Manufacturer of Proven Cartoning Machines by Indsutrial Leading References

When observing the assortment of products found on the shelves of supermarkets, pharmacies, and cosmetics stores, it becomes evident that the majority of items are packaged within cartons.

The use of cartons as a popular form of packaging can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, cartons provide a sturdy and protective structure for products, preventing damage during transportation and storage. It is such a solid packaging that offers cushioning and insulation, ensuring the integrity and safety of the items within.

Cartons are versatile and can be customized to accommodate a wide range of products, and further, they can be designed in various shapes and sizes, allowing for efficient packaging of different items, from small goods to larger products. Cartons do not always follow the design pattern of being a solid square object, nevertheless, cartons can be tailored with features such as dividers, inserts, and windows to enhance product visibility and organization.

Tea Herb Carton by Monos Foods
Credit: Monos Foods

Cartons demonstrate a lightweight construction and cost-effectiveness. Their compact design facilitates convenient stacking, optimizing storage capacity and minimizing transportation expenses. The lightweight properties of cartons also contribute to their eco-friendliness, requiring less energy and resources during the production and transportation stages in comparison to alternative packaging materials.

The fact that cartons come with 6 panels allows more space of printing and displaying information that allows cartons to present favorable avenues for branding and marketing endeavors. They offer the capability to showcase high-quality graphics, logos, and pertinent product information, effectively augmenting the visibility and desirability of the packaged item when positioned on store shelves.

Cartoning machines or cartoners, refer to such automated packaging equipment integrated with specific kinematics and mechanisms to automate the process of inserting or loading various products into cartons and is utilized in packaging lines aligned with various packaging machines like HFFS, VFFS and overwrapping machines and case packers. These machines play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of packaging operations.

From a mechanical engineering perspective, cartoning machines involve intricate kinematic systems, which govern the motion and coordination of their components for which reason frequently such machines employ a combination of rotary and linear movements to accomplish the tasks of product feeding, carton erection, product insertion, flap closure, and carton sealing. The kinematic analysis of a cartoning machine reveals the utilization of mechanisms such as cams, linkages, gears, and belts which are employed to convert input rotary or linear motion into the desired functional movements required for the various stages of carton packaging.

The Rotary Feeder of Cartoner Follows Rotray Motion
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery

For instance, the carton erector serves as the mechanism responsible for erecting cartons and involves the use of cams and linkages. As the carton blanks are fed into the machine, the cam-driven mechanism guides the blank through a series of pre-determined motions, ensuring its proper folding and shaping into a carton structure. Alternatively, in the case of continuous motion cartoner, the carton feeder follows a rotary motion pattern and is designed specifically on a star gear system which is rather more complex than linkages and can reach up to a faster speed.

Tuck-in Station of Cresecndo Cartoner
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery

The product insertion stage typically relies on a combination of linear and rotary movements. A product feeding system delivers individual items to a designated location, where a robotic arm or a mechanical gripper picks up the product and precisely places it into the awaiting carton. This process demands careful coordination of motion, speed, and position control to ensure accurate placement of the product. The closing and sealing of the carton involve kinematic mechanisms that facilitate the folding of flaps and the application of adhesive or mechanical fasteners to secure the carton's closure. The extend to which the cartoning machine is consistent with the packaging performance and precision of packaging sealing relies tremendously on how these sections are well constructed.

Operational Sequence Diagram of Cartoning Machine
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery

Cartons come in a considerable variety of shapes and forms which subsequently will determine the level of personalization of carton solutions. In this chapter, we talk about cartons to leave an essential foundation for our further topic of cartoning solutions. We will focus on End-Load cartons only and not extend to a thorough discussion of carton package.

In the very beginning, we shall first introduce two concepts:

PANELS: Cartons are all in cubic and cuboid forms. When it is closed it appears as a complete cubic consisting of 6 planes which are called the Panels. Panels are categorized into:

• Front Panel
• Rear Panel
• Leaf  Side Panel
• Right Side Panel
• Top Closure Panel
• Bottom Closure Panel

FLAPS: Basically Flaps are those parts that help to maintain the form of carton when it is closed and they are fixed in the inner part of it when carton is closed. Flats can be divided into three categories:

• Tuck Flaps - those are adjacent to the panel on the end side and are inserted into the carton to close it.
• Dust Flaps - the two relatively small flaps on the end side. There should be four dust flaps on a carton
• The Glue Flap - a carton magazine is formed into a carton with the Glue Flap connecting two ends of it.

The Closure of Glue-Sealed Carton on a Cartoning Machine
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery

Tuck End Carton

A tuck end consists of a Closure Panel and a Tuck Flap, accompanied by Dust Flaps on the two sides. This is the most popular form of carton style that you must know. The tuck end carton can be classified into two types: Straight Tuck End Carton and Reverse Tuck End Carton.

• Straight Tuck End or STE Carton: A carton with a top and bottom that both tuck into the same side of itself.
• Reverse Tuck End or RTE Carton: Literally, this is a carton with a top and bottom that both tuck into the different side of itself.

A comparative image is as follows so that you can have a vivid view of these two types of tuck end cartons.

Snap-Lock Bottom and Auto-Bottom

A Snap-Lock Bottom is also known as a 1-2-3 bottom for its ways of being closed. Three flaps are folded for closure and form a rather more stable structure.
An Auto-Bottom is a self-supporting structure that when the carton is erected, the flaps and panels pop on the bottom pop into place making itself a closure structure simple, quick and stable.

Glue Seal-End Carton

Seal-End is usually used for loading heavy and large-size products. We must have seen such a structure on items such as cereal and muesli you have for breakfast.

The two closure panels are sealed by glue and usually, a batch code is printed on the outer panel. In case the two end side of the carton are all seal-end, the Top Seal-End will also be left with a perforation Line for purpose of tear.

The types of cartoning machines can be defined in accordance to the loading patter, motion, and operational sequence.

End-Load Cartoning Machines

An end-load cartoning machine is a type of packaging machinery specifically designed to load products into cartons through the end or side opening. These machines automate the process of inserting products into cartons, providing efficiency and accuracy in packaging operations.

End-loading can either be horizontal or vertical, the key concept here is that the loading of products takes place from the facet where the panel is relatively smaller in square area rather than from the side of larget panels.

End-Loading of Blisters into Carton
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery

Top-Loading Cartoning System

The top-loading cartoning machine is actually a integrated system that has the products loaded from the facet of larger panels.

The forming from flat-blank method + top loading is a relatively complex approach to cartoning that calls for an integration of at least the following 5 sections:

• Carton tray former
• A linear product transport system
• A collator system
• A delta robot or so
• A Carton Sealer (tri-sealer)

Top-Loading Pattern of Cartoning
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery

Intermittent Motion Cartoner

An intermittent motion cartoner is a type of packaging machine that operates in a start-stop or intermittent manner. 

During the packaging process, products are introduced into the cartons at the required intervals. This can be done through mechanical arms, feeding systems, or other mechanisms that ensure accurate and precise product placement. After product insertion, the carton is sealed, and the process repeats with the next carton.

Intermittent motion cartoners are known for their versatility and flexibility in handling various product sizes, shapes, and configurations. They can accommodate a wide range of packaged products, including bottles, tubes, blister packs, pouches, and more.

An old model of intermittent motion cartoner by ELITER
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery

 

Continuous Motion Cartoner

Unlike intermittent motion cartoners that function based on start-stop cycles, continuous motion cartoners offer a more streamlined and uninterrupted packaging process, allowing for higher production speeds and increased efficiency.

The continuous motion of the cartoning machine is achieved through synchronized mechanical drives and conveyor systems. These systems ensure smooth and constant movement of the cartons and products, reducing any delays or interruptions in the packaging process.

Continuous motion cartoners are known for their high-speed operation, allowing for increased production rates and improved productivity. They are commonly used in industries that require large-scale packaging, such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.

Continuous Motion Cartoner Crescendo
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery

Cartoning Machine for Bespoke Packaging Automation

The goal of a cartoning machine for bespoke packaging automation is to provide manufacturers with the flexibility and efficiency to package products in unique or customized cartons. These machines streamline the packaging process, reduce labor requirements, and ensure consistent and reliable packaging quality for tailored or personalized products.

For example, intermittent cartoning macine can be customized to fit unique a special carton styles with securing tabs, neck-through pattern, and even for wrap-around sleeve cartoning.

De'Xandra Perfume Cartons
Credit: De'Xandra

Regardless of the fact that cartoning machines are defined into several types, their working processes are actually "potato potahto". Basically, a cartoning system would erect carton blanks, insert products into the carton, and close the loaded carton.

The following content will offer an overview of how a cartoning system or machine works and some introduction to the corresponding structures.

The Bucket Conveyor

The bucket conveyor consists of a pair of separate moving chains. The bucket conveyor is capable of moving the products in buckets from the loading hand to the feeding section. In some cases, the two chains are controlled by servo motors so as to automatically adjust gaps and distance between each bucket to fit to another project and thus to complete the changeover. The process is done only by setting the configurations on the touch screen.

Carton Magazine or Carton Hopper

A carton hopper or carton magazine is a station on the machine that holds a pile or a stack of flat carton blanks which are unfolded. The carton erector will pick the blanks from the hopper one by one and then fold them into erected cartons. On the carton hopper there are usually several photo eyes installed to withstand and monitor the level and quantity of carton blanks left in the hopper. For example, a low carton photo eye is installed to warn against the situation when carton blanks are just about to be used up. When the alert is triggered, the machine usually would reject to working until new blanks are filled and placed into the hopper.

Carton Erector or Picker Assembly

The carton erector or the picker assembly is such a section to which the most innovations those manufacturers of cartoning machines attach to.

Carton blanks are to be picked by the picker or suction panels on the picker assembly which is connected to air. The erector can either be servo-driven or mechanical driven depending on what cartoner it is and by which manufacturer it is made.
Vacuum is applied to the suction panel on the assembly once, during the rotation, it gets in contact with the carton blank into carton hopper. Thereafter, the picker places the carton onto the lug chains of the carton transport for discharge after going through a series of guides that help to force and open the blanks in order to fold them into erected cartons.

Export Conveyor, Carton Transport

The export carton transport conveyor consists of a pair of lug chains. The carton is placed and secured between them. The space is always fixed according to the size of the carton. When it is supposed to adjust and carton size on the cartoning machine for format changeover, one of the lug chains should be adjusted in order to widen or narrow the space between the chains.

Insertion Station

Once the carton has been opened and erected, the packages of material carried on the bucket conveyor are going to be inserted into the folded and opened cartons. There can be a single insertor that pushes the packages or materials on an intermittent basis or a series of barrel loaders that push them into the carton in a continuous manner.

Flap Folding and Tuck-In Station

In the case of tuck-end cartons, a station is nearby the discharge station to fold the dust flaps and complete the tuck-in in order to close the carton.

Discharge Station

The discharge station consists of a pair of time belts that secure the closed carton and takes them out of the cartoning machine.

SCADA, which stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, is a system used to monitor and control industrial processes. It typically consists of a combination of software and hardware components that collect and analyze data from various sensors and devices, allowing operators to remotely monitor and control these processes from a centralized location.

In the context of a cartoning machine, SCADA can play a role in the overall packaging automation system. Here's how SCADA can be related to a cartoning machine:

• Monitoring and Control: SCADA systems can monitor the operation of the cartoning machine in real-time. It can gather data from sensors and devices embedded within the machine, such as motor speed, conveyor movement, and carton supply levels. This data can be visualized through the SCADA system's human-machine interface (HMI), allowing operators to monitor the machine's performance and detect any abnormalities or potential issues.
• Process Visualization: The SCADA system can provide operators with a graphical representation of the cartoning process. The HMI can show live status updates, display real-time operating parameters, and provide visual indicators of the machine's performance. Visualization enables operators to have a clear overview of the cartoning process and facilitates decision-making and troubleshooting.
• Automation and Control: SCADA systems can control certain aspects of the cartoning machine's operation. Through the HMI, operators can adjust settings, modify parameters, or initiate automated actions, such as starting or stopping the machine, changing packaging formats, or adjusting carton collation patterns. SCADA allows for precise control and efficient operation of the cartoning machine.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: SCADA systems collect and store data from the cartoning machine, which can be analyzed later for performance optimization and process improvement. Statistical data, such as production rates, downtime duration, or error rates, can be examined and used to identify trends, make informed decisions, and implement preventive measures.
• Integration with Overall Packaging Line: In a packaging automation setup, the cartoning machine is often just one component in a larger packaging line. SCADA systems can integrate and communicate with other machines, such as filling machines, labeling machines, or sealing machines, to ensure synchronized operation and efficient coordination. This allows for seamless control and monitoring of the entire packaging process.

By incorporating a SCADA system into a cartoning machine, operators can benefit from enhanced monitoring, control, and analysis capabilities, leading to improved productivity, efficiency, and quality in the packaging process. SCADA systems provide real-time insights into machine performance, enable proactive control, and facilitate data-driven decision-making, ultimately enhancing the overall automation and effectiveness of the cartoning machine.

It is not a rare situation where cartons are torn during the working process of the cartoning machine. Follow this chapter to determine where did the problems originate and solutions to get the problems eliminated.

Damage on Carton's Leading Corners

• Check the vacuum of the carton feeder. The possible cause of the rips might be that the vacuum has been too strong at the point when carton is just about to be secure on the lug chain yet it is still dragged by the vacuum, thus leading to tearing on the leading corners of the carton
• Check the overhead gudie of the cartoner. The rips might be casused due to the squeezing between carton and the overhead guide

 

Damage on the Trailing Side of the Carton

• Check the timing when carton is secured on the lug chain
• Check the tightness of lug chains

 

Damaged and Unfolded Dust-Flap

• Check the position of the dust-flap folder after the loading of carton on the lug chain
• Check the position of flap securing guides
• Check whether the length of the dust-flap corresponds to that of the carton the cartoning machine was designed for

 

Wrinkles on the Side Panel

• The overhead guide has been set with an extra low level that squeezes the carton downwards
• Check the lug chains and make sure that they are not set with an extremely short distance

Photo Eye Detection Fault

Photoelectronic Sensors are one of those pivotal, vulnerable and complex parts that enact essential roles for the cartoning machine's operation and interaction between signals, program and mechanical movement. When photo eye detection problem happens, check as follows:

• Clean the photo eyes
• Check photo eye timing
• Check the status of gain potentiometer and adjust if necessary

Carton Feed Problems

At the time when the carton feeder pulls out carton blanks as well as when it is placing and erecting blanks onto the lug chains, problems may happen:

• Check the main air supply to verify whether it reaches the required pressure and psi
• Check the suction panel if there is any damage
• Check the timing of vacuum
• Check whether there are enough carton blanks

No Glue is been sprayed

• Manually fire each glue gun and check the clogs
• Check whether the glue gun is been connected to sufficient air supply
• Check the photo eye detection for carton
• Check the solenoid valve of glue gun.
• Check the encoder to verify the timing of the glue firing

Wrong Position of Glue Seam

Verify the glue gun's position. Ensure that they ae mounted in the right height and right position along the lug chains Check the glue gun's timing

Glue not appropriately melted

Check the glue system's temperature. Refer to its operation manual to find out the ideal temperature, which is usually around 180 ° C

Hooks in the Glue Seam

• Make sure there is no glue residual that hinders the glue jet.
• Check the glue gun and glue nozzle and make sure it fits the glue melter.

Gue Seam is not Straight

• Waves in the glue seam mean the glue is not melted at a sufficient temperature. Make sure the glue melter has been configured and prepared at the right temperature.
• Check the glue tank and see whether there is enough glue left.

Glue Seam Goes Stringy

• A stringy fall in the glue seam means that the temperature has not reached the level to sufficiently melt the glue. Set the glue melter to the right temperature.
• Verify the glue gun and glue nozzle's temperature.

AGING CARTON IS A PROBLEM FOR CARTONING MACHINE'S PERFORMANCE. Paper Industry Instruments, a group company from Ohio, conducted numerous studies about those factors related to cartoning force that required to open or erect the carton blank, fold and close of flaps and panels. And it is found that cartons that have been stored for a period of time need relatively more force compared with those freshly made ones. Data shows that cartons with more than 90 days of storage require force as much as 3 times to open and form them, compared with recently manufactured ones, which is a result led by a combination of facts: temperature, humidity, density, their own weight, coating, etc... ...

That explains why a machine that originally works fine and smoothly and nothing has been touched or changed, comes into a problem and malfunctions all of a sudden, while all the things involved are the same as in the past.

Finding a supplier of cartoning machines in China is just a piece of cake. With a random search on search engines and those B2B platforms like Alibaba and Made-in-China we can soon get mountains of companies at our options no matter if they are real manufacturers of trading companies.

Just like any "Red Ocean" market section, the one of caroning machine is of complete competition that a majority of the buyers would focus on price to make the decision of purchase, however,  some tiny details people without background or knowledge around mechanical engineering may look over yet enact as critical factors for a successful implementation of the project and for long-run reliability of such an automated system.

Are you looking for your cartoning machine for the first time?
Read our guide for you to find out expert tips!

Among all the secondary packaging machines and to review from the market share and portion and each type of them takes over this sector, cartoning machine is no doubt the category that is mostly widely used and sought by customers from all range of industries.

No matter whether you are from high-end markets like Europe or North America, or you may look to source an affordable option and pay great importance to the price, the concerns around buying a cartoning machine are basically the same - ensure a successful implementation. We hereby provide some insider tips and factors you should consider to find the right cartoning machine for your business.

Be Prudent with Low Price and Cheap Cartoning Machines

"Each buck counts for the quality."

It would be like some kind of "daydream" but something everyone really looks forward to - European Quality at a Chinese Price, which is by no means something reasonable. In the past blog, we have discussed the downsides of "cheap cartoning machines" and we have studied how a low-quality cartoning machine is priced by looking through different concepts.

Cheap machines have their reasons to be low-priced. They could be made with the concession to quality, versatility, functions, safety, and durability.

There are several risks associated with cheap cartoning machines:

• Quality Issues: A typical quality issue with low-priced cartoning machines is the redundant use of coated and galvanized iron parts in stead of robust and solid stainless steel components. It is reasonable in order to keep the raw cost as low as possible now that a same part would 4 times more expensive if made of SUS compared to being processed as coated iron.
• Lack of Versatility: Cheap machines may have limited capabilities and be suitable for only specific types and sizes of cartons. This can restrict the range of products that can be packaged using the machine, limiting flexibility and scalability.
• Safety Issues: Cheap machines may not have the necessary safety features and mechanisms to protect operators from accidents and injuries. This can increase the risk of workplace accidents and potential legal liabilities.
• Higher long-term costs: Although the upfront cost of a cheap cartoning machine may be low, the long-term costs can be higher due to frequent breakdowns, increased maintenance, and reduced productivity. Investing in a higher-quality machine initially can often result in lower overall costs over the machine's lifespan.

Consider the Output of your Existing Packaging Equipment

Though some would purchase a machine and use them in the form of stand-alone, secondary packaging machines are usually supposed to be connected to primary packaging machines like VFFS, HFFS, filling machines, automatic baggers, thermoformers, tray sealers, etc. The integration of a cartoning machine into your existing packaging equipment, if done correctly, can bring perfect automation without compromising its capacity.

The cartoning machine should be the additional equipment that provides automated packaging solutions to extend your packaging process rather than being such a bottleneck that will drag down your overall ROI of the line.

Defining whether a cartoning machine is correctly your option, you should consider the following factors:

Can the cartoning machine keep pace with inflow speed?

Theoretically, the cartoning machine must be faster the than configured speed of your existing equipment, rather than offer an exactly matched speed. This is not only to ensure that the cartoning machine does not become the bottleneck but as well to avoid congestion along the packaging line.

Consider the pattern of outflow from your existing equipment

A specific kind of cartoning machine will have limited capability in handling inflow in terms of the pattern they are coming in. For example, a vertical cartoning machine can be incorporated with a VFFS directly in a way that the formed bags can drop directly into the box from the vertical open end, while this is impossible for a horizontal end-load cartoning machine.

Don't Complicate Things - a Standalone Cartoning Machine Can be Better

Implementing automation is a good option to save manual and labor costs. Nevertheless, the mania with automated packaging can result in a more complicated situation where you will be spending more money without much improvement in terms of savings or packaging efficiency.

It happens that a standalone machine would be better than having your production line fully automated.

We once handled a project for which the client asked to automate their process starting from an 8-lane VFFS from which bags of powder are discharged in a random manner.

The requirements were:

• Install a system that arranges the bags in an organized manner - with a bag unscrambler
• Stack the bags into the desired format and feed them onto a cartoning machine
• A cartoning machine that packs the bags into boxes

The complete line costs some USD 90,000 but little improvement is seen in terms of output, since the bag unscrambler eliminates bags that are in unwanted direction on the inflow and thus causing a bottleneck. Then the factory still needs bunches of people to monitor the machines and systems involved in this line.

On the contrary, should we adopt a standalone cartoning machine with a bag and sachet feed and stacking system on which the operator is supposed to load bags manually, we can expect all the bags to be fully automated for the cartoning and look forward to better output.

Audit Your Cartoning Machine Supplier and Make Sure They are Reliable

• "We are the leading manufacturer"
• "We have a factory of 6000 square meters"
• "We have 20 years of history"
• "We install 1,000 equipment every year"
• "We are a factory"

If you ask any company in China whether they are a factory or a trading company and reseller, you will always get the same answer - "We are the factory". 

We are not addressing this issue in a way that you should work with the factory only and avoid resellers. The key idea with this suggestion is to avoid working with dishonest suppliers - who cheat and lie to you ever since the very beginning.

The popular trick of them is placing photos of factories, workers dressing in uniform with company logos as well as machines with logoed labels so as to give an impression that they are the manufacturer, but unfortunately, all such seemingly convincing proof can be fake in fact.

China - the Eastern Supremacy, is the dominating country of export in the field of manufacturing ever since its membership in the Word Trade Organization, as well as in the sector of packaging automation and packaging machines is China one of the leading exporters in the world.

Among all sorts of packaging machines, the cartoning machine is probably one of the most popular machines, and the market of which is already a Red Ocean that there are mountains of suppliers and manufacturers at your option. However, no matter whether you are a machinery dealer or a final user who is looking for a cartoning machine made in China, there are some hidden facts that people who do not work in the sector would never be conscious of, yet however, they are "open secrets".

We have 4 tips for you as follows that your should pay attention to when buying cartoning machines from China

 

• Cheap Chinese Cartoning Machines Has Nothing to Do with Stainless Steel Construction

A lot of suppliers would claim that they use "heavy duty", or "full stainless steel" to construct their cartoning machine yet it is not the truth. This is typical with those entry-level cartoning machines with models 100, 120, 150, etc. This would not definitely be an implication that those companies are lying to you. The probable cause can simply be that they are just trading companies or resellers that have no knowledge of mechanical engineering or know nothing about how the real manufacturer is producing the cartoning machines.


For example, without any exception, all of the 80, 120, or 120 model cartoning machines on the market and made in China are built on AISI A3 Steel and covered with a 1.5 mm thick plate of SUS 304, or even SUS 201. Some would iron galvanized metal as the main structure. All these have nothing to do with the so-called "stainless steel construction", and in fact, the only SUS used are those thick plates covering the machine.


This is especially to take into consideration if you are requiring a cartoning machine for food application and safe food serving because none of these materials above-mentioned are safe FCMs and should not have direct contact with the food materials. However and admittedly, it is unrealistic and unreasonable to expect a SUS construction cartoning machine at a cheap price of merely USD 20,000 or even USD 15,000. Since the same part or component when made of solid SUS 304 would be 3 times or even 4 times more expensive than if made as coated or galvanized iron.  

• Cheap Chinese Cartoning Machine's Size Changeover is Usually Tedious

Without no exception, all of these mechanical-driven and entry-level cartoning machines like models 80, 100, 120, and 130, etc., are of a complex size changeover process. Even for a trained person, the size changeover can take up to 40 minutes or even 1 hour. Unlike those high-end packaging machines of multi-axis servos, these cheap cartoning machines are of completely mechanically driven structure that the size changeover involves a lot of manual intervention on those tiny components and adjustment points among the transmission system. Even if some of them are with number indicators, such a size changeover is more experience-based and is not repeatable.  Why you should take care so much of the size changeover time? For a manufacturing company especially in consumer goods, the downtime during the size changeover would stand for the pause in production, which means, the longer the downtime is, the more considerable the loss in production will be.  

• Homogeneity - They are Basically all the Same

China s a nation of copy. This is typical in the packaging automation and machinery industry, where people copy each other and then beat them with lower prices. The homogeneity in structure and design is typical with packaging machines made in China. While in terms of electricals, some would claim that they use internationally famous brands, and people without knowledge would be convinced easily. A hidden fact is that, for example. It is unrealistic that you can expect something really awesome at a cheap price. For example. most of those cheap cartoning machines made in China would use SIEMENS PLC, yet people do not know that the model S7-200 Smart is a very cheap electrical, 30 years old model and not locally supported in a lot of regions.

SIEMENS S7-200 Smart PLC

• Be Careful against being Cheated by Dishonest Suppliers

For some historical reason, buying packaging machines from China will always involve dealing with local resellers. The reason was that in the early stage where and when China joined WTO there was a lack of talents and professionals who knew the foreign language well or say that those factories could not count on such people on their payroll, they had no choice but could only work with trading companies (Chinese local resellers for export) to sell their machines overseas. Such a long-lasting reselling culture has grown into an issue, now that with more and more university graduates with competence in speaking and writing English or other languages flocking into the market and factories are now capable of dealing with export on their own, while on the other hand, there are still mountains of trading companies still live on reselling. A result is the lack of transparency and the difficulty in identifying who is the real manufacturer and who is pretending to be the manufacturer.

Companies in the CPG market like the food and beverage industries would be constantly looking for packaging equipment along with their pace of growth so that the product can keep pace with the speed they take over the consumer market share. Given the fact that packaging machines are usually tailored on a customized basis and frequently need a long lead time, the opportunity cost here is so significant that if a project fails to meet the asset owner´s expectations and requirements, the remedy like remanufacturing or repurchase can take again the same period of time which finally turns out to incredible losses, especially for a company in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. For such reasons, clear and consistent communication between the client and the packaging machine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is crucial for the success of a packaging machine project. To avoid unaddressed information gaps that can lead to immense costs, both parties should be sure to reduce uncertainties to understand the requirements and capabilities of the buyer and the OEM partner ever since the first loop of contact like applying for a proposal. As a manufacturer of secondary packaging equipment and specialized in the design and manufacturing of cartoner machines, professionals at ELITER Packaging Machinery have for you hereby some tips on how to apply for a fast and accurate cartoner machine proposal from your carton packing machine OEM.

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What is a Cartoning Machine Proposal all About?

A packaging machine proposal is a formal document elaborated by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or vendor and submitted to potential customers to introduce their machines, outlines the specifications, features, capabilities, as well as costs of the requested packaging automation solutions, serving as a preliminary guideline of how packaging projects will be carried about and all the subsequent actions after the order confirmation will follow details contained within this document. A detailed and professional packaging machine proposal should be clear in presenting ideas and solutions and even a purchase manager without previous knowledge of packaging automation engineering can understand it clearly. In most of the cases, a packaging machine proposal should provide with regard to the following detailed information:

• An overview of the proposed solution, including the type of packaging machine, its key features, and how it meets the client's specific needs and requirements.
• Detailed specifications of the machine, like its capacity, speed, size, operational requirements, energy efficiency, electrical loading, and more.
• Information on pricing and payment terms, providing a clear breakdown of costs for designing, manufacturing, testing, shipping, and installing the machine.
• Estimated timeline for delivering the machine, from initial design through to installation and testing.
• Information on after-sales services, like warranty conditions, maintenance programs, training for the client's staff, spare parts availability, and technical support.
• Commercial terms and conditions, including liabilities, obligations, and expectations of both parties.

Prepare Yourself Before Asking for a Cartoning Machine Proposal

Understanding your own requirements and expectations can guide you to the right path to getting in contact with the OEM that fits your case. A packaging machine is not a frozen pizza in a grocery shop that you may take a simple comparison and take the one that appears to meet your preferences, rather it is all about details you may neglect but play fundamental roles in an automation project. By listing your current situation and further needs, the selection can be narrowed down among several packaging machine manufacturers and then to apply for proposals in accordance with your requirements.

What are Your Carton's Shapes, Styles, and Sizes?

Each set of packaging equipment is developed to accommodate certain packaging specifications or some constraints within the range of which it can operate. Despite the fact that most cartoner machines are capable of handling common and normal carton styles like tucks and flaps, then as well as cartons of sealing by glue, and further than can be of different sizes thanks to that basically all cartoner machines are adjustable in structure. Sometimes the OEM has to incorporate ancillary devices such as some pneumatic cylinders and servo-driven mechanisms into the cartoner machine to fit special carton styles like snap-lock or gable top boxes. Advising your carton sizes and styles is one of the critical steps that lays the foundation to all the works to be involved in the cartoning project. In our cartoner buyer's guide, you can find more information about different kinds of carton styles and shapes.

Products and Packaging Handled by Cartoner Machines
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery

Tell OEM the Characteristics of Your Products

Automatic cartoning is not simply about pushing products into erected boxes and making the closure. Is your product solid or delicate? In what shape are your products coming? A description of your product about its physical characteristics will help the OEM to evaluate the project's feasibility as well as their capability to fulfil it. Such as the cartoning of tissues, glass bottles, light bubbles, or medical needles is definitely different from standard articles. To help OEM's assessment to your project, it is better to organize samples for their testing so that they can revert with an accurate proposal.

Different Products to be Packed
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery

 

Describe Your Operation Processes to Help the OEM to Understand What They Need to Do

Cartoner machines are not always supposed to be installed and used as stand-alone equipment, but sometimes to connect with other packaging machines. For exmaple, a client has already their tuna canning line available at their facility and would need a wrap-around sleeve cartoner machine to provide complementary solutions and to connect their can seaming machine. If it is not specified to the OEM, they will not know by all means how these cans will be coming and how they should be handled through a product handling system like an unscrambler, timing screw or servo-driven star wheels.

Describe Your Facility's Physical Factors like Temperature and humidity apart from Space

Sometimes a food facility would clean their packaging equipment regularly with jetting water or detergent. OEM should customize their packaging machines specifically with water-proof processing as well as replace some original components with those built for a certain IP rating, and then electricals are also to be handled deliberately with cable joints, cable entry plates and frames, as well as IP-rated enclosures. Such features are usually optional and are not included in standard machine pricing.