Written by
Elisabet Martí
Chief Commercial Officer
Details
Elisabet Martí

In the world of packaging automation, every minute of unplanned downtime translates to lost production, wasted materials, and frustrated production teams. Yet, too often, critical maintenance-related factors like MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and MTTR (Mean Time To Repair) are overlooked when selecting a bottle unscrambler or other packaging machinery.

What Is MTBF and Why It Matters in Bottle Unscramblers

MTBF is a statistical measure predicting the average time a machine runs before experiencing a failure. A high MTBF means your equipment will likely operate for long periods without unexpected stops.

For high-output lines using automatic bottle unscramblers, this directly impacts your production continuity and planning.

The Role of MTTR: When Things Go Wrong

While MTBF focuses on reliability, MTTR measures how fast you can get your machine back in operation after a failure.

A machine designed with easy maintenance access, modular components, and clear diagnostics will always have a lower MTTR.

Critical Maintenance-Friendly Design Features to Look For:

  • Tool-free access to key components. Less time wasted on opening covers or disassembling parts.
  • Built-in diagnostic systems and alarms. Faster troubleshooting for maintenance teams.
  • Standardized, easy-to-replace parts. Reduces wait times for uncommon spare parts.
  • Remote support capabilities. Suppliers offering remote diagnostics can help reduce repair times.
  • Documented maintenance schedules. Helps your team perform proactive maintenance, reducing breakdown risks.

Industry Benchmark: High-Speed Bottle Unscramblers

For industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food and beverage, where 24/7 production is the norm, MTBF above 5,000 operational hours and MTTR under 30 minutes for common interventions are considered good benchmarks for proven unscrambling technology.

Final Takeaway:

Before placing your order, ask for real-world maintenance data from similar installations. A vendor who can’t provide field-proven MTBF/MTTR figures may cost you far more in downtime than you save on initial purchase price.

Next up: Why simplicity in the working principle of your unscrambler reduces long-term risk and cost.