Packaging Machinery Glossary
Explore common packaging machinery terms, equipment types and technical terminology.
A. Filling Machinery
1. Liquid Filling Machine
What is a liquid filling machine?
A liquid filling machine is designed to dispense controlled quantities of liquid products into containers. Liquid fillers can be configured for different viscosities, container formats, filling volumes and production requirements. Packserv's current range includes automatic and semi-automatic liquid filling equipment, with machines designed for applications ranging from liquids to pastes and creams.
2. What Types of Products Can Filling Machines Handle?
Filling machines can handle a wide range of products, including free-flowing liquids, viscous liquids, creams, lotions, sauces, pastes and some products containing suspended solids. The most suitable filling technology depends on the product's viscosity, flow characteristics, foaming behaviour, particle content and required fill volume.
Different filling technologies are suited to different products. For example, gravity fillers can be suitable for free-flowing liquids, while piston fillers are often used for thicker products such as creams, sauces and pastes.
When selecting a filling machine, manufacturers should consider:
- Product viscosity
- Foaming characteristics
- Presence of particles or suspended solids
- Required filling volume
- Container size and shape
- Required filling accuracy
- Production speed
- Cleaning and changeover requirements
Automatic Filler
3. What is an automatic filling machine?
An automatic filling machine performs the filling cycle with minimal operator intervention and can be integrated into a continuous production line.
Related terms: automatic filler, inline filler, production line.
Semi-Automatic Filler
4. What is a semi-automatic filler?
A semi-automatic filler automates the filling process while retaining some operator involvement, such as placing containers or initiating the filling cycle. Semi-automatic equipment can be suitable for smaller production runs, growing businesses and manufacturers transitioning from manual filling to automation.
Volumetric Filler
5. What is a volumetric filler?
A volumetric filler dispenses a predetermined volume of product during each filling cycle.
Volumetric filling is commonly used where repeatable fill volumes are required.
Related terms: piston filler, filling accuracy, filling head.
Piston Filler
6. What is a piston filler?
A piston filler uses one or more pistons to measure and dispense a predetermined quantity of product into a container. Piston filling can be particularly suitable for thicker liquids, creams, pastes, sauces and gels.
Gravity Filler
7. What is a gravity filler?
A gravity filler uses gravity to transfer liquid product from a supply tank into containers.
It is generally associated with relatively free-flowing liquids.
Pump Filler
8. What is a pump filler?
A pump filler uses a pump to transfer and dispense product into containers.
Different pump technologies can be selected depending on product viscosity, flow characteristics and filling requirements.
Multi-Head Filler
9. What is a multi-head filling machine?
A multi-head filling machine uses multiple filling heads to fill several containers during a filling cycle, increasing potential production throughput.
Packserv's current production-line range includes twin-head and four-head automatic liquid filling configurations.
Single-Head Filler
10. What is a single-head filling machine?
A single-head filler uses one filling head to dispense product during each filling cycle.
11. Filling Head
A filling head is the component through which product is dispensed into a container.
A filling machine can have one or multiple filling heads.
12. Filling Nozzle
A filling nozzle is the outlet through which product enters the container.
Nozzle design can affect filling speed, accuracy, dripping, splashing and foaming.
Bottom-Up Filling
13. What is bottom-up filling?
Bottom-up filling is a technique in which the filling nozzle begins near the bottom of the container and moves upward during filling.
This can help reduce splashing and foaming for suitable products.
Packserv's production-line content specifically identifies bottom-up filling as a feature used to reduce froth and foam.
14. Filling Accuracy
Filling accuracy refers to how closely the actual quantity dispensed matches the target fill quantity.
Accuracy can be influenced by the filling technology, product characteristics, machine setup and operating conditions.
15. Filling Speed
Filling speed is the rate at which a filling machine can process containers.
It is normally considered alongside filling volume, product characteristics, number of filling heads and the rest of the production line.
16. Product Viscosity
Viscosity describes a liquid's resistance to flow.
It is one of the most important product characteristics when selecting filling equipment because thin liquids and highly viscous products may require different filling technologies.
17. Foaming
Foaming occurs when air becomes incorporated into a liquid during filling.
Filling speed, nozzle design, product characteristics and filling direction can influence foaming.
18. Volumetric vs Weight Filling
Volumetric filling measures product by volume, whereas weight filling measures product by mass.
The appropriate technology depends on the product, accuracy requirements and production application.
B. Capping & Closing
19. Capping Machine
What is a capping machine?
A capping machine is packaging equipment used to apply, place or tighten closures onto containers.
Packserv's current capping range includes automatic, semi-automatic and pneumatic equipment.
20. Capper
A capper is a general term for machinery that applies or tightens a closure.
21. Automatic Capper
An automatic capper automatically applies or tightens closures as containers move through a production line.
22. Semi-Automatic Capper
A semi-automatic capper automates the capping process while retaining some operator involvement.
23. Pneumatic Capper
A pneumatic capper uses compressed air to operate the capping mechanism.
24. Cap Tightening Machine
A cap tightening machine applies controlled force to tighten a closure onto a container.
25. Screw Capper
A screw capper applies threaded screw closures to containers.
ROPP Capper
26. What is a ROPP capper?
A ROPP capper applies Roll-On Pilfer-Proof closures by forming the aluminium closure around the container neck.
27. Push-On Capper
A push-on capper applies closures by pressing them onto the container rather than screwing them into place.
Capping Torque
28. What is capping torque?
Capping torque is the rotational force applied to a screw closure during the capping process.
Correct torque can be important for closure security, leak prevention and ease of opening.
29. Cap Torque
Cap torque refers to the rotational force associated with applying or removing a screw closure.
30. Cap Feeder
A cap feeder automatically supplies closures to a capping machine.
31. Cap Sorter
A cap sorter organises randomly oriented caps into a consistent orientation before they are supplied to the capping machine.
32. Cap Chute
A cap chute guides closures from the feeding system into position above or onto the container.
33. Closure
A closure is any component designed to close a container, including screw caps, ROPP closures, pumps, triggers and other closure types.
C. Labelling
34. Labelling Machine
What is a labelling machine?
A labelling machine automatically applies labels to containers, products, cartons or other packaging.
35. Labeller
A labeller is a machine used to apply labels to products or packaging.
36. Automatic Labeller
An automatic labeller automatically dispenses and applies labels as products move through the machine.
Packserv's current range includes Pack Leader automatic labelling equipment.
37. Wrap-Around Labeller
What is a wrap-around labeller?
A wrap-around labeller applies a label around the circumference of a cylindrical or suitably shaped container.
Packserv's production-line configurations include the Pack Leader ELF-50 wrap-around labeller.
38. Front-and-Back Labeller
A front-and-back labeller applies separate labels to the front and rear surfaces of a container.
39. Top Labeller
A top labeller applies a label to the upper surface of a product or container.
40. Side Labeller
A side labeller applies a label to the side surface of a product or container.
41. Tamper-Evident Labelling
Tamper-evident labelling uses labels or seals designed to provide visible evidence if a package has been opened or interfered with.
42. Label Applicator
A label applicator is the mechanism that transfers a label from its backing material onto a product or container.
43. Label Sensor
A label sensor detects labels as they pass through the labelling machine and helps control accurate label dispensing.
44. Label Positioning
Label positioning refers to controlling where a label is applied to a container.
45. Three-Point Labelling
Three-point labelling uses multiple points of contact during application to help achieve consistent label placement around a container.
46. Container Orientation
Container orientation is the process of aligning a container into a predetermined position before or during packaging.
This can be important when labels, caps, graphics or other features need to be positioned consistently.
D. Conveying & Container Handling
47. Packaging Conveyor
A packaging conveyor transports products or containers between different stages of a packaging process.
48. Conveyor
A conveyor is a machine that moves products, containers or packages from one location to another.
49. Slat Conveyor
What is a slat conveyor?
A slat conveyor uses linked plates or slats to transport containers along a production line.
Packserv's range includes stainless-steel slat conveyors designed for integration with filling, capping, labelling and other packaging machinery.
50. Belt Conveyor
A belt conveyor uses a continuous moving belt to transport products.
51. Infeed Conveyor
An infeed conveyor transports products or containers into a machine.
52. Outfeed Conveyor
An outfeed conveyor transports products away from a machine after processing.
53. Transfer Conveyor
A transfer conveyor moves products between two machines or sections of a production line.
54. Accumulation Conveyor
An accumulation conveyor temporarily stores products within a production line, allowing upstream and downstream machinery to operate at different rates.
55. Accumulation Table
An accumulation table provides a controlled area for collecting and managing containers within a packaging line.
Packserv's current production-line configurations include sorting and accumulation tables.
56. Guide Rails
Guide rails help maintain the position of containers as they travel along a conveyor.
57. Product Spacing
Product spacing refers to the controlled distance between products or containers travelling through a packaging line.
58. Container Handling
Container handling encompasses the movement, positioning, spacing, accumulation and transfer of containers throughout a packaging process.
E. Sealing
59. Induction Sealing
What is induction sealing?
Induction sealing is a non-contact sealing process that uses electromagnetic energy to heat a foil liner inside a closure and create a seal between the liner and container.
Packserv's Pillar induction systems are designed to provide tamper-evident, high-integrity seals and are available in hand-held, benchtop and automatic configurations.
60. Induction Sealer
An induction sealer is a machine that uses electromagnetic induction to seal compatible foil liners onto containers.
61. Foil Seal
A foil seal is a liner containing foil and sealing material that can be bonded to a container opening using induction sealing.
62. Tamper-Evident Seal
A tamper-evident seal provides visible evidence that a container has been opened or interfered with.
Induction seals are one example of tamper-evident packaging technology.
63. Tube Sealer
A tube sealer is packaging equipment used to seal tubes containing products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and other formulations.
64. Band Sealer
A band sealer continuously seals suitable bags or flexible packaging using a heated sealing band.
65. Case Sealer
What is a case sealer?
A case sealer automatically closes and seals corrugated cases or cartons, commonly using pressure-sensitive tape.
66. Carton Sealer
A carton sealer is machinery used to close and seal cartons or corrugated cases.
67. Case Taping Machine
A case taping machine applies adhesive tape to close and seal a carton or case.
68. Top-and-Bottom Case Sealer
A top-and-bottom case sealer simultaneously seals the upper and lower flaps of suitable cases.
69. Pressure-Sensitive Tape
Pressure-sensitive tape is an adhesive tape that bonds to a surface when pressure is applied.
It is commonly used for case sealing.
70. Hot Melt Sealing
Hot melt sealing uses heated adhesive to close and seal suitable packaging.
F. Case Erecting & Case Packing
71. Case Erector
What is a case erector?
A case erector automatically forms flat corrugated case blanks into boxes ready for packing.
Packserv's current SIAT Box-R is an automatic case erector designed to form and seal carton bottoms.
72. Case Forming Machine
A case forming machine converts a flat carton blank into an open case.
73. Carton Erector
A carton erector automatically forms flat carton blanks into three-dimensional cartons.
74. Box Erector
A box erector is machinery used to automatically form boxes from flat blanks.
75. Case Blank
A case blank is the flat, pre-cut and creased piece of corrugated board used to form a carton or case.
76. Case Forming
Case forming is the process of converting a flat case blank into an open box.
77. Case Bottom Sealing
Case bottom sealing closes and secures the bottom flaps of a newly formed case.
78. Case Erecting Speed
Case erecting speed refers to the number of cases a case erector can form within a specified period.
79. Case Packer
What is a case packer?
A case packer automatically loads products into cases or cartons for secondary packaging.
80. Automated Case Packing
Automated case packing uses machinery to load products into shipping cases with reduced manual handling.
G. Pallet & Shrink Wrapping
81. Pallet Wrapper
What is a pallet wrapper?
A pallet wrapper is a machine that applies stretch film around a palletised load to stabilise products for storage and transport.
Packserv's current SIAT range includes ProWrap, ProWrap-F/A and Beewrap pallet wrapping machines.
82. Stretch Wrapper
A stretch wrapper is a machine that applies stretch film around a load, typically a pallet.
83. Stretch Wrapping
Stretch wrapping is the process of securing a palletised load using stretch film.
84. Stretch Film
Stretch film is a flexible plastic film that is stretched around products or pallets to help stabilise a load.
85. Load Stabilisation
Load stabilisation is the process of securing products so they remain stable during handling, storage and transport.
86. Film Tension
Film tension is the force applied to stretch film as it is wrapped around a load.
87. Pre-Stretch
Pre-stretch is the mechanical stretching of stretch film before it is applied to a pallet or load.
88. Shrink Wrapping
Shrink wrapping uses heat to shrink a plastic film tightly around a product or group of products.
H. Packaging Automation & Production Lines
89. Packaging Line
What is a packaging line?
A packaging line is a series of interconnected machines that perform multiple packaging operations in sequence.
A line may include filling, capping, sealing, labelling, coding, conveying, case packing and pallet wrapping.
Packserv currently offers complete production-line configurations combining equipment from filling through to labelling, printing, induction sealing, conveying and accumulation.
90. Automated Packaging Line
An automated packaging line uses connected machinery and controls to perform packaging processes with minimal manual intervention.
91. Production Line
A production line is a sequence of connected processes and equipment used to manufacture or package products.
92. End-of-Line Packaging
End-of-line packaging refers to processes that occur towards the end of production, including case packing, case sealing, palletising and pallet wrapping.
93. Primary Packaging
Primary packaging is the packaging that directly contains the product.
Examples include bottles, jars, tubes and other product containers.
94. Secondary Packaging
Secondary packaging groups or protects primary packages.
Examples include cartons and cases.
95. Tertiary Packaging
Tertiary packaging is used primarily for transport, storage and distribution.
Palletised loads and stretch-wrapped pallets are common examples.
96. Packaging Automation
What is packaging automation?
Packaging automation is the use of machinery, controls and integrated systems to automate one or more stages of the packaging process.
97. Machine Integration
Machine integration is the process of connecting individual packaging machines so they operate as part of a coordinated production line.
This is particularly important when combining filling, capping, labelling, sealing and conveying equipment.
98. PLC
What is a PLC in packaging machinery?
A PLC, or Programmable Logic Controller, is an industrial control system used to monitor inputs and control machinery according to programmed logic.
99. HMI
What is an HMI?
An HMI, or Human-Machine Interface, is the operator interface used to monitor and control industrial machinery.
100. Packaging Line Throughput
Packaging line throughput is the quantity of product, containers, cases or packages processed by a production line over a specified period.
It is commonly expressed as units per minute or units per hour.
Packserv is a local machinery and manufacturing business, servicing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Contact us today with your requirements and we will put you in touch with the appropriate specialist who can assist you with your production.
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