Bottle geometry
Diameter or footprint, height, shoulders, closure overhang, filled weight and compressibility.
Collation, grouping and secondary packaging
Bottle multipack cartoning machines
Multipack cartoning begins with reliable bottle grouping. The machine must create the exact count and pattern, preserve orientation where required, transfer the group without separation and close the carton around a consistent load.
01
Define the pack pattern first
A request for a “six-pack cartoner” is not yet a specification. Six bottles might be arranged 2 × 3, 3 × 2, in one row, in a tray or with partitions. The chosen pattern determines machine width, collation method, carton blank, transfer motion and downstream case packing.
02
Multipack design inputs
Pack arrangement
Bottle count, rows, orientation, label-facing requirement, dividers and promotional inserts.
Carton construction
Board grade, internal clearance, dust flaps, locking tabs, glue areas and opening direction.
Production model
Required rate, SKU mix, campaign length, changeover time and staffing expectations.
03
Line-control strategy
- Accumulate enough product to maintain groups without excessive bottle pressure.
- Stop or decouple upstream equipment when the cartoner cannot accept product.
- Detect missing or fallen bottles before the group enters the carton.
- Reject incomplete cartons without losing batch traceability.
- Provide controlled restart and line-clearance routines after a fault.
04
Downstream options
Finished multipacks can feed checkweighing, print verification, tamper evidence, bundling, case packing, case sealing, palletising or manual dispatch. See bottle cartoning line integration for the interfaces that should be agreed at design stage.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What bottle multipack patterns can be cartoned?
Patterns are application-specific. Common arrangements use rows and columns, but stability, carton opening, bottle orientation and downstream handling determine what is practical.
Are dividers needed between bottles?
Dividers may be needed for glass, decorated containers, long distribution routes or premium presentation. Their insertion and presence verification add complexity and must be included in trials.
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