A bottle unscrambler is an automated machine that takes a bulk load of randomly oriented empty bottles and places them upright, in single file, onto a conveyor belt for packaging or filling lines.

It uses simple physics. The machine gently moves bottles (via vibration or a spinning table) along a path where specially shaped guides make unstable orientations (like upside-down) fail or fall back, while the stable, upright orientation is allowed to pass through to the exit.

Vibratory Bowl Unscramblers: Use a vibrating bowl with a spiral track. Best for complex shapes, fragile containers, and lower to medium speeds.

Rotary Disc/Table Unscramblers: Use a spinning horizontal table with pockets. Best for round, stable containers and high-speed applications.

Inline Unscramblers: Use a flat, vibrating track. Good for simple shapes and where floor space is limited.

You must consider:

Bottle Material: Plastic, glass, PET?

Bottle Shape & Size: Round, square, oval, tall, short? Center of gravity is key.

Required Speed (bottles per minute, BPM).

Production Environment: Food-grade, pharmaceutical cleanroom, etc.

Changeover Needs: How often you switch bottle types.

Yes, but not at the same time. Most machines require a changeover kit (different bowl inserts, tracks, or table discs) for each distinct bottle type.

Daily: Clean dust and debris; inspect for wear on tracks and guides.

Weekly/Monthly: Check and tighten fasteners; lubricate bearings per manual (using food-grade grease if needed); inspect drive belts and vibratory springs.

General: Keep a stock of common wear parts (guide rails, sensors).

Speed varies hugely by machine type and bottle.

Small Rotary Unscramblers: 100 – 400 BPM.

High-Speed Rotary Unscramblers: Up to 1,000+ BPM.

Vibratory Bowl Unscramblers: 60 – 300 BPM (typically).