Customer Requirement
A manufacturer in the Pharmaceutical Industry required a safe and efficient method for lifting and tipping plastic containers into a mixer as part of their production process.
The application involved handling two different container sizes:
White Containers: Width: 290mm, Depth: 390mm, Height: 460mm, slightly tapered design, reinforced rim around the top when the lid is removed.
Blue Containers: Width: 260mm, Depth: 360mm, Height: 390mm.
A key challenge was that the larger white containers were manufactured from relatively thin plastic, making them unsuitable for conventional clamping methods. The customer required a solution that could securely grip the containers using the reinforced top rim while allowing safe lifting and controlled tipping into a mixer. The containers are typically heated to melt their contents prior to handling, further increasing the need for a reliable and secure lifting solution.
The Packline Solution
Packline supplied a bespoke stainless-steel drum lifting and handling solution featuring a Long-Armed Drum Clamp Attachment specifically designed to accommodate the customer’s container dimensions and handling requirements.
Equipment Specification:
The extended arm design enabled the clamp to safely engage the containers at the required distance from the mast, while the geared clamping system provided secure and controlled gripping of both container sizes.
How the Solution Works
The Long-Armed Drum Clamp Attachment securely engages the reinforced rim of the plastic containers, minimising pressure on the container walls and reducing the risk of deformation or damage.
Once clamped, the operator can raise the container using the stainless-steel lifter and manually rotate it to the desired tipping position. Integrated stop positions provide controlled and repeatable discharge of product into the mixer, improving operator safety and process consistency.
The inclusion of a drum pump lifting arm attachment also provides additional flexibility, enabling the lifter to be used across multiple handling applications within the facility.
Benefits Delivered
Safe Handling of Fragile Plastic Containers
The geared clamping mechanism securely grips the reinforced container rim, protecting weaker container walls from excessive loading.
Improved Operator Safety
Controlled lifting and manual rotation reduce manual handling risks associated with pouring heavy containers into mixers.
Hygienic Stainless-Steel Construction
The stainless-steel lifter is ideal for food, pharmaceutical, chemical and other hygiene-sensitive manufacturing environments.
Increased Process Efficiency
The ability to safely lift, transport and tip containers streamlines material transfer operations and reduces production downtime.
Versatile Multi-Purpose Equipment
Interchangeable attachments allow the same lifting machine to support the handling of different items and operations, maximising equipment utilisation.
Conclusion
Packline’s customised Long Armed Drum Clamp Attachment provided the customer with a reliable solution for lifting and tipping lightweight plastic containers into a mixer safely and efficiently. By combining a stainless-steel lifter, geared clamping technology and controlled manual rotation, the system delivers enhanced safety, improved productivity and flexible material handling capability for demanding manufacturing environments.
For organisations seeking a bespoke drum lifting solution, container tipping equipment or stainless-steel drum handling equipment, Packline can design and supply solutions tailored to specific container dimensions and process requirements.
