Ideas / suggestions
What is a rotary unit – definition
The term rotary unit is particularly common in logistics. A rotary unit is characterised by the transportation of material on the outward journey and the finished product on the return journey. This principle is also used for rotary units in production: These are usually rotary tables to which products are fed manually or automatically, processed on the rotary table and then removed again
What can rotary units do?
The first task of rotary units is to automatically transport and align products, materials, containers and much more before enabling further processing, filling or application. For example, imprints can be made, labels can be adhered, liquids can be filled or objects can be attached to the product. The end product is then ready for dispatch to the customer.
Where are rotary units used?
In production, rotary units are mainly used for the fast application or further processing of containers, vessels or materials. Here are some sample applications:
Printing of labels, instructions, etc. on containers
With the help of rotary units and the additional installation of an ink jet printer or laser marking system, important information can be added to packaging and containers, such as best-before dates, warning notices for children, instructions for use (e.g. “do not shake”) and much more. To do this, the containers are first aligned appropriately. Any additional processing functions are possible with additional modules as required.
Printing the best-before date
Using rotary units, prior alignment and the installation of a printer, the best-before date of food products can be printed individually for each batch or product group. Printing is fast, reliable, with the right print thickness and legibility and without damaging the packaging or container.
Attachment of drinking straws on drinks containers
Rotary units can be used to apply drinking straws to bottles or other drinking containers at a position determined by the packaging design (also in the form of eco-objects) automatically and at a fast cycle rate. In contrast to manual application by humans, the quality and efficiency of the application is increased and the costs are decreased. The end customer receives a product that can be conveniently consumed directly.
Attaching forks or spoons to food packaging
“To go” snacks are becoming increasingly popular. However, the requirement for easy and quick consumption is that it can be consumed directly. This is why spoons, forks or sporks are often placed on yoghurt products, ready-made salads and much more. Attachment can be automated using a rotary unit, while at the same time reducing labour costs compared to manual attachment.
Adhering or pasting over labels
Some products are supplied by the producer as “white goods” and require a label, while other products require the existing label to be covered with a new label. This can all be done automatically with a high-quality, consistent result using a rotary unit; as an additional option, the container should be aligned beforehand so that labelling is accurate and the correct side is used.
Filling liquids into containers
Rotary units are very often used in the beverage industry to automatically and evenly fill bottles and other containers with beverages. It is also possible to fill sauces, soups, yoghurt drinks and much more. This can be followed by subsequent direct processing with labels, best-before dates and the application of drinking straws or spoons, for example.
Which rotary units does Geyssel offer as applicators?
Geyssel’s rotary units are based on the basic modules of the 500 series. This allows objects to be applied to products or containers with pinpoint accuracy. Appropriate sensor technology enables positioning in relation to barcodes, print marks or design elements.
