Case erectors come in different types, and may also differ in terms of specifications. This makes it important to know what different case erectors are used for and how to make the best choice for your packaging requirements. Case erectors can be broadly divided into two categories:
1. The standard machine, which has one magazine with a specific case range. With these case erectors, alternating different case sizes that fall within that range can be formed.
2. The modular case erector, which can be assembled with different configurations and add-ons according to specific requirements. With this packaging machine, multiple magazines can also be used if necessary, which allow different case sizes to be erected interchangeably with little-to-no operator involvement.
Both case erectors differ in terms of specifications, namely:
- The number of cases the packaging machine can form in 1 minute
- The minimum and maximum size options of the case
- The closure of the bottom of the case (i.e., tape or hot melt)
- The amount of cases that fit in the magazine;
- The position of the flat magazine;
- Communication capabilities with other machines;
Options for custom settings and sizes
The type of case erector and what specifications are needed depends on the purposes for which it is used. There are a number of guidelines for choosing case erectors, with respect to industry and business type.
Small manufacturing businesses and warehouses
Automating processes is often the main objective of small manufacturing businesses and warehouses. Choose a basic machine when the case erector is not part of a packaging line and when it is not necessary to form different box sizes interchangeably. When a product requires a visual or manual inspection before being placed in the box, it makes sense to opt for a dedicated packaging machine that balances automation and manpower. In this case, boxes are pulled and formed on demand, filled by an operator and then closed automatically.
E-commerce companies
Reducing volume is probably the most important objective of e-commerce companies. As a result, they work with a wide range of case sizes. A modular machine with multiple magazines is best suited for this purpose. The correct case size can be called based on the size of the products, and for this purpose the machine can be integrated into the packaging line.
Manufacturing and production companies
The case erector is likely to be part of a larger packaging line at manufacturing and production companies. In this case, a modular machine is the best choice because it can communicate with other machines in the line. In the case of multiple packaging lines that are close together, an in-line machine with the magazine at the end can be a good solution because it allows packaging lines to be placed closer together.
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