(Pre) feeders - Unscramblers - Rotating tables

7 Machines

Feeders, unscramblers, and rotary tables are essential feeding systems that automatically supply the different machines in a production line by orienting and transporting containers into the correct position, increasing production speed and autonomy. Makinate offers a wide selection of used feeders, unscramblers, and rotary tables for the automatic orientation and feeding of bottles, caps, containers, and products, providing reliable solutions to automate lines in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and food sectors.

Function of feeders and unscramblers

Feeding systems, as their name suggests, supply the different machines in a production line, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring a continuous flow of containers to the processing machines.... These devices make a machine fully automatic, increasing speed and operational autonomy, reducing downtime, and optimizing overall line efficiency.

Centrifugal feeders and unscramblers

The centrifugal feeder, also known as an unscrambler, performs essential functions for line automation. It first orients plastic bottles (never glass, which would break under centrifugal force) in the correct direction and position, then automatically feeds them onto the conveyor of the next machine, which can be a liquid filler or a counting machine.

Orientation process

Bottles are discharged together into a specially designed circular container. This container has centrifugal motion, sliding guides, and custom alignment cavities designed according to the product to be oriented and fed. Thanks to the rotational movement, the bottles automatically position themselves correctly in the cavities. Once in the cavity, the bottle is transported onto the conveyor and sent to the next machine for processing.

Rotary tables for delicate containers

For glass bottles, which would break due to centrifugal force, a rotary table with sliding guides is used, which is also considered a feeding system. Rotary tables offer a gentler alternative to centrifugal feeders, particularly suitable for fragile or specially shaped containers that require more controlled and less aggressive handling.

Versatility of feeding systems

Not only bottles can be fed automatically, but also caps, undercaps, or even primary products such as tablets. This versatility makes feeders and rotary tables suitable for different product types and sizes, allowing companies to automate multiple stages of the production process using the same technology.

Pre-feeders for greater autonomy

There are many feeding solutions, including pre-feeders that can significantly increase a machine's autonomy. Pre-feeders act as a buffer, accumulating containers and gradually supplying them to the main feeder, reducing the need for frequent operator refills and maintaining a constant production flow.

Control and monitoring system

Feeding systems are generally used to maximize the automation of a complete production line. All these machines have a predefined minimum and maximum load. When one of these limit levels is reached, the operator is notified by the machine's PLC, allowing timely intervention for refilling and ensuring production continuity.

Advantages of automation with feeders

Using feeders, unscramblers, and rotary tables offers numerous operational advantages:

Increased production speed: eliminates bottlenecks caused by manual container feeding
Greater autonomy: reduces operator intervention thanks to high-capacity feeders
Complete automation: perfect integration with downstream machines for continuous production flow

Investing in used feeders, unscramblers, and rotary tables through Makinate allows companies to automate their production lines at significantly lower costs than purchasing new equipment, while maintaining high standards of efficiency, reliability, and productivity, optimizing packaging processes, and reducing operational costs.