Specialist Feeding Technologies for Packaging Applications
Proven expertise in feeding and handling packaging components and flow-wrapped products using vibratory bowl feeders, centrifugal feeders, FlexType™ flexible feeders, and VariFeed® systems - ensuring reliable orientation, controlled flow, and consistent performance.Flexible and Scalable for High-Mix Production
Systems designed to accommodate multiple product types, packaging formats, and frequent changeovers, enabling efficient operation in high-mix, high-throughput snack and nutrition bar environments.Seamless Integration with Packaging Lines
Engineered for straightforward integration with flow wrappers, cartoners, case packers, and robotic systems, delivering stable product transfer, maximised uptime, and consistent quality across the entire production process.RNA feeding and handling systems are designed to manage both packaging components and wrapped products, supporting high-speed operations while maintaining product integrity.
Core solutions include:
● Vibratory bowl feeders for precise orientation of packaging components
● Centrifugal feeders, including VariFeed®, for high-speed, gentle handling
● Flexible feeding systems (FlexType™) for multi-format component handling
● Linear and distribution systems for controlled product flow and spacing
Packaging is a key stage in snack bar production, requiring precise coordination between product handling and packaging equipment.
RNA systems support:
● Feeding and orientation of packaging components for flow wrapping
● Controlled transfer of flow-wrapped bars and flow pack bags
● Product collation and spacing for downstream processes
● Integration with flow wrappers, cartoners, and case packers
By ensuring consistent product flow and positioning, RNA solutions enable reliable, high-speed packaging operations with minimal disruption.
RNA integrates vision inspection systems to verify product presence, alignment, and condition throughout the process. In-line inspection ensures that only correctly positioned and acceptable products proceed to packaging, reducing waste and maintaining brand quality.
Poka-yoke systems are implemented to prevent assembly errors and ensure process reliability in aerospace and defence manufacturing. RNA integrates sensors, vision systems, and interlocks to verify correct part presence, orientation, and sequence, preventing incorrect assembly before it occurs. This approach reduces defects, supports full traceability, and ensures consistent compliance with stringent quality standards.
Snack and nutrition bar manufacturers often operate across multiple product types, sizes, and packaging formats.
RNA systems are designed to support:
● Rapid product changeovers
● Handling of different bar formats and packaging styles
● Adaptability to seasonal or promotional production runs
Flexible feeding technologies such as FlexType™ enable efficient handling of varied components without extensive retooling, supporting agile manufacturing.
RNA solutions extend beyond primary handling into full packaging line integration.
Applications include:
● Cartoning and case packing of wrapped products
● Robotic pick-and-place for product loading
● Product distribution and accumulation systems
● Integration with labelling and traceability systems
Our systems are designed to ensure consistent orientation, reliable presentation, and smooth transfer into high-speed packaging and secondary processes.
RNA Specialist Range RNA provide standard and custom feeding systems.
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RNA’s Capabilities
- Design and supply of automated Feeding and handling systems, including Vibratory bowl feeders, centrifugal feeders, and VariFeed™ systems.
- Flexible Feeding Systems: Adapts to handle a variety of product types and sizes for feeding into packaging machines, enhancing versatility.
Advanced vision systems ensure packaging quality and compliance.
- High-speed camera inspection detects defects in seals, labels, or containers.
- Vision-guided robotics (e.g., FlexType™ R) for precise component placement.
- Integrates machine vision and AI to inspect packaging for defects, correct labelling, and product integrity, ensuring quality control.
- Collaboration with OEMs to integrate RNA’s feeding, handling, and robotic systems into into existing production lines.
- Provides on-site installation, commissioning, and operator training to ensure smooth implementation.
- Offers after-sales maintenance and system upgrades to guarantee long-term reliability and optimal performance.
- RNA offers both custom and standard equipment, allowing OEMs to scale production or provide off-the-shelf solutions to their clients.
- Standardized components, such as vibratory bowl feeders, help reduce development time while maintaining consistent quality and performance.
Custom design, development, and installation of feeding and handling automation solutions tailored to specific packaging requirements. Builds robust, reliable systems to deliver high-performance, compliant, and efficient production processes.
High-Speed and Flexible Solutions
- Systems engineered for high-speed operations to meet the demands of high-volume production.
- Flexible systems (e.g., RNA VariFeed™) adapt to a wide range of product types and sizes, supporting diverse packaging and assembly requirements.
Applications
VariFeed® Flexible Feeding System for High-Speed Packaging Applications
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Centrifugal Feeder feeds and orientates Wrapped Fruit Bars
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FlexType™ P Pack Automatic Packing Machine
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The Applications of Vibratory Bowl Feeders and Centrifugal Feeders in the Food Packaging Industry
Read MoreExperts say
What our clients say
“Polymermedics had an application that required a bespoke automation solution to ensure accurate insertion of small pins in a critical care medical device. We approached RNA for this solution and after some scoping discussions were presented with a cost effective and innovative solution to our requirements. The level of detail that they went to, finding potential pitfalls we had not envisaged ensured that the solution met all our requirements and more.”
Operation Director of Polymermedics
Packaging FAQs
Automation in the packaging industry refers to the use of advanced machinery, technology, and software to perform packaging tasks that were traditionally done by human workers. The goal is to increase efficiency, improve precision, enhance safety, and reduce costs throughout the packaging process.
Automation is extensively utilised in the packaging industry to streamline operations, improve efficiency, ensure product quality, and reduce costs. Some of our capabilities include:
- Precision dispensing systems
- Flexible feeding systems
- Automated assembly for packaging components
- Automated labelling and coding systems
- Custom packaging lines
- Automated filling and sealing systems
- Custom end-of-line solutions
RNA systems can handle a wide range of packaging items such as bottle caps, sachets, blister packs, trays, lids, tubes, pouches, flow pack bags and other flexible packaging. We also support the handling of packaging components like clips, scoops, straws, and dispensers used in food, personal care, medical, and consumer goods packaging.
Yes. RNA automation platforms are specifically designed for high-throughput environments, often operating at speeds of 200–500+ parts per minute. Our feeders and handling systems seamlessly integrate into horizontal or vertical form-fill-seal machines, cartoners, case packers, and flow wrappers.
Yes. RNA’s VariFeed™ is a high-speed centrifugal feeding system, ideal for handling lightweight, uniform parts at exceptionally high speeds—often exceeding 500 parts per minute. It’s particularly well-suited for pouches, snack bars and flow pack bags. VariFeed™ is best used when high volume, gentle handling, and minimal noise are key priorities.
RNA offers flexible and modular systems, such as the FlexCube™ and FlexType™ P series, which allow for quick changeovers and tool-less adjustments.
Yes. We specialize in customized and retrofittable automation solutions. Whether you need to add a feeder to a current line or integrate a fully automated sub-assembly station, RNA works closely with OEMs and end-users to ensure compatibility in terms of space, controls, and throughput.
Contact our team to discuss your next project. Our experts will provide guidance and support to help you achieve your goals. Call us on +44 (0)121 749 2566 or email us using [email protected].
RNA are able to support a wide range of Packaging applications from capping systems through to wrapped bar repacking lines. Through RNA’s use of digitalisation and repeatable feed systems the fast-pace of component change can be easily accommodated.
Chris Mills | Global Business Development Manager