsing machines, operators of fully-automatic bottle filling machines need to check if the settings on the PLC are correct. They need to make necessary adjustments to the machine’s components including the filling head and the conveyors. But again, the operator’s remaining task is to keep track of the machine once it is running.

 

Semi-Automatic Bottle Filling Machines

A bottle filling machine that is designed to be semi-automatic requires an operator to manually place the bottles under the filling nozzles and initiate the filling process. This is also done using a finger or a footswitch. 

After the bottles are filled, you need to remove the containers by hand. And then transfer them onto the next phase of the packaging process. Some semi-automatic bottle filling machines may also need the operator to refill the product as necessary. 

Moreover, similar to the rinsers, the operator’s speed will affect the filling speed of the machine. Whereas fully automatic machines have conveyors to consistently achieve a specific speed.

 

Bottle Capping Machines

A bottle capping machine is used in sealing various types of closures onto different containers.

 

Fully-Automatic Bottle Capping Machines

A fully automatic bottle capping machine may require mechanical adjustments on the components responsible for stabilizing the bottles or tightening the caps. Examples of these components are spindle wheels and gripper or snap-on belts.

After making the proper adjustments, a vibratory or elevator bowl is used to deliver the closures to the bottle capper. Then a sorting device delivers the closures down to a cap chute and onto the bottle.

Once the capping machine starts running and the production begins, the operator should:

  • Monitor the process, and
  • Occasionally feed caps to the cap sorting device

May it be through a vibratory bowl or an elevator hopper.

 

Semi-Automatic Bottle Capping Machines

In a bottle capper designed as a semi-automatic machine, the operator needs to interact with it during the capping process. Normally, the operator needs to place the closure onto the bottles first. Then place the closure-container combinations in the bottle capper.

After which the operator uses a finger or footswitch to start the cycle. Again, after the containers are capped, the operator removes the containers by hand and then transfers them to the following packaging phase.

 

Conclusion

Though our discussion is brief, these examples are enough to give you an idea about the differences between the two. But, note that there are different packaging machine types suitable for every application. They come in a wide variety of automation levels.

Looking for a perfect packaging solution for your project? Try LPE’s can packaging machines. They work with their customers for the customization of each machine. This ensures that the specific needs of each customer are understood and met.

By the way, you can also read more on how to choose the right packaging machine for your application here.

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