The Operation Principle and the Major Types of Case Packing Equipment
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Case packers play a vital role in the final stages of production, tasked with preparing both primary and secondary packaging for palletization and subsequent shipping. Depending on specific requirements, you might need equipment dedicated to just forming cases, others designed for loading and sealing, or perhaps a comprehensive solution that combines all these functions into one versatile unit. Identifying the appropriate machine for your operations is crucial for efficiency and effectiveness in this end-of-line process.
What is Case Packing Equipment?
Case packing equipment covers a range of a machines including Case packers, and some more variations. They are automatic tertiary packaging equipment that handles and groups packaging containers into corrugated cardboard cases and closes the packaging, after which the finished packages of corrugated cases are supposed to be proceeded for palletization or go for shipment.
Sequence Diagram of Wrap-Around Case Packer
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery
What are the Key Functions of Case Packers?
The key functions of case packers or auto casers, not just as machines that fill boxes but as pivotal elements that enhance productivity, ensure product safety, and maintain the integrity of goods as they navigate through the logistics chain.
Case Packers Groups Products into Corrugated Cartons and Works as the Very End-of-Line
Case packing machines are integrated packaging systems to automate the processes from forming corrugated cardboard boxes to loading and sealing. Regardless of the corrugated cardboard box styles like wrap around flat blank or RSC cases, or other styles as stated in FEFCO, or in terms of the different flute styles, the major functions of case packing machines are as follows:
Regular Slotted Cases vs, Wrap-Around Cases
Credit: ELITER Packaging Machinery
- Forming and Erecting Cases: Before products can be packed, the case itself needs to be formed. Case packers often start by constructing cases from flat corrugated cardboard sheets. This involves folding, shaping, and sometimes sealing the bottom of the case to prepare it for product loading.
- Loading Products: This is the core function of case packers, where products are systematically arranged and loaded into the cases. The method of loading varies depending on the type of case packer, such as top-loading, side-loading, bottom-loading, or using robotic arms for precision placement. This stage ensures that products are packed in an organized, efficient manner to maximize space and protect the contents.
- Sealing Cases: After the products are loaded into cases, they need to be securely sealed to protect the contents during transportation and storage. Case packers either apply tape or adhesive to seal the top (and sometimes the bottom) flaps of the case. This sealing process is critical to maintain the integrity of the case and its contents until it reaches the end consumer.
What are the Different Types of Case Packing Equipment?
Case packing equipment refers to a range of packaging machines, but not only those like an integrated case packing system such as UVP2 from Pester. The can either be a single set of machine that automates partially the packaging processes of case packing like erecting cases, or a loading system that loads packages into the erected cases, or so on.
- Case Erectors: The foundation of an efficient packaging line and of all the case packing processes begins with the initial step of forming and erecting the cases. Case erectors are engineered to automate the conversion of flat, die-cut corrugated sheets into fully formed boxes, ready for product loading. It is case dependent, but case erectors adeptly handle popular case formats including RSC (Regular Slotted Containers) and HSC (Half Slotted Containers), applying tape or glue to seal the bottoms.
- Corrugated Tray Formers: Corrugated trays present an alternative solution for transporting a myriad of products, from cans and flexible packs to shrink-wrapped items. Tray Forming Machines offer more flexibility than those machines that handles rigid design variation of corrugated cases, now that they efficiently transform flat corrugated sheets into trays. Tray formers can boast the capability to craft an array of tray styles and sizes, including secure lidded configurations and more accessible open-top designs, thus providing versatility to meet specific packaging needs.
- Robotic Loading: Efficiency and flexibility in packing are paramount for many brands. Robotic loading systems, like the two-axis gantry loader is a typical design for such kind of case packing equipment, offering movement in 2 axes and 4 degree of freedom, providing versatility in packing bags, cartons, and more into secondary containers, supporting a variety of packing patterns.
- Horizontal Case Packers: For lighter products that risk being crushed, horizontal packers, such as the Syntegon Elematic 1001 SL, are ideal. This integrated machine erects, loads, and seals cases horizontally, preventing damage to products like coffee bags during packing.
- Top Load Packers: Utilized for products requiring corrugated partitions within the case, top load packers insert products into cases through the top. Machines like the top loader from Phus Automation use robotic arms or gravity to load products, ensuring minimal contact and maximizing stability during shipping. Top load case packers are usually combined with robotic or mechanical pick-and-place systems as the loading section.
- Case Sealers: Cases need to be securely sealed, which is automated solutions provided by case sealers. Case sealers, or box sealers, apply tape or adhesives to close and seal the cases, ensuring they remain intact throughout the supply chain.
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