In order to stay competitive, businesses are deciding to spend more money on automatic packaging equipment. However, with so many possibilities available, it can be particularly challenging to locate the correct machine for the manufacturing line. Determining whether to purchase a linear filling machine or a rotary filling machine is one of the most frequent queries we receive. 

One must comprehend both concepts and how they can fit into their business needs in order to make the best decision. In order to achieve higher speed capabilities, many people continue to choose inline filling machines because they think doing so will allow them to save money on bottle format equipment and format change-over time. Today in this blog, we will learn all about the differences between linear and rotary packaging and which one is the right one for certain business types.

What is a Linear/Inline Packaging Machine?

The filling machines of the linear series are inline, intermittent devices with flow meter technology (volumetric measuring principle). Electrical linear machines are a rapidly growing field. Numerous practical applications in various fields with active marketplaces currently exist. In the upcoming years, it is anticipated that this trend will keep becoming worse. Therefore, any new findings in this area could be of genuine interest to experts everywhere. 

The class of special electric machines includes the transverse flux motors (TFM), which are relatively recent additions. Although they have relatively elaborate construction and advanced 3D flux routes, they offer very high force/volume densities. Consequently, its iron core must be built using pricey soft magnetic composites (SMC). 

Linear/Inline Filling Machine

Levapack has included linear filling machines for many years. These devices use gravity, pistons, or pumps to fill containers as they go down a conveyor system.

Bottles are sequentially filled by linear machinery. Before moving on to the next group of bottles, they pause to fill the current one. Most of them have one, two, four, or eight heads, but some have as many as twenty. The bottles then go to collection tables for additional processing before being fed into cap-placing and -tightening machines.

Linear/Inline Sealing Machine

The linear sealing machines are designed around a stepping conveyor, to which a number of function modules are fastened. A vacuum sealer can be fully automated or have a semi-automatic design. Both have a similar operating principle, however, they operate in slightly different ways.

Automatic Vacuum Sealing Machines

Automatic vacuum can sealers operate in the following manner:

• The linear packaging machine is fed by the operator through a conveyor with filled containers in a linear direction.
• The linear sealing machines have a control panel from which the operator configures the sealing parameters and scales the output.
• Once inside the vacuum chamber, the vacuum pump removes all of the air from the filled containers.
• The machine stops to seal each one of the packages and the device joins the can’s body and lid. 

Semi-Automatic Manual Vacuum Sealing Machines

The operation of automatic and semi-automatic vacuum can sealers is the same. The semi-automatic vacuum can sealer machines will only differ in that the operator will require additional assistance throughout the sealing operation. When the packages move on the conveyor belt, the operator will have to stop for sealing every package.

Each filled container must be manually inserted into the machine by the operator, who must then activate the sealing process with a finger or footswitch. The operator will repeat the entire process for all remaining containers after sealing the current container.

The Double Seaming Process

The double seaming procedure is carried out after the vacuum sealer has completely removed all of the air from the containers.

• Step of Compression

The can’s body is compressed by the machine as it moves toward the lid-holding seaming head by using the volumizing principle for linear sealing.

• The initial roller operation

The first seaming roller enters and interlocks the curl of the lid with the flange of the can body to form a loose seam.

• Using a second roller

The second seaming roller enters and flattens the seam left over from the first roller operation to produce a hermetic seal while the first seaming roller withdraws. All these processes are carried out by conveyor and container indexing mechanism coordinated with sealing activities.

Automatic Inline Capping Machine

Two systems are used by cap screw machines to attach caps to containers. Linear capping machines work inline. The sampling mechanism feeds the cap into a precise cap chute, where it is picked up by the bottle as it passes underneath. Skirts and metal lids are among the many types of lids that the system is normally compatible with. Both rotary cappers and inline cappers frequently do this.

A different system is called “pick and put.” Included in this is a robotic arm that raises the container and attaches the lid. These systems are more adaptable in general since they work with practically every sort of closure used in various businesses for various products.

The head of the automatic inline capping machine seals the container when the lid is put on it; the mechanism employed relies on the kind of seal and the properties of the product in question. The machine applies downward pressure while the rollers create a seal to fit the bottleneck when utilizing an aluminum skirt cap. The machine uses torque and downward pressure to achieve a tight seal when employing a threaded cap, though.

What is a Rotary Packaging Machine

A rotary machine is a packaging device where the operators simply need to feed empty cans and containers at a time into the packaging line. The packaging cans/containers will be automatically taken by the mechanical grabbing equipment, measure the signal from the measuring device, fill it with contents, and seal it. Filling and sealing will work in the rotary unit.

Engineers have developed an automated packaging system that combines a rotary dial with a vacuum packing machine in a creative way. A quicker and more efficient production line is created as a result of the machine rotating the product through the packing stage. It also enhances overall production and speeds up the packing assembly line.

Rotary Filling Machine 

Rotary Filling Machine Working Principle

Containers are moved along the production lines through various circular stations by rotary filling and sealing machines. The conveyor travels beneath rotating star wheels at these locations. Once filled, containers are centered beneath the filling head and advance to the following step. When the bottles are full, rotary systems do not need to cease operating. Additional circular stations for labeling, capping, and sealing are common on rotary machines.

With a unique variant that can fill and seal the bags at up to 60 pieces per minute in addition to the duplex version that doubles productivity, the rotary machine, which completes the packing process on eight stations, operates at speeds of up to 40 pieces per minute.

Rotary Sealing Machine

Levapack is a reliable manufacturer that provides automatic rotary sealing machines for can packaging. And rotary sealing machines include rotary pouch sealing machines, can sealers, and bottle sealing machines.

Rotary Sealing Machine Working Principle

Feeding containers, packaging container sealing, and finished product labeling and coding may all be completed automatically by the rotary sealing machine. The packaging machine can be constructed into 6-station, 8-station, 10-station, and other diverse forms while taking into account elements like packaging physical qualities, packaging speed, sealing method, and manufacturing cost. 

The container feeding, sealing, and output stations are sequentially and intermittently passed by the process plate to complete the automatic packaging of the materials. 

Step 1. Compression

The force required to keep the can body against the seaming chuck, which is holding the can’s lid in position for eventual attachment to the can body, is provided by the compression stage. The can body is propelled upward and toward the chuck by the seamer turntable. Keep in mind that the oxygen within the container is evacuated first on can sealing machines before the double seaming procedure is carried out.

The procedure of double seaming starts once the lid is already above the can body and seals the flanges of the lid and can body together to form a hook. Two seaming roller operations are used in the interlocking process, as will be covered in the stages that follow.

Step 2. First Roller Operation

The integrity of the final double seam will be affected by the hook that results from the initial roller operation stage, thus it is essential. Throughout this procedure, the following processes happen:

• The first roller of the machine will push the lid’s flange, causing it to spin around the flange of the can body.
• The first roller proceeds as the flange of the can body gradually approaches the chuck.
• The flanges of the can body and lid are now secured together. The resulting seam, though, is simply loose.

Step 3. Second Roller Operation

The subsequent procedures are carried out for the second roller operation.

• When the second seaming roller is introduced, the prior roller operation’s loose double seam is ironed out and flattened. By compressing the interlocking flanges of the can body and lid, a leak-proof seal is ensured.
• The sealing compound is applied to the open areas of the resulting double seam by the tin seaming machine. Consequently, the hermetic seal is completed since the sealing compound ensures that the packaged product is protected from leaks and impurities.

Rotary Capping Machine

Two systems are used by cap screw machines to attach caps to containers. The sampling mechanism feeds the cap into a precise cap chute, where it is picked up by the bottle as it passes underneath. Skirts and metal lids are among the many types of lids that the system is normally compatible with. Both rotary cappers and inline cappers frequently do this.

A different system is called “pick and put.” Included in this is a robotic arm that raises the container and attaches the lid. These systems are more adaptable in general since they work with practically every sort of closure used in various businesses for various products.

The capping head seals the container when the lid is put on it; the mechanism employed relies on the kind of seal and the properties of the product in question. The machine applies downward pressure while the rollers create a seal to fit the bottleneck when utilizing an aluminum skirt cap. The machine uses torque and downward pressure to achieve a tight seal when employing a threaded cap, though.

Linear Vs Rotary Packaging Machine

Advantages Of Linear Packaging Machine

Workhorse linear filling devices offer a wealth of advantages. They are therefore ideal for numerous organizations.

1. Affordability

Linear machines are simple to install and can be purchased for a fair price. Spare parts are inexpensive and easily obtained, especially if you buy locally.

1. Scalability

The scalability of linear machines is excellent. This implies that a company may quickly make improvements to boost production. To meet the demands of seasonal production, you can even hire additional staff. Without halting production, linear machines can also be adjusted. Additionally, product changes happen quickly.

1. Simplicity

Linear machines are renowned for being straightforward and dependable. They are simple to use and keep up. Even if the device malfunctions, repairs are typically completed quickly. Frequently, specialized repair technicians are not required. Less downtime and product waste result from this.

1. Smaller

Compared to rotary machines, linear filling equipment has a substantially smaller footprint. This is ideal for production lines and smaller organizations where space is at a premium.

Disadvantages Of Linear Packaging Machine

Because of their discontinuity, linear packaging machines cannot meet some rotary machines’ maximum levels of output throughput. While most small to medium-sized firms won’t be impacted, much larger enterprises may prefer the output of a rotary machine in their production line.

Machines for linear liquid filling are ideal for small and medium-sized businesses with minimal production demands. They are particularly helpful for businesses with a variety of product kinds or for start-ups looking to test the market.

Advantages Of Rotary Packaging Machine

Rotary machines typically have a bigger capacity and can fill bottles at extremely rapid rates thanks to their 20 or 50 heads.

1. Increased Production Volumes

The continuous running of rotary packing machines makes them a practical choice for huge production quantities. They work with a variety of products and container types, from liquid products to solid products.

1. Continuous Output

The incoming and departing conveyors are always moving because a rotating filling machine fills as it revolves. The requirement for additional accumulation stages to hold the containers in between fills is eliminated as a result.

Disadvantages Of Rotary Packaging Machine

Rotary machines are more complicated and more expensive since they depend on many moving elements to function. Despite the fact that many of them include a “clean in place,” or CIP system, they might potentially be more challenging to clean because of the quantity of filling nozzles.

Additionally, it frequently takes time and expertise for repairs to pinpoint the issue. This may result in prolonged downtime and have an effect on revenue. Additionally, they can need more time to become used to different container types, which is not ideal for businesses that sell a variety of goods. They are less flexible than linear machines and take up more floor area.

Rotary machines might be a wise investment for larger organizations that need very high production volumes. However, it is important to start planning for things like repair expenses, maintenance, and downtime right away.

Levapack – Your Custom Can Packaging Line Manufacturer

Our Linear And Rotary Can Packaging Line

Levapack is a manufacturer of can packaging equipment that specializes in the design and construction of can packaging equipment and canning lines. Our canning equipment performs the can filling, sealing, labeling, coding, and packing activities. 

We strive to meet the demands of businesses in a variety of industries, including the food, beverage, and chemical industries, by offering a variety of can packaging equipment. To guarantee that we consistently offer high-quality canning equipment, we collaborate with a fantastic team of engineers who have significant industry knowledge.

In the packaging sector, a good canning machine should be an effective coworker. Because of this, everyone at Levapack strives for perfection in the little things to create can packing machines that are easy to use.

Our engineers insist on hand-assembling each can filling and sealing equipment in order to achieve the highest levels of precision and efficiency for your particular application. We think that can filler and seamer machine trends are going to get easier and smarter in the future.

We’re working toward it at Levapack. Our objective has been to create canning equipment that are easier to build, more automated, and require less maintenance. We believe that Levapack can genuinely simplify the can packaging process and free up your hands.

Consult our machine expert to :

• Customize machines for your canning items.
• Get a comprehensive can packing line solution.
• Obtain technical assistance for machine installation, upkeep, and repair.

 The machines conform with ISO9001 requirements and have a CE&CSA accreditation.

By updating components, creating more efficient manufacturing processes, and paying attention to our cherished customers when they have problems or concerns with any of our gear, Levapack is constantly working to advance its technology. Our skilled R&D team and some of the greatest engineers in the industry are always fine-tuning and boosting the performance of our machines.

The location of our manufacturing is in Guangzhou, China. Our sales network spans the entire nation and exports to more than 36 different nations and regions. We have successfully created a number of sealing equipment, filling machines, labelling machines, capping machines, etc. thanks to our strong independent R & D skills. All of our equipment is subject to our exclusive right of engineering development and research. As a result, it grants its clients licence to use these equipment anyway they see fit, provided that all applicable local regulations are observed.

Applications:

Non-Carbonated Beverage Industry

Our customers like that we consult with them one-on-one to better understand their machine requirements. We have worked with several companies and are proud of how versatile our products are. Our list of applications includes the following:

• Can Beer Seaming
• Soda Sealing
• Non-Carbonated
• Coffee Canning

Food Industry

Some of our food industry products are: 

• Solid/Granule Product Canning
• Jam Canning
• Sauce packaging 
• Cannabis Packaging
• Nutrition Powder Canning
• Honey Canning

Chemical Industry

We encourage one-on-one contact with each of our customers throughout the manufacturing process because we value their suggestions and opinions. As a result, we may collaborate closely to create the ideal portrayal of your bespoke machine. We start by considering the precise usage you have in mind for the gadget before designing it.

With the help of this, we can determine the type of machine that is needed and the adjustments that might be included. In addition, we consider machine capacity while evaluating an application.

We have customization options if you need to raise it to a specific number of cycles. Finally, we carefully examine the area you have available to make sure the machine will fit in and operate without difficulty. Our chemical canning machines are built to handle a variety of tasks, such as:

• Lube oil packaging
• Chemical filling
• Paint can sealing
• Ink packaging
• Gel packaging

Our ability to produce high-quality devices for a variety of uses is largely due to our carefully honed production procedure. We collaborate with competent designers and engineers who devote their experience and knowledge to creating machines of the highest caliber on which our customers may rely.

In our procedure, the designers produce precise drawings after consulting with the clients. The engineers take over to make sure they build a functional machine after the client approves the final drawing. We can build machines that are useful in various contexts thanks to the fusion of several specialties. In order to acquire the greatest equipment for your intended application, we strive to make sure you achieve your customization goals and aspirations.

Conclusion

By updating components, creating more efficient manufacturing processes, and paying attention to our cherished customers when they have problems or concerns with any of our gear, Levapack is constantly working to advance its technology. Our skilled R&D team and some of the greatest engineers in the industry are always fine-tuning and boosting the performance of our machines. 

We cordially invite agents from around the world to join our organization in keeping with the trend of globalization. You can contact Levapack for further information. We appreciate all of our customer’s interest in our products and hope you keep getting the most out of our engineering.